Ok this is a slightly different take on the age old question of the 3.9 to 5.2/5.9 swap. I was wondering how easy is it to take off the 2 front fenders along with the bumper and grill? I have heard that if you do this the swap is a piece of cake and since I will have the stuff off might as well have them painted along with the cab, I was thinking of taking the bed off also because I want to do a slight body lift along with other stuff. Any thoughts on this would be really helpful! Thanks guys.

 

Fenders -- Two bolts up top towards the frontend, two in the back by the wiper cowl, one on the bottom below the two by the wiper cowl and theres a screw/bolt on the front bottom that holds the lower valance to the fender.

Grille -- is 5/6 screw/bolts across the top, two on the bottom, one on each side near the lights. I recommend a magnetic screwdriver because they're a PITA to put back in.

Bumper -- I believe are 4 bolts, two on each side. Easier to get to with the grille out or you can go underneath.


The Bed -- About 10 bolts(I believe) all along the frame. Use 4 people to pick it up, the fuel tank tube will be stuck to it as well, be careful.

 

Will an engine swap be a little easier if I take off the fenders or am I just doing to much work?

 

She wiz dude, (pun intended). I've done hundreds of engin swaps and never considered for a minute to remove the whole front clip. Yeah it would make the actual engin swapmuch easier but look at all the extra work for removing the body parts and getting them properly realigned upon reassembly. Just remove the hood and dig in.

 

The only time taking off more than the hood of a truck will help is if you don't have an engine lift. Then if you remove the rad cradle 2 people can lift it in with two 2x4's and some chain.

 

I did my engine swap with the hood on, fully open. Dropped right in.