View Full Version : Engine Hoist 1 ton or 2 ton?
Mat1asBEV&ICE
10-13-2023, 07:50 PM
Hi,
I need to buy an engine hoist. From photos it seems people get the 2 ton but isn't the 1 ton sufficient? Do people buy the 2 ton because of the height needed to raise the engine (it can reach higher than the 1 ton)?
Just trying to save a few bucks. :)
Thank you for your feedback.
Yes - the 2 ton has the longer reach.
cv2065
10-13-2023, 08:43 PM
2 Ton. Buy one used. I got my last one like new used once for $150
edwardb
10-13-2023, 08:45 PM
X3. It's the longer reach. For the Roadster, to install the engine you'll need the radiator out and the 2-ton lift at the longest setting to get the engine/trans back far enough. And then just barely. I've seen builders try to use the 1-ton. Doesn't quite reach at the longest setting and can be tippy as well. Saw a picture of some guys doing an installation while standing on the lift to keep it from tipping forward. Don't be that builder.
One of the secrets to the Roadster's (aka Cobra) layout is how far back in the chassis the engine sits. Completely behind the front axle (if there was one...) which is not typical for a front engine vehicle. Especially one with a V-8.
BEAR-AvHistory
10-13-2023, 08:57 PM
4X Worth every penny.
Jim1855
10-13-2023, 11:16 PM
I use a friends 2 ton. We built an extension that gives us an additional foot of reach. It is getting close to the ends of the legs but has worked well.
The 2 ton works nicely when going in from the side.
Jim
Mat1asBEV&ICE
10-14-2023, 06:23 AM
Thank you everyone for your guidance. I have searched on craigslist and posted in the Northeast forum in here but nothing thus far. I'm picking up the engine in two weeks so I'll need it soon.
If you can't find a used 2 ton to buy, or one to borrow, just buy one new and then resell it along with the other tools you won't need again - brake line benders, torque wrenches, wheel alignment tools, etc. This way, you'll clean out the garage, and offset some of the costs when the build is done.
Lidodrip
10-14-2023, 08:08 AM
The other thing to consider is that the rated lift weight decreases with arm extension. Fully extended, the 1 ton is actually only rated for 1/4 ton.
James
egchewy79
10-14-2023, 08:43 AM
1 ton is doable, but I was one of the sketchy builders edwardb mentioned who had a friend stand on the back in the event of tipping. Even then, with the arm fully extended to the 1/4 ton setting, we had to “swing” the motor into the mount with one person pushing from the front and someone else pulling the transmission in the tunnel. Coming in from the side might be a better option but just spend the extra $ and go for 2ton or borrow one from a nearby builder.
edwardb
10-14-2023, 08:47 AM
1 ton is doable, but I was one of the sketchy builders edwardb mentioned who had a friend stand on the back in the event of tipping. Even then, with the arm fully extended to the 1/4 ton setting, we had to “swing” the motor into the mount with one person pushing from the front and someone else pulling the transmission in the tunnel. Coming in from the side might be a better option but just spend the extra $ and go for 2ton or borrow one from a nearby builder.
You weren't the first. :rolleyes: I've seen in several times. I don't know what scares me more. The safety aspect. Or the dollar value of what's hanging on the end of the hoist.
BEAR-AvHistory
10-14-2023, 10:41 AM
1 ton is doable, but I was one of the sketchy builders edwardb mentioned who had a friend stand on the back in the event of tipping. Even then, with the arm fully extended to the 1/4 ton setting, we had to “swing” the motor into the mount with one person pushing from the front and someone else pulling the transmission in the tunnel. Coming in from the side might be a better option but just spend the extra $ and go for 2ton or borrow one from a nearby builder.
Been there, done that, got the heartburn.
Long long time ago had a 67 StingRay coupe which has a similar engine location to the Cobra. Funds were very tight & it was go 1ton or go without. Used a number of 50lb weight lifting plates to stabilize the unit. Strongly recommend a 2 ton unit.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=130185&d=1592533292
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazine.com-vbulletin/700x361/80-vettefull_0a3c0ea729f272491cdd673b0ef60e55edf63e4a .jpg
rponfick
10-14-2023, 11:51 AM
Just debated this whole issue myself after selling my 2-ton hoist prematurely this summer at a garage sale. Didn't think any more engine pulls were in my future. I just decided I needed a winter project, and decided on pulling my engine to install a roller cam (please don't mock the stupidity of my decision).
After much contemplation, and the difficulties I experienced in the past using an engine hoist, I went with a 2-ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $69. In the past, I had found the chain pull much more flexible than the dedicated engine hoist. Since the attic over my garage is accessible, I just spanned about 7 joists in my attic with a 6x6, and looped a chain around it.
When I am ready, my neighbors want to come over to watch my roof collapse, but told them I was a professional, and hold my beer and watch this. I have done this a couple of times before with no problem, even with a big block chevy. I suspect my little 351W will be a piece of cake.
Sorry to hijack your thread, but just wanted to suggest a possible alternative.
