I think if you use a load leveler for one, that's helpful. Two, if you are really worried, wrap the chain all the way around, or wrap the chain around the exhaust manifolds (unless you are saying you have aluminum headers?). I've pulled many engines with from those head bolts, just pull gently and carefully.

It is very unlikely you will damage the block. Common mistakes I have seen is an undersized engine hoist (the bar had to be pulled out pretty for, so the "2 ton" is really a 500 lb hoist at that point, still strong enough for most engines, but not a block and trans comfortably (to me). And the second is shitty cheap bolts or not enough bolts being used. Or wimpy chain. I use truck towing chains, stage 8 bolts, etc, because I don't want an issue. I also generally don't pull the trans with the engine, gets too cumbersome most of the time, especially by yourself.

[I will have to ask you what a Stage 2 Brian Toilet is, however ]

 

I think if you use a load leveler for one, that's helpful. Two, if you are really worried, wrap the chain all the way around, or wrap the chain around the exhaust manifolds (unless you are saying you have aluminum headers?). I've pulled many engines with from those head bolts, just pull gently and carefully.

It is very unlikely you will damage the block. Common mistakes I have seen is an undersized engine hoist (the bar had to be pulled out pretty for, so the "2 ton" is really a 500 lb hoist at that point, still strong enough for most engines, but not a block and trans comfortably (to me). And the second is shitty cheap bolts or not enough bolts being used. Or wimpy chain. I use truck towing chains, stage 8 bolts, etc, because I don't want an issue. I also generally don't pull the trans with the engine, gets too cumbersome most of the time, especially by yourself.

[I will have to ask you what a Stage 2 Brian Toilet is, however ]

Brian tooley is just a brand. It's a stage 2 truck cam. I forget the lobe lift off the top of my head.

I'm actually in the process now of backing out the transmission bell housing bolts. I already have the torque converter bolts out as well. I hadn't plan on pulling the transmission with it, and no, I have aluminum heads and iron headers, although I have to take the headers off in order to get to the head bolts. So I do like the idea of using the valley cover bolts as they are on top of the engine. Or maybe just wrapping a chain around the block, however, I would like to have a little bit more control by sticking bolts into the spot where the head bolts go. I'd really like to have the heads off when I pull the engine, but we'll see

 

So I've decided since I'm going to keep my truck another 4 or 5 years and I have over 300,000 mi on the engine. It's time to fix all the oil leaks and go ahead and slap in new bearings, seals, rings, Pistons, etc.

Initially I had planned to pull the heads off before pulling the block and go ahead and send them to the machine shop while I do the rest. But I'm wondering if there will be a place to hook onto the block to pull the engine without damaging the block.

I suppose I could use the head bolts and screw them back into the block as points to pull the block with, mostly I see people using the exhaust manifold holes in the heads to pull, but since they are aluminum that seems like a bad idea to me.

Suggestions?


If it makes a difference, it's a late 2011 2wd. The AFM stuff was ripped out years ago, going to delete VVT and put in a slightly hotter cam. A stage 2 Brian toilet. Still just gonna be a daily though.

Its easier to pull the engine with the heads still on and you can use the valley cover bolts to attach to to lift the engine out.

I use this cam in almost every DOD Delete and i really like it.

5.3 Stage 2 LS Truck Camshaft (206/210-115+5)

Superior high performance LS & Gen 5 LT camshafts for GM cars and trucks equipped with LS1, LS2, LS3, L99 & new LT engines.

cammotion.com

 

I understsand the feeling. And chain around the block if you want even more safety.

Have fun!

 

I did end up just using the head bolt threads front and rear. The thought of using aluminum threads to lift the weight of the engine just makes me uneasy.