Swappin' cams

[JayStew]

I'm finally gonna do my cam swap this weekend! I am kinda nervous because I have never tried anything like this before.( I caught this damn MOD BUG from you guys.....But I'm learning to live with it ) I have a printout of the instructions from ls1howto.com. Is there anything that is different on the trucks that is gonna screw me up? (like the a/c drier) I just want to make sure that I have everything lined up right in my head.

Any words of wisdom? I am not stupid, just inexperienced!


Thanks, Jay

[L82gofast]

I have heard that the cam will clear the condenser. I know on my old '98 I did'nt have to disconnect it, just move it a bit. Others will chime in I am sure...

[02P3wZ71]

I just swapped my cam out Monday and it was a snap. No need to take the A/C condenser out, it will clear just fine. Just take the radiator out, and the front of the engine like the instructions tell you and you will be home free. Make sure you have a tool to hold the lifters up, either the magnets or a lifter lock style tool. I used magnets and still put something in the hole in the front of the motor for extra insurance. You DO NOT want to drop a lifter, it will be a heck of a headache to get it back! let me know if you have anymore questions.

[JayStew]

Originally posted by 02P3wZ71@Apr 14 2004, 08:13 PM
I just swapped my cam out Monday and it was a snap. No need to take the A/C condenser out, it will clear just fine. Just take the radiator out, and the front of the engine like the instructions tell you and you will be home free. Make sure you have a tool to hold the lifters up, either the magnets or a lifter lock style tool. I used magnets and still put something in the hole in the front of the motor for extra insurance. You DO NOT want to drop a lifter, it will be a heck of a headache to get it back! let me know if you have anymore questions.

I've got some 5/16" rod to use as a lifter tool. Is that what you used?

[farmtruc]

oh no, you're installing a cam, JK, lol.

That hemi has no chance in hell now. hahah

good luck and i'll be available this saturday for you, on the cell of course.


allen

[02P3wZ71]

Actually I went the redneck way and used two fishing rod blanks! But anything that will get in those holes will work. I believe that 5/16 rod is big enough. Just make sure you give the cam a few good spins to get the lifters up in those cups. If you try to put the rods in and they seem to get stuck then spin the cam a little more to get the lifter up and out of the way. Once those rods are in then you can bang around all you want and take your time getting the cam out and in, those lifters are staying in place. If you need more help PM me and I will send you my number and you can call for help.

[JayStew]

Thanks everybody . I will give an update soon!

[farmtruc]

I've always chanced it and never used the rods or tool.

Guess I've been lucky, or,

I think the fear of pulling the cam and having the lifters came from this: a guy pulled his cam and didn't spin it and some lifters fell down, then instead of posting that, he said "don't ever change your cam without the tool" LOL, never know I guess, I just can't see how the lifters can easily fall down, if you push on the lifters once they are locked in place and make sure the cam is in, they are in thier keepers pretty well, they just can't fall down. I guess if one of the locks was worn or something it's possible.


good luck,

allen