LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

About to drop engine/trans - What size platform on the cart?

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Old 03-23-2009, 03:11 PM
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Default About to drop engine/trans - What size platform on the cart?

I am about to drop my engine/trans out the bottom. I purchased this mover's dolly at Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93614 to drop everything on so I can roll it out from under the vehicle.
It looks too small to me at 30" x 18". I also have a 4 x 8 sheet of 3/4" plywood and some stout carriage bolts. I thought that I could cut a platform out of the plywood and bolt it to the dolly using the carriage bolts. What size should the platform be if I go this route?
Thanks in advance.
Old 03-23-2009, 03:34 PM
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That cart you have will be fine. All you're doing is resting the cradle on it enough to just roll it out.

Old 03-23-2009, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
That cart you have will be fine. All you're doing is resting the cradle on it enough to just roll it out.

+1. I think that dolly should be big enough for you to just drop the k-member on without the plywood. If you leave the wheels on you can roll it out. Otherwise, tie the two shock together with some rope or something to keep tension off of the brake lines.
Old 03-23-2009, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
+1. I think that dolly should be big enough for you to just drop the k-member on without the plywood. If you leave the wheels on you can roll it out. Otherwise, tie the two shock together with some rope or something to keep tension off of the brake lines.
or if you have a strut bar put that back on.
Old 03-23-2009, 04:41 PM
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Default How to raise the vehicle in my driveway?

Originally Posted by SoxXpupPeT
or if you have a strut bar put that back on.
Well, crud. I have a STB, but I was going to use that to raise the vehicle. I am using keliente's writeup, and I now see that she removes the shocks also, so I won't be able to use the STB to raise it up. How else can I do it? It is a driveway job, but I have a very good engine hoist that I can use to raise the vehicle. I also have a good hydraulic jack and 6 ton stands, but neither can go to the height required. What can I attach to to raise the vehicle? I don't really want to start a new thread for this question, and we all know that search is currently SNAFU'ed.
Old 03-23-2009, 05:07 PM
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http://www.michiganspeed.com/enginepull/index.html
Old 03-23-2009, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
that whole tire idea seems kind of shady.
Old 03-23-2009, 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by nik1703
that whole tire idea seems kind of shady.
I Left the tires on mine and put the STB on and it rolled out just fine!!!
Attached Thumbnails About to drop engine/trans - What size platform on the cart?-237801457285_0_0.jpg   About to drop engine/trans - What size platform on the cart?-237737265797_0_0.jpg  
Old 03-23-2009, 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
Well, crud. I have a STB, but I was going to use that to raise the vehicle. I am using keliente's writeup, and I now see that she removes the shocks also, so I won't be able to use the STB to raise it up. How else can I do it? It is a driveway job, but I have a very good engine hoist that I can use to raise the vehicle. I also have a good hydraulic jack and 6 ton stands, but neither can go to the height required. What can I attach to to raise the vehicle? I don't really want to start a new thread for this question, and we all know that search is currently SNAFU'ed.
I attached the chain to my swaybar mounting brackets, which are mounted to the frame nicely. Just yesterday did mine.
Old 03-23-2009, 05:37 PM
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I once used a heavy duty strap and wrapped it around the rad support (top and bottom) several times.

If you have a stud tower bar, just use that to lift the car and do like I said and tie the shocks together with some rope to keep them from sagging.
Old 03-23-2009, 05:45 PM
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Hmmm, looks like I'll be purchasing a chain tomorrow.
I have a pair of jackstands under the rear axle housing, I think that will suffice to keep the rear in place. I also plan to lower the car back down to the front jackstands after the engine/trans is out (neighborhood association here) so I don't think that the 2x4 stand extensions will be required.
Any more ideas/suggestions/etc. are certainly welcomed.
Thanks for everyones input.
p.s. Using the creeper to support the transmission is brilliant.
Old 03-23-2009, 06:01 PM
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oh no i meant resting the back of the car on tires
Old 03-23-2009, 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by nik1703
oh no i meant resting the back of the car on tires
I understood what you meant, and I agree. I suspect that his point was to make the rear of the vehicle captive, and not able to move. But there are many ways to skin a rabbit, and he explained but one.
Old 03-25-2009, 02:23 AM
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Got it out tonight (well, it was early morning). We made some missteps, but that puppy is now sitting in my garage on the very overloaded dolly from Harbor Freight. Thanks for all the help and ideas.
Old 03-25-2009, 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
Got it out tonight (well, it was early morning). We made some missteps, but that puppy is now sitting in my garage on the very overloaded dolly from Harbor Freight. Thanks for all the help and ideas.
Care to elaborate?
Old 03-25-2009, 11:38 AM
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was it difficult? i have to do mine soon
Old 03-25-2009, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by z28rob18
was it difficult? i have to do mine soon
I guarantee you'll be surprised at how easy it is when you get it out. For you first time, have a quality write-up on hand, go slowly, be extra careful that everything is disconnected and properly and nothing will catch when you are lifting the body.



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