New here. I'm near Ft.Payne, Al. and looking for someone to swap a long block into a 89 2.6 Montero. After researching threads on here I'd be looking for someone to rebuild existing motor but already have a long block from s and j in Spokane headed this way. Tried messaging fasteddy but apparently he's TOO POPULAR and has exceeded pm alotments ??? Anywho, any help would be much appreciated. Great forum.

OK, thanks just the same. Will give it a go myself. I do appreciate all of you folks sharing your experience and knowledge on here. Will be studying the archives and likely have some questions once I get into it the job. Have the factory manual and a Haynes so that should get me started. Again, great site.

Throw the Haynes manual in your birdcage. What are your questions? Glad to attempt to answer your questions.

Thanks. I'm thinking that pulling the engine and tranny together is the way to go ? Also I've read that as far as the vacuum lines etc. there is a way to take it out in large chunks that simplifies the operation. I'm thinking I will break the a/c and remove the condenser , radiator, open up the whole front and possibly remove engine with manifolds attached. The long block I'm getting has no timing cover, distributor, oil pickup, oil pan so I'll be swapping those over.
I'm all ears for anything you've learned the hard way and open to all advice. I'm not much of a mechanic but have two sons who are, unfortunately, they aren't too close but will be in and out to help me. Thanks again for offering to field questions. BTW , I am planning on retaining stock carb setup.

The engine alone is much easier. Vacuum lines. Tags, and photographs. Loosen the PS pump belt, unbolt PS pump. It's out of your way. Undo 4 bolts, accompressor is ready toremove, once you unplug electrical connection. Take photographs. Ziploc bags with labels. Label everything. And did I mention, take photographs?

Thanks for the advice. Picked up long block today. Will be obsessive about labeling per your advice. After watching a youtube video of guys pulling the engine on a 1st gen v6 , your advice to separate it first makes good sense. Lots of room side to side but not much fore and aft. I'm from Delray originally BTW. You're helping a fellow Floridian.

I how did it turn out? I was in the hospital recovering from my own valve job the last post, and am now feeling like turning a wrench on my own. Mine is knocking,and while i have a parts truck, I'm hoping it's a cam chain instead of a bearing!

Yep, how'd it go?

Sorry so late in replying. Had all kind of family in from out of town. New engine in but not all buttoned up yet. Engine and tranny came out together, separated transfer case first, that all went well. Need to get drive shafts back in etc. One runner on cast iron exh. mani looks cracked all the way around but not separated. WELD or find another one ??? My son helping me does a lot of 4 wheeling and was a mech. in coast guard. He suggests gutting all vacuum lines 'cept brake booster and vacuum distributor advance and retaining stock carb. Anyone done this ?
Welcome all advice especially regarding manifold. If anyone has one to sell I'll just buy it.

I had great driveability with the stick carb. I felt it did much better climbing hills with it than the Weber.