Is it better to drop the cradle to swap the powertrain or pluck everything from the top? I have a rusty built monte i want to swap everything from it to the clean monte i just got.

 

From the factory its installed from the bottom. So if you've got a way to lift off the body, that's an easier route.

With that said, these engine bays are big enough to come out the top if all you've got is a engine hoist - you just have to tilt it on removal to clear the brake / ABS stuff and have to remove the downpipe.

 

I have pluck the motor from the top at lease a time or two to say the lease. I dont have a lift just a cherry picker. Have anyone done it both ways? Idk if lifting just the front with the picker would give me enough clearance

 

I have pluck the motor from the top at lease a time or two to say the lease. I dont have a lift just a cherry picker. Have anyone done it both ways? Idk if lifting just the front with the picker would give me enough clearance

 

I've done it both ways, although coming out the bottom we used a 4 post lift to get the body off. It was definitely easier from the bottom as there was no angling anything or fighting clearance.

However being you've only got a cherry picker, I'd just pull it out the top - especially since you've done it that way before. I don't see a benefit to changing without a lift.

 

I was afraid you would say that. Guess ill be pulling the axles and pulling the trans out the top also.