alright, so i figured id make this into a kind of step by step write up for all those who have no idea what they are doin. like me.
step 1: obviously, pull the hood off.
step 2: you probably dont have to, but i went through and marked every line there is. just in case this went bad, i could drop my old one back in there.
step 3: find everything that is connected to the engine that is also connected to the truck. disconnect all of it. check and re-check. i checked at least 4 times and i still missed a bolt and a ground wire. take the header/manifold off, all the air filter crap off, and vac and electric lines.
step 4: support the transmission and the engine.
step 5: unbolt all the bolts connecting the bellhousing to the engine. in my case, 2 were missing, and one had cracked completely through, so i only had 5 bolts to undo.
step 6: unbolt the motor mounts.
step 7: pull the engine. i had to yank mine a little to get it loose. had a little trouble getting it out of the engine bay because i didnt route the chains right.
oops! missed a wire
the engines resting spot
by the way, this thing is for sale, if anybody is interested.
empty engine bay
and where im at on the dash- didnt try any more today, still cant find where its being held up at.
more on the writeup later.