Ralph
Mike.Bray
10-14-2023, 12:11 PM
I installed/removed/reinstalled my 393W with a HF 1 ton I bought used for $75. The body was not installed, the 1 ton would never have a chance if it was. I can say the 1 ton did the job but barely, it was at its maximum reach and capacity. From experience, spend a little extra and get the 2 ton.
JohnK
10-14-2023, 01:02 PM
This is one of those very rare instances where there is unanimous consensus on a recommendation. Go for the 2 ton lift. It's not that much more expensive than the 1 ton. The 1 ton just doesn't have enough reach.
BEAR-AvHistory
10-14-2023, 02:47 PM
Just debated this whole issue myself after selling my 2-ton hoist prematurely this summer at a garage sale. Didn't think any more engine pulls were in my future. I just decided I needed a winter project, and decided on pulling my engine to install a roller cam (please don't mock the stupidity of my decision).
After much contemplation, and the difficulties I experienced in the past using an engine hoist, I went with a 2-ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $69. In the past, I had found the chain pull much more flexible than the dedicated engine hoist. Since the attic over my garage is accessible, I just spanned about 7 joists in my attic with a 6x6, and looped a chain around it.
When I am ready, my neighbors want to come over to watch my roof collapse, but told them I was a professional, and hold my beer and watch this. I have done this a couple of times before with no problem, even with a big block chevy. I suspect my little 351W will be a piece of cake.
Sorry to hijack your thread, but just wanted to suggest a possible alternative.
Ralph
Ralph,
I think you were OK till you said "Hold My Beer"
Mat1asBEV&ICE
10-14-2023, 07:49 PM
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate it. Hopefully one will pop up on craigslist. :)
JohnK
10-14-2023, 07:53 PM
The best advice I can give you if you can't find a place to rent one is to find a friend or make friends with someone that has one. They're invaluable when you need one, and a PITA to have sitting around taking up shop space the other 99.9% of the time. :p
cv2065
10-14-2023, 10:41 PM
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate it. Hopefully one will pop up on craigslist. :)
Use Facebook Marketplace. Seems to be a lot more activity than Craigslist, at least in my area.
Mat1asBEV&ICE
10-15-2023, 06:07 AM
The best advice I can give you if you can't find a place to rent one is to find a friend or make friends with someone that has one. They're invaluable when you need one, and a PITA to have sitting around taking up shop space the other 99.9% of the time. :p
Excellent idea! I'll look around.
Mat1asBEV&ICE
10-15-2023, 06:08 AM
Use Facebook Marketplace. Seems to be a lot more activity than Craigslist, at least in my area.
Bingo, a bunch on there. I'll try to see if I can rent one. If not, FB marketplace it is. Thank you.
cv2065
10-15-2023, 07:34 AM
Bingo, a bunch on there. I'll try to see if I can rent one. If not, FB marketplace it is. Thank you.
$150-$200 is the sweet spot. Buy a good conditioned one for that and you’ll have no problem selling for the same amount. That’s free usage of the crane with no time limits.
Jeff Kleiner
10-15-2023, 07:43 AM
X a dozen or whatever. You'll need the reach of the heavier duty hoist.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191160&d=1557423757
Jeff
MB750
10-16-2023, 01:24 PM
I did the whole engine/trans install on mine twice with the HF 1-ton. That being said, I could NOT have done it with the body installed because I had the hoist jack right up against the radiator with the hoist arm at max length. It picked up the whole powertrain just fine though.
nashuanuke
10-25-2023, 01:59 PM
Thank you everyone for your guidance. I have searched on craigslist and posted in the Northeast forum in here but nothing thus far. I'm picking up the engine in two weeks so I'll need it soon.
You can usually rent one for like $25 a day. That's what I did.
rthomas98
10-25-2023, 02:12 PM
Sunbelt rentals has them if you have one near you. It is who I used to use before I broke down and bought one years ago. looking at their site looks like they still do them.
https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment-rental/general-construction-tools/engine-hoist/0730011/
Tooth
10-25-2023, 03:00 PM
Coyte is not possible with the 1 ton. Ask me how I know. :cool:
F500guy
10-25-2023, 04:43 PM
Be nice to have one available for swapping around in different locales, anyone close to PDX is welcome to use mine for small cost sharing.
k-roy
10-25-2023, 05:01 PM
You can usually rent one for like $25 a day. That's what I did.
x2. I rented it Saturday, returned Monday, $30. Didn't have to find a place to put it in my over-crowded small garage.
Not sure exactly where you are located, but if Hingham is not too far I have one you are welcome to borrow.
BEAR-AvHistory
10-26-2023, 12:06 PM
x2. I rented it Saturday, returned Monday, $30. Didn't have to find a place to put it in my over-crowded small garage.
Just a thought. I have a 2 ton unit that folds up & sits against the wall. Folds up to a 4 sqft. footprint. No major lost space as other things sit infront of it. Has had a number of uses including a few friends Cobra builds. Inexpensive on a cost per use.