Engine/Driveline Removal Advice

[Steve]

I now have reached the point where I have the engine minus the radiator and driveline on the frame. I wasn't really planning on doing much with the frame, but it is in great shape and probably should be given proper treatment of POR15 or something similar to be decided at a later date.

My work space has a large overhead crane equipped with a big hook. I am seeking suggestions as to how to use this crane to remove the engine and driveline. I have looked at threads on this site and the CJ2A site that show various methods of taking out the engine and driveline, but none use a crane with a hook.� So, here are my questions:

Could I use straps to lift the engine and driveline out as a single unit? If so, where would I run the straps? If I were to take this approach, how would you suggest I rest the unit on the floor after removal. I don't think that the oil pan would appreciate being the resting point.

If removing everything at once is a bad idea, then what is the easiest point to separate the driveline from the engine: at the engine bell housing junction or at the bell housing transmission junction?

Thanks.
Steve

[bretto]

You can do just as you suggest and the oil pan will do just fine holding the engine.  When I did mine, I pulled all 3 (eng,tran,tcase) at once.  Sat it all on the ground and then separated the bell house from the block then lifted the engine and mounted it to a stand.  You can store the engine on the ground but its not very mobile.  The tran/tcase can be man-handled when separated from the engine.  If you keep your eye open in the local classified ads, you can pick up a stand fairly cheap.

[ZekeD]

Steve it is easier to do with a leveling bar.  I bought mine from Harbor Freight.  China and cheap.

Zeke

[F Bill]

The harbor freight furniture dolly with a piece of 3/4 inch plywood works well for rolling your engine or tranny/transfer around the shop...If your engine has a skid plate it will almost stand up on the floor by itself, but if you put it on a cart or dolly use a small tie down strap to cinch it tight so it doesn't fall over.

If you use a lifting sling or two, one around the tranny and one under the pan should be enough to lift it out of your frame. If you unbolt the mounts and do a trial lift you'll see if you need to reposition a strap so it comes out level and not tilted..

Is it a gantry crane on rails that can move the engine around the shop for you or place it on a bench/ stand? I always wanted one in my shop ever since I first saw one at the steelyard. I've got an A frame and a chain hoist, lifted an engine out of my pickup today with it. 

[Steve]

Thanks for all of the helpful replies. It is a Gantry crane. I am renting a small space in a big building that was an auto repair shop from 1930-1960's. The roof leaks, poor lighting, and no heat, but it has industrial compressed air and several cranes.

Steve

[scoutpilot]

[size=12]If you are going to remove the driveline for overhaul and are going to purchase the load leveler (Good Idea!) spend the extra and get the one with the four 'L' brackets and use the four corner head studs/bolts. Lifting the entire drivetrain will require only one strap around the tranny/tc. You will be able to balance the whole thing nicely.[/size][/b]

[SteveW]

I used straps and was fortunate that I got a hoist and it also had an engine stand that fit on the V legs of the hoist so it was 1 package as space has always been a premium issue with me. I lifted whole thing at once and separated engine and put it on the stand. I bought it from Northern and they only carried them for a little while. Check out a product called Chassis Black that i believe Eastwood sells. It is nice and not subject to sunlight like POR is. I bought a kit they had and with frame being smaller than most vehicles had more than enough.This is the current kit they sell http://www.eastwood.com/extreme-chassis-blk-w-rust-conv-suspens-kit-satin.html?reltype=2&parent_id=4662