Chassis dolly removal & engine install ?

[wareaglescott]

Getting somewhat close to engine install. I know that means the end of the car sitting on the chassis dolly. I am installing a Coyote and TKO 600. I have seen pictures of them going in with a pretty steep angle to get the transmission to clear and into place. I plan to get some friends to help me get the chassis off the dolly in the next couple days. I have never done this before.

About how much height do the lower frame rails need to be off the ground to provide enough clearance for the install?
Is sitting on standard jack stands high enough? Do I possibly need to set 1 or more 2 x10s under the jack stands for a few extra inches?

The wheels and tires are on the car. I have not really thought about how I am going to get the dolly out from under it. Any tips on the best way to do that? I guess just jack up the front and put jack stands in and then do the rear and put jack stands in.

Thanks

[edwardb]

I like to have the chassis in vehicle dollies (I have these: http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html) when installing the engine and trans. I find it easier to move the chassis than to move the shop crane and dangling engine and trans. With the chassis sitting on these dollies, you have enough height to angle the engine and trans into place. Some guys jack up the back of the chassis to reduce the angle, but I personally didn't find that makes a huge difference.

Easiest way to get the chassis on/off the chassis dolly, on/off the wheel dollies, on/off jack stands, etc. is with a floor jack.

See how I'm helping you justify more tools? ;)

[CraigS]

You will want to use 4 jack stands to support the chassis as you remove the dolly. Adjust them as low as they will go. Once clear re-arrange the front stands so they are as close as you can get them to each other and are supporting the front main cross tube. This way the engine hoist legs can go along each side of the stands. If you don't have an engine levelor get one. A cheap harbor freight one is fine. Get some bearing grease and lube the threads on the shaft and all the bearings/washers too. They get hard to turn once the weight is on them.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-heavy-duty-load-leveler-60659.html
BTW this is a great little jack
http://www.harborfreight.com/15-Ton-Compact-Aluminum-Racing-Floor-Jack-with-Rapid-Pump-60569.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMzU0NTE5NTEiLCJza3Ui OiI2MDU2OSIsImlzIjoiNTkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0A IjoiOTgzMyJ9%0D%0A