Ok,
I got my oil pan off, and out from under the vehicle today. Anyone who tells you you gotta jack it up to get the oil pan out is full of malarkey. It did take a little bit of pushing on the frame to get the suspension to stretch out a little and make just enough clearance for the pan between the axle and the clutch.


Anyways, thats not important. After pulling off the pan and scraping gaskets for a few hours, I started on the crank bolt. I had a big ol 3 foot breaker bar and I started tuggin on it. Pulllllllllllllll *whap* right on the side of the head it got me! After realizing what I had done, I checked the bolt. Sure enough it was loose! good enough for me.

Now, heres my problem. The crank pulley seems like it's welded to the front of the engine. Tomorrow I'm borrowing a puller from a friend but, do you guys have any alternate suggestions to getting this pulley off? After the pulley, how hard is it to get the oil pump drive spline off? Any back up plans for that one? Finally, the chain sprockets, are they difficult to remove? if so, what can I do to persuade them without turning the engine and effin up the timing?

 

after u get that pulley off everything should be easy to take off. Main thing to worry about is holding up the chain while u button everything back up. I use a coat hanger attached to the hood. It will be a little tough to get the sprocket back on the front of the cam because it tight so take your time. Use anti seize especially on the pulley because it will make the crank bolt come out easier next time and also the pulley will come off easier. I pulled the oil pump off a 20r a couple times and it comes off easy every time. def not welded in its just rusted/aged in. search and youll find any questions about doing a timing chain. There is a write up on it as well.

 

Ok! I finally got my hands on a puller and tomorrow afternoon I'll be pulling my crank pulley off, and hopefully getting this thing fixed, finally!

wish me luck, everybody, I hope I won't need it, but I just want my pickup fixed, then I can start on the real project, painting it!

 

Yeah, we just used prybars and flathead screw drivers to get the pulley off (I won't suggest doing that though).

That timing chain should be nice and easy. there are marks and "bright chain links" that basically show what gear tooth goes in what chain link at TDC. Just pay attention!

Also, don't forget to slip the "extras" back on the camshaft. There's an elliptical "pulley" that runs your fuel pump and some smaller gear for your distributor. These need to go on the right way.

Also, the timing gear for the crank is able to go on both ways but will only WORK PROPERLY one way.

When you're done, you'll have a nice tight timing chain. This could cause a "chain" reaction (haha) up to your camshaft and to your valves... making things tighter and more efficient. Basically, I'm saying that you should consider a valve adjustment also.

I just did this entire "project" only 2 months ago and can answer any questions you have.