95SHO

Just curious if anyone has replaced the rod bearings with the motor in the car. I know I have to lift the motor up about 4 inches to remove the pan so that it clears the pick up tube. I know everyone will ask lol so I am replacing the bearings (as long as the crank isn't damaged) because I am getting a slight knock from the lower end. I am so sick of the problems with this car and I have so much money in it that I want to try to replace the bearings before putting another motor in it.

I have my own shop so equipment isn't an issue just wondering if i should pull the motor or try to do it in the car. It kind of sucks because I just had the transmission out to replace the clutch a few weeks ago. I replaced the bearings on my 95 SHO with the motor in the car without much hassle so I am hoping the 4.6 won't be either.

scottybaccus

I would only do it in the car as an emergency repair on one bearing. It is really tough and you'll never be able to inspect the journals with confidence lying on your back.

Pull the motor and go through it properly now. It only gets more expensive the longer you wait.

Jimk8067

I've done it it's quite painstaking and messy... but it can be done. As stated, complete proper inspection of journals is difficult. Besides the crank if a bearing(s) are bad the rod most likely needs reconditioning...

BraMas

As easy as these motors are to pull I don't see why you would want to make more work for yourself by leaving the motor in the car

96GT226410

^ +1. You said you have your own shop, too. Pull the engine, it'll be a lot easier and your car will thank you.

rsh0763

Agreed, years ago, while on a hunting trip, my dad had a bearing go out and it not only made noise, but was doing damage. We were in the middle of nowhere, so the old man got a 40 mile ride into town and he did that very thing. He had a 76 f250 with a 390 (which he obtained from an older truck) so it was easy in comparison to a mustang.

On the way back home, we lost all oil pressure, so he stopped again, drained all the oil and filled the pan with STP. It git us home and another 1000 miles before he yarded it. But that was dicey. Only in an emergency...

jtb727

If your gonna lift the motor 4" why not go the other 15 and pull the motor out? it seems like your just asking for trouble boss..

95SHO

There is a difference in raising the motor 4in and completely romoving the motor.

95SHO

I only asked this question because if I have to pull the whole motor to replace the rod bearings I am going to find a low mileage replacemnt or a DOHC motor.