Its not very different than on a stand. Same process, just tighter working conditions, and a little more difficult to make sure things are clean, clean, clean.

But I mean, say on scale from 1-10, 1 being not that big of a deal and 10 being "rent a hoist" how much harder is it cuz i don't really have the money to spend on a hoist if i can avoid it, but if i have to, i have to. We are looking at doing the pistons and getting it back together and running in 2-3 days. If the extra pain in the assness from NOT pulling the motor will stop this, or the hoist will make it MUCH easier, lemme know. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

You're putting new rings in without a hone on the cylinder walls???

prepare for alot of blowby, smoke, and low compression numbers. It seems like it would be More of a pain in the ass if you Didn't at least hone the cylinder walls. You're gonna wish you took the extra time to do it right.

Id second the suggestion of honing the cylinder walls before using new rings. Its a very simple process and will solve blowby if you have any. Take the time to do it right. It isnt a one day project.

I'm with the above posters....

Take it out. I'd even suggest measuring the cylinder walls for warping/clearance to make sure they're within spec. If they aren't, overbore it, get new pistons, and do it right. If they're within spec, do a rehone. You can rent measuring tools for free from AutoZone, CSK or Advanced for free. Put down a deposit, get it all back when you bring the tool back.

There's no reason not to do it right. Tearing down and engine and rebuilding it halfway is asking to do it twice. If you don't have the money to do it right once, you'll end up paying more in the long run to do it again.

You can probably rent a hoist for relatively cheap from many auto parts stores - maybe even for free. If not, try an equipment rental place. They might charge you $10 a day or something small like that.