Lowering front end for repair access

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Diptenkrom

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I am about to pull the heads on my Vortec 350 suburban. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas of how to make the front end sit lower to make accessing the engine easier. I don't think that deflating the tires will do quite enough. What have you guys sat it on and where to get it lower for engine work?
 

evilunclegrimace

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Take the front wheels off and set the control arms on blocks that keep the rotors from touching the ground
 

Chewy11B

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We do the same thing just using a lift. Also taking off the hood makes it so much easier to work on!!! Just trace outline of hinges so its easier to put back on
 

magimerlin

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Toss a tarp over to keep the sun off if not in a garage and just climb in..I had to use a step stool as I have a 6" lift.. I'm 250 in that pic just to give you a referance to the working room... taking the hood off will get more clearance though... these pics where taken when I was replacing my heads with ones I had already rebuilt.. as far as trying to bring it lower, you could always jack it up by the frame, take off the front wheels, then lower it onto wood blocks on the lower control arm and keep it just high enough to clear the rotors off the ground.
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evilunclegrimace

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I just thought of some thing for you guys that are working on your trucks in the grass,,, Dig a couple of holes and drive 'er in!!:Big Laugh:
 

McBroom

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I've always just taken the wheels off and set it down on 6x6 wood blocks. Set them under the rotors. That won't hurt anything.

Blue Mule
 

PANHEAD

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if you have hood off already. with a little work and about a dozen bolts, pull the front clip. it will open up everything.
 

Schurkey

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Jack up the rear axle as high as you can get, and still support safely with jack stands. Front of truck tilts downward. Simple, easy, effective.

Removing front wheels and using blocks or short jack stands on the control arms or frame would also help.
 

Diptenkrom

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I just thought of some thing for you guys that are working on your trucks in the grass,,, Dig a couple of holes and drive 'er in!!:Big Laugh:

i thought about that, lol. :) seems more work than the 6x6 under the control arms method. just wanted to get an idea of whether that was a good method or not. i will be pulling the front apart to some degree as well, but wanted to make access to the inside as easy as possible, as i will be pulling the intake and heads first, to get the heads to the machine shop, while i do other stuff in teh engine bay.
 
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