I agree with others, if you have the time and a few more proper tools, it will be much less difficult. For me I only had last night after work, and have a 2nd car if needed for the next few days, so I decided to attempt it, knowing if needed I could run to Walmart for tools. I have to go back to work this morning and family coming this weekend... and in temp housing currently, the circumstances are extenuating for me.
Bell housing was fine; I used a piece of steel to spread the load across the ribs of the bell housing. If you have it, a jack and piece of wood would be ideal. Your not lifting the truck with it, just the engine about 2/3 inch at most. I was careful and lucky. I was able to do it all without lifting the truck. Not recommended, but doable if in a pinch... just don’t jack the truck up from the bell housing... and don’t jack the bell housing with a tiny point on the jack.
I did it all from the top, there was just enough space to look through the side fender with out removal to see the bolts... those 4 bolts on the block... that will be the most frustrating part. If you have a flex extension this will help significantly. I decided to try without more tools, figuring by the time I ran to Walmart to get one I’ll be able to struggle through in the same amount of time. Be CAREFUL not to damage the wires especially the tiny one for the wheel speed sensor.
Getting the old one out was a puzzle, but bending the heat Sheild a bit (no worries there because your not using that anymore) and fidgeting it around you can get it out. A step stool will help reach it all... laying on the engine bay hurts sometimes. I used a moving blanket to cushion it a bit.
Theres a couple more vids out there, but this one gave me the courage to attack it. You can see this guys struggle with it and know what to expect. I was expecting a PItA so I was able to stay calm.
I’ve been a backyard/street/diy/“out of necessity” mechanic since I was 15 (now 32) doing things the hard way because it was the only way to get to work. Over the past years I usually have much more time and proper tools/lifts to get the job done, but this time I didn’t. After spending too much to have shop install engine mounts just 6 months ago, I was determined to do it myself. I tapped into those past “hard time” experiences to get through this one.
At least now a days I have a cell phone that doubles as a mirror, and can stick in places I can’t see to record video/pics of what I’m trying to reach (helps a lot for the 4 bolts on the block).
If I could do this in parking lot, at night, with only a 15mm socket, 3” and 1” extension, a pair of channel locks, the jack that came with the truck and piece of steel, and my mechanics gloves were a luxury.... most anyone could do this with a little more time & tools.
*not advocating or recommending to do it the way I did, just sharing the experience for knowledge to all.
But I couldn’t have done it without Tahoeyukonforum.
