im in the process of changing my valve cover gaskets and a new radiator on my 1997 f150 with a 4.6 and 4x4. i got the passangers side off because that was the side that was leaking the most. after i got it off i was having a very hard time getting the back cleaned and being able to put it back on.

so the queston is what is the easiest way to remove the cab so i have full access to the back of the motor. i know the cab bolts in the floor and need to pull the carpet back to get to them. but what about the wires and brake lines and all the other cables

and input would be handy and thanks in advance

 

That sounds pretty extreme. If you need a little more room why not pull the motor mounts off and lower the motor?

 

i never heard of anyone doing that. but pull them and then use a cherry picker to hold the motor when i go them

thanks for the help

 

I think you are over thinking it a bit. If you were able to get it off without much trouble you probably only need a inch or so at most to be comfortable? Any vehicle I've ever done this on I've taken the mounts off and supported the motor with a floor jack, of course not right on the oil pan, and been able to use the floor jack to lift, lower, and move around the motor a little bit as needed. I've never thought to remove the entire body of the car from the frame, engine is easier to pull all the way out than that!

Good luck!

 

The mechanic at work pulled the cab on my '03 work truck to replace the head gaskets. He actually had to remove it twice as the repair wasn't successful the first time. He said the first time it took him a while ... the second time he had the cab in the air in 30 min.

 

This is actually the preferred method. I have replaced a few engines and have always done this.