Engine removal option without hard floor surface

[DiscoJen]

I'm gonna be yanking my engine soon but I don't have a desirable surface to work on. No concrete driveway or parking pad. The hurricanes have effectively removed all of my trees so can't winch it up a branch either. Anyone have any suggestions for equipment (purchased or homemade) that will work on a lawn surface? Or will an engine crane/lift work on a lawn? BTW, keep in mind that this is soft Florida sand so no hard clay or packed earth either. 3/4" plywood on the ground then put the engine lift on that? Hand built A-frame with 4x4's?

p.s. of course it'd be really great to pour a slab but that isn't an option

Thanks for any advice!
Jen

 

[rdoane]

do you have a canopy? that would be my 1st step, and then put tarps around it to keep the sandy earth from blowing into places its not supposed to be in. for engine hoists/holders call around to local rental stores, if there are any. i would want to do it right so i didnt have to do it twice/replace something.

 

[D Chapman]

I pulled under my deck once and used a Come-Along to yank a 327 from a 78 Blazer. Yea, that was classic!!

 

[landrvrnut21]

Spread 3/4" plywood out, and use a standard lift. You could also rent an all-terrain forklift to lift it out. Dont rent a telehandler though, you will turn your yard to mud. Also consider a backhoe, or tractor with a bucket. THere are a multitude of things you can do. Call a friend or neighbor, see what they have available.

 

[JeffM]

I've pulled a number of engines out using the tried and proven two people, a chain and a length of scaffold pole before. Having said that if you can get an engine crane/hoist I would also recommend using a base of plywood or something similar to stand it on.

The scaffold method works fine - but usually woks better on a lower vehicle.

Jeff

 

[DiscoJen]

Good ideas. Let me run this one by you. How about concreting in some 4x4 posts (one bag concrete per post) on each side with 2x12 header mounted on top. Then mount a 6000# electric boat winch to that (already have the winch so might as well use it for something). Then I should be able to pull that motor out, push the truck back, lower the motor and replace with the rebuilt motor, push the truck back up and drop her in.

Do you think a set up like that would support the weight long enough to perform this operation a few times?

Then I can take it down and have my backyard back. Or leave it in place and open up "CheapBitch Disco Repair Shoppe". LOL Actually, it could be the opening to a workshop that I could build around this existing "door frame".

Jen

 

[D Chapman]

Make one of there with a chain hoist or come-along. http://www.rootsweb.com/~intcpcrg/2002-Routh/RouthMay4.html

 

[Jaime]

I'd get one of these at Pep Boys..around $129 or so

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...?storeId=6970&productId=200305213&R=200305213

 

[rrefx]

I'm no master designer here, but for the header I think I would use a 6x6 or even an 8x8 post over a 2x12. 2x12's are tough, especially if mounted vertically, still, that 2 " thick part would be the weakest part, and you get side flex as well when lifting heavy things, and I'de just hate for it to give you grief.

 

[antichrist]

jen, check your PM's.