I have a 60 Desoto with a 383 that I want to replace. Question is, can the engine be installed without removing the trans and torque converter?
This is the 8 bolt flange type crankshaft, used from 59-61. I managed to get the engine out without removing bell housing and trans. I know what the manual instructs you to do it. Appreciate your thoughts. Tom

Hi Tom , Yes it can be done . I'm helping My buddy restore a 1960 300 F with a 413 . Due to a goof up , we had to take engine out a second time . 2 Extra Hands mandatory to make Job easier.and prevent Damage Ronnie

Do be aware that the early cast iron trannys require that the torque converter be dialed in to the bellhousing any time either of the components are are separated or changed. The overall runout is .004"
Failure to do so before installing the transmission will take out the front pump/ bushings rather quickly DAMHIK this

I've swap more than one early (pre 1962) Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler motors into different cars with the original tyranny's for the car, not to the new motors, and never did any checking on the converters for run out without any leaks or other problems This is the first time I have heard of checking them, THANKS

If the swaps were done WITHOUT disturbing the bellhousing or converter they were likely still in alignment.
OR you got REAL lucky,
It's in the service manuals along with the procedure to get them within spec. I learned about it the HARD WAY $$

thanx all for the info. I will have to read the manual. The converter and trans haven't been disturbed. It is really tight trying to install engine with trans in car, and wasn't sure it could be done.

Due to my experiences Myself, I would verify the runout as a 60+ year old engine/bellhousing/ torque converter has likely been apart at some point. The question is, did whomever reassemble things know about the critical alignment? I didn't, but I do now Was a costly time consuming lesson
FYI: Depending how far the alignment is off correlates to how long before "morning sickness appears" or it takes the bushings out completely.

I can't imagine trying to get everything lined up with the trans in the car but I've never tried for fear of damaging the front seal while trying to get the two sets of splines and pump drive lugs lined up.
Cab and Ronnie have apparently been able to so maybe I'm just a overly paranoid. I've had enough trouble with 727's from time to time. I remember many years back fighting with one for what seemed like hours. I even had the trans vertical and just couldn't get it to drop in. My wife comes out, see's me struggling and says let me try. SURE, OK She just touches it and it drops in LOL
My personal preference is to either mate the two out of the car, OR install the trans after the engine is in on a lift or on the ground both with a trans jack. Whichever way you choose, may the Alignment Gods be with you