Freeze Plugs?

[68f100ranger]

Alright, i just got back into town a few days ago and today i got the urge to beautify my truck. Its been sittin for almost 2 years now while ive been overseas. Well i went out and got all of the supplies i needed to get her running again and to clean her up like new. Started to pour in the antifreeze mix and after about the second gallon i heard what sounded like water on the ground. I stopped and inspected to see that coolant was pouring out on both sides of the block. Come to find out that not all of the water drained out 2 winters ago, and 2 freeze plugs popped out between then and now.

So here is my question, how hard is it to replace the middle 2 freeze plugs in the truck?

I think its the ones just behind or just above the motor mounts on both sides. Its a 390 with long tube headers.

can i do this with the engine in the truck or do i have to pull it?

If i pulled the front clip would that make it easier?

If anyone lives in the Vancouver, Washington area and wouldnt mind giving me a hand i could compensate them for there troubles.

thanks in advance for everyones advice.

[green68250]

I know you can do the passenger side one with the engine as it sits. I will have to look again but you might have to jack the engine up enough to get the driver side motor mount off to do that one. I used the expandable type when I did mine. You just stick it in and turn the nut in the center and it tightens up, much easier than trying to get a conventional one to seal up correctly. Mine has yet to leak so I know they hold well.

Corbin

[68f100ranger]

Thanks for the tip, i will look for those plugs around town, i know ive seen them somewhere before. Hopefully i can do this without lifting the engine at all or removing the headers, because i need to have this done in a day or so if i start on it. I dont have a whole lot of time left in the area.

Also, what size am i looking for, i know they come in very specific sizes for standard freeze plugs but what about the expandable type?

Last thing, what is the total fluid capacity of the coolant system so i know how much anti freeze to buy when i get this bitch fixed?

Thanks again!!

[fordman]

the correct size is the 1 49/64ths. not 1 3/4. rubber ones are ok for a temp fix but brass would be better in the correct size.