What's the easiest way to swap engine in Ford 4500?

[Armymutt]

We found a donor engine from a mid-70s Ford 555. I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to swap over the necessary parts. It looks like the oil pan is an integral part of the tractor. I can't see enough of the engine to determine if we can just unbolt it and lift it off, or we need to remove the front end completely, and then remove the engine.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I haven't done it on a 4500 but I believe you have to remove everything from the engine forward.
Then you can remove the engine.
Your 4500 should have about the same front end as my 4400 except I have the soft nose.
That's what I had to do.
Mine does not have the loader though so it was easier.

 

[City Farmer]

If you have the head room, you can block the loader arms up and out of the way and roll the motor off with the front axle. Its eaiser getting the tin off too. Not sure about the 4500 but the oil pan on my 4400 is 1/2" cast iron. It's bolted to forward nose making a solid connection for the loader.

 

[TractorTech]

If you have the head room, you can block the loader arms up and out of the way and roll the motor off with the front axle. Its eaiser getting the tin off too. Not sure about the 4500 but the oil pan on my 4400 is 1/2" cast iron. It's bolted to forward nose making a solid connection for the loader.

The 4500 and 555 are the same as the 4400 in regards to the cast pan.
When you bolt the bottom bolts on the pan to the front bolster, pay attention to the shims required to take up the space on the two bolts.
Also, place a wedge on either side of the bolster and axle so the engine/bolster assembly doesn't flop over when you pull it from the transmission.
If your 4500 has a power shuttle(F/R lever on LH Side of steering wheel) consider getting a seal kit for the shuttle, and inspect the flex plate for cracks. Also might want to replace the freeze plugs on the back of the 555 engine at this time as they may be rusting thin.

 

[davo727]

Have you had any progress on this?

 

[Armymutt]

Ended up getting a long block engine from a place in TX. The tractor is currently apart. Haven't done anything other than disassembly since mid-May. I've been at Ft. Sam Houston for some training since then. Hoping to start putting it back together in 2 weeks.