how do you drop an engine out of a 1998 safari?

[akmama]

im trying to figure out the least painfull way of doing a motor swap in my 1998 gmc safari any suggestions?

[brcidd]

There are two choices- I have only done the first- that is to use your boom hoist engine puller- and get it as close to the top of engine as possible- I usually take off intake plenum to get it even closer- then remove radiator and condenser and supports- and bring it out the front-

I have heard from buddies that you can drop the engine with the suspension and frame cradle- and just wheel it out (front wheels still attached) from under the body along with tranny. but this requires a body lift and to me it was much more work...I did my '94 Astro in 12 hours over 2 days....the first way...

[HeresPaco]

Yes, you have two choices, however on your year van the only way to pull the motor out the front is to also have to cut the welded in radiator support crossmember that goes across the nose of the van. You can see that it is clearly in the way of getting the motor out. Some have done it this way and rewelded the crossmember back in. The usual way to remove the engine in these later model vans is out from the bottom. The shops raise the van then unbolt the front subframe to lower the entire engine and front suspension in one piece, with even the tires on! This is true whether it's a 2wd or awd van. Sorry, but those are your only options. Taking it out the bottom actually is not a hard job and it makes it easy to work on everything, move it around and quick to reinstall it all back. The issue for most all of us "do it yourselfers" is: how to get the van up in the air high enough because you do not have a wonderful lift in your driveway or even a high enough ceiling in a garage maybe!

[harryevan]

I have plenty of room overhead, having a hard time finding a lift for rent or on loan. Will a scissors lift do it? How high does the body have to lift?