I just bought the Harbor Freight 2 ton lift and assembled it tonight -
it looks and works fine,. With the arm set at the one ton lifting
capacity, the engine will clear the engine bay, no problem. The lift
was on sale for $159.
I did find, however, that the car is so low that the lift legs hit the
sway bar going underneath. This means jacking the car an inch or two
off the ground (or removing the sway bar). With a jack under the
car, the car cannot be moved, of course, so I'd have to swing the lift
around till the engine is clear.. I would much prefer to lift the
engine, move the car, then lower the engine onto a stand. Maybe when
the engine is out, the car will come up enough that I can remove the
jack and clear the sway bar on the way out...
To remove the engine and gearbox as a unit, I think a leveler is
needed to get the unit to sufficient angle to clear... That costs
about $30.
John North
On Nov 26, 2007 1:45 PM, halmorton <halmorton@cableone.net> wrote:
> Stan, List, I bought a 2 ton crane from Harbor Freight about 2 years ago.
> Have lifted and lowered the TR6 engine several times with it with no
> problems. I even lent it to a friend who "was" the proverbial shade tree
> mechanic- using a chain hoist on a stout live oak limb for engine lifts. He
> liked my crane so much that he bought himself one. Also, mine has sat out in
> the weather for all the time I've had it, and it still works fine. The only
> part that might go bad is the hydraulic cylinder, and the replacements are
> readily available for about $40 (on sale, which they frequently are.) The
> only disadvantage is the thing weighs about 225lbs. But it rolls easily on a
> slab.And can be towed (gently, slowly) around the lawn. Just have to deal
> with a few divots if you do that. Best to pick one up at a Harbor Freight or
> similar store, or one of the traveling tool sales, to save the shipping
> costs. I say go for it. Hal Morton, Pascagoula, MS
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