Ford 4400 in frame engine rebuild

[richwilshaw]

Hi there I'm about to undertake an in frame engine rebuild on my Ford 4400 TLB. Backhoe is currently off the tractor so it's just the loader on there at the minute. Has anyone ever done this? I have the Ford 201 diesel overhaul manual so I'm good on that front but I've read that the loader and entire front end has to be removed to get the oil pan off. I'd like to go into this project a little more educated so anyone willing to offer their two cents I sure would appreciate it. Thanks, richwilshaw

 

[Harry in Ky]

"Anyone willing to offer their two cents"? No takers yet. Well, here goes -- Anyone willing to undertake the project you describe deserves a lot of credit, but probably not much sympathy. Personally, I wouldn't even consider it. The countless times crawling under and climbing over the loader and associated framework in order to accomplish the task, plus the aggravation of working AROUND the loader on a job that size seems extremely daunting to me. Having done a number of "engine jobs" over the years, I always look to remove as many obstacles as possible, not just work around them. As for the pan removal, have you not yet crawled under and looked at it? That's all you should need in order to answer the question.

 

[richwilshaw]

Yeah I've had a look but I believe it's always better to hear someone's advice who has actually done the job before starting. Not too worried about the physical up and over the loader aspect but if it's better to remove the loader I would do so, just waiting for some more opinions. Thank you

 

[RickB]

Front bolster has to come off. Loader can come off, or be propped and supported safely in place.
Might be easier to leave the loader in place and pull the front axle, then pull the motor.