2002 AWD Astro motor swap help!!!!!!

[gator82]

I just lost the motor in my van and instead of replacing the 4.3, I really want to put a Vortec 350 in it. I want to keep it fuel injected but my main issue is.....I don't have the garage or equipment to swap it. I have found out that unbolting the sub frame and lifting the body is the only way to do the swap to a certain point. Cutting and hacking is a possibility but I don't want to do that lol. Is anyone familiar with a swap like this and how much would one charge me to do this swap?  I really appreciate any help and suggestions that is offered.  

[Mudduck]

I replace my 4.3 and i cut the radiator support and it still sucks everything is too tight and the next time i pull the engine would be unbolting the subframe

[D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.]

Removing the subframe is how the dealerships do it. A car lift makes it easier but if you can jack it up high enough to slide the motor out from underneath. When I helped my buddy he used a chain fall and large A-frame style engine lift

[gator82]

That's what sucks, I got a shed but it has a dirt floor. I have the tools and a cherry picker but its not going to do me any good. I might look into building an out side chain fall like set up to lift the whole thing up.

[D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.]

It was interesting lifting the front off the motor and Trans. I would not try this on my own a couple buddies, sturdy jack stands, take the tires off and roll everything out on a floor jacks(less amount of lifting the front). Take your time we rushed and didn't use floor jacks or take the tires off and to be honest it was scary lifting it as high as we did.

[gator82]

Well, I appreciate the info. But, before I got home from the road, the Wife thought the van was JUNK, and scrapped it. It really irritates me cause I hate seeing solid, rust free vehicles going to a crusher. 

[Mudduck]

 . Decide it to junk it without checking with ya!!!

[gator82]

Yes she did lol. She's on Prozac so I gotta just suck it up.