I have a new long block on hand to install in my 1990 4x4, 5-speed pickup. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good tech write up on the net or perhaps just give me a few hints. In particular, I'm looking for a list of tools needed and maintenance items that I should tackle while I'm in there.

Thanks.

Get the FSM (or use the links at the top of the forum to find a softcopy that is close to the right year). Worth its weight in gold, and worth the trouble. Should answer ALL your questions.

Tips:

Unbolt at A/C compressor and Power steering pump, and set off to the side of the engine bay.
DO NOT undo hoses for any reason, keep the systems sealed.

I've been reading through the FSM for the past few days and I'll agree it is a great help.
Question: Is it possible to pull the engine block without taking the transmission out with it? It seams like it it would save a bunch of work if you could leave the tranny in place.

Thanks

Yes, did it to mine that way.
Gotta undo all bellhousing bolts to the block, make sure you disconnect the two with the first few jerks on the hoist.

best advice i've ever received is to disconnect your wiring harness at the ecu, and pull the whole harness out with the engine and swap the harness over out of the truck where you have better access and light. you access it behind the kick panel on the passenger side.

as for pulling the engine without the tranny i have had good luck unbolting the 4 bolts that hold the trans crossmember, support it with a floor jack and lower as much as possible to access the bellhousing bolts staceman mentioned with a gaggle of extensions on your ratchet....my $.02

I've never pulled the whole harness.. The wiring harness is a bit intimidating, so the first time make sure you take lots of digital photos and label everything. The photos are so you can figure out the over/under of the wires once you're done..

Good advice on the AC...
BTW, there are at least 3 different styles of AC compressors /brackets... I figured this out after getting rid of my factory motor.

I am working on something for the tech archive right now; this is quite commonly asked.

PM'd you what I have so far; click on your flashing envelope. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

On the tranny, I spent the $$ on a 36" extension and a couple of 17mm toggle sockets; no screwin' around there now.

Nuther tip-- there's a tranny bolt that faces AFT on the exhaust side; easy to miss; next to the stiffener brace.

Yeah, pull the wheel well skirt and feed the ECU harness thru and out into the engine bay. Cake.

Thanks to everyone for the input.
The project is starting Saturday Morning -- That is if I can find an engine hoist to rent and if I can get the truck out of its icy grave and into a warm garage.

Gracias

This is good advice. It is hard to get to the top two transmission bellhousing bolts unless you do it this way. After you have the radiator out and sometime before you undo the motor mounts unbolt the crossmember from the frame and let the back of the transmission/transfer case down to tilt the motor back so you can get a socket, on the end of a 24" long, 1/2" drive extention, on it from underneath the truck. Remove these bolts first and then jack the crossmember and trans back up and bolt it back to the frame. Also support the front of the transmission before you remove the rest. Good luck! -- Matt