The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Recomended hardware to pull engine

Goooood Morning!

I've got an ignorant question to ask, with hopes of enlightenment.

Wanting to pull my 283 V-8 engine over the Christmas holiday. I'm trying to figure out what setup to use to pull it.

Can purchase $625 engine hoist (owwww) or try to rig a worm gear manual winch for a couple hundred. Obviously cheaper is better, unless it's too much of a risk of injury to people, or damage to equipment.

Any opinions would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jacob

Rent one for $30 or less.

I agree with Tony. I rented one for $30.00. Also, you can buy them cheaper than $625. If this is a tool that will see little use, I would rent or buy a Harbor Freight Special for $200.

Phil

Sam's Club here has a hoist with leveler for under $200. Good invertment if you will be using it a few times. I borrowed from a friend and it is a pain after about the 3rd time. I went to his place, did what I had to do in a day or two and returned it. A lot of travel and figuring out a time when... It is next on my "To Buy" list. Also good for moving rear-ends and other heavy stuff.

I've got the sam's club hoist, it works like a champ.

-Mike R.

I bought my own 2 ton hoist at the farm store for $120. Had to do a little work on it so all the bolts fit in the holes. I keep seeing peep boys has them for that, I'm sure a lot of places do. Rental on them around here is a heck of a lot higher than $30, unless they dropped the price lately.

Jacob,

Go to Ebay. There are usually several of the light duty engine hoists on there at any given time. Don't worry about the "light duty" part of it, it's rated at 2 tons - more than plenty strong to pull for a small 283. I bought one from a guy locally for $99 bucks - and used it to pull my old 230 and drop in my new 292. That was 16 months ago.

I gave it to my uncle, who did most of the real work with my engine swap. He didn't have one and really needed it.

He's done several dozen engine and tranny pulls since mine with that same picker. Every time I've talked with him he's said that it's still as good as new, albeit a little less clean .

Here's one just like the one I bought. With shipping it'll cost you only 190 bucks.

-ftyler

I bought one from a guy who was moving, gave $150 & it was like new. He said he only used it once. I have had dozens of engines hanging off of it, plus other odd stuff. You can borrow it but I'm about 4 hours away, just south & east of Conway. Brian

We have a "Parts Trader" publication here which I think is done by the "Auto Trader" pubs. There's always used hoists and such in there. I'm sure you've got the same or something similar in your neck of the woods. Check 7-eleven, places like that.
I always check the sunday paper ads and just about every week, Pep Boys or Kragen (Checker Auto in other states) advertises one for $120. I'm sure it's nothing great but, will probably get the job done.
-David
Kustoms-and-Sleds

Got any teenagers at home? I made mine in shop class about 25 years ago. I had to buy a new ram for it last year though. Things just don't last like they used to, especially when my brother lifted the front corner of his '75 Impala with it to change a tire. (Moron) Don't know if you can build one for the price of the cheapies out there with the cost of steel now days. On second thought, ignore this post
Scott

Costco, $220, 4 ton capacity.

-Boyo

Tony thanks for your advice to rent. I've found one and am renting it today.

And Brian I really appreciate your offer. I almost wish I hadn't found one closer for the chance to meet someone much more experienced at this than I.

And to everyone else I saw the cheaper engine hoists and then I saw the really expensive ones going for $625 and up. There's a wee difference between $200 and $625 and I was worried about the cheaper ones because of the old saying: "You get what you pay for". Thank you all for sharing how your experience you're a great bunch.

Sincerely,
Jacob Marshall

I'm very happy with my Harbor Freight 2 ton folding unit. The hydraulics aren't bad at all, it's stable, and I have used it many times, and for other uses like pulling small stumps out of the ground. I have left a 235 on it overnight and it didn't leak down.