Those hanging rods get tricky, but there is a trick that helps. Put a piece of vacuum line on each rod bolt. Leave them a bit long. The rubber not only protects the crank surface from the bolts, it helps to guide them in place. Granted now always the easy way, but it's easier than pulling the engine in a gravel driveway.
Think I may have done that before
Man do I need a good garage! 
Oh Well I have lived here almost 18 years, and it's not there yet. We does what we gotta does! 
Joel, I have even tried waking backwards. Doesn't help, you just bang the back of your head. 
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I take it that you went for a ride to the Summit "toy store" down the road for a crank kit. 
To bad I wasn't passing through your way this weekend. I would gladly give you the crank out of the '81's original engine.
Good luck man!
Darryl
GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
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Actually, I am probably going to get one from Holley. I'll let you know.
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