Anyone done this or know if the main/rod bearings can be refreshed with the engine in the chassis, or is that a pull?

 

Monty did his a couple months ago when he changed the thrust bearing. As long as the crank is OK there's nothing wrong with doing it in the truck.

 

Search for the thread "Just My Luck" in this forum. I believe that was the thread name that I posted to when I did mine.

 

I am wondering how this would go with a 4x4? Anyone have any idea if it would be easier, harder or similar? I haven't looked under a 2wd very much.
By the way here is a link to the thread. Just my luck

 

It wasn't too hard to do in my 4x, but I was also replacing motor mounts at the same time so I loosened them first. It might be too tight without loosening the MM to get the pan between the crossmember and the block.

 

Been there done that. It was a pain getting the pan off, because of the crossmember going under it, but once that's done it's not so bad. G'luck

 

So I assume I can unbolt the motor mounts and lift the engine till the bellhousing hits the cab and probably get the pan off WITHOUT removing the tranny?

 

That will be close. Sometimes removing the cab bolts and raising the cab will allow you to raise the motor a little more and the pan comes out easier. You shouldn't have to remove the trans unless you need to replace the rear main seal. Good luck.