replacing camshaft gear, f-head engine, '65-cj5, without pulling engine. Any ideas?

Camshaft gear blew on my '65 cj5. Don't want to pull the engine if there is any way to make the change with engine in vehicle. One suggestion is to remove fenders and grille as a unit, then remove radiator and cam gear cover. How many big, strong boys would it take to accomplish this? Anything easier?

 

Re: replacing camshaft gear, f-head engine, '65-cj5, without pulling engine. Any ide

I would slide a cardboard sheet between the fan and the radiator, and then remove the bolts holding the fenders to the grill. Then remove the bolt that goes through the bottom of the grill and attaches to the frame. Finally loosen and remove the two upper support rods. I assume that you have disconeected both radiator hoses and the wiring for the healights and front turn signals/parking lights. You can then pull the grill out the front giving access to the front of the motor. I prefer this approach as the bolts attaching the fenders to the body are likely rusty and may be difficult to remove, especially the ones which are inside the wheel well.