engine support bar

[ehall]

I was talking to a local guy about using an engine support bar to hold my engine in the air while dropping the trans and cradle. Looking for any experience about them, pros and cons, brands to avoid, 2- or 3-legged, whatever. I've done a bit of searching and looking but looking for direct experience.

 

[joejeep92]

I honestly don't use one while dropping xj engines. Front wheel drive's of course but nothing rwd. My shop uses an OTC one...

 

[ehall]

Yeah I got a FWD GM also thought it could be handy dropping the trans on the XJ

 

[joejeep92]

http://www.tooltopia.com/atd-tools-7477.aspx
Ours looks a lot like this.

 

[ehall]

How do you like it

 

[joejeep92]

It does the job. What kind of car?

 

[ehall]

85 Cadillac DeVille and 91 Jeep Cherokee, maybe my dad's F-150, dunno. I don't have a garage and nowhere to use a regular hoist, so I was thinking about the support bar for misc jobs like motor mounts and the like

The one I have seen that I like the most is this one, but the guy doesn't make it anymore



The split-beam OTC looks pretty simple but I don't know how adjustable it is for angles. The tubular OTC looks pretty nice too, but I think the angles are not adjustable and depends on the third leg but I'm not sure.



Might make one from square tubing and some cam clamps

 

[joejeep92]

Usually you will get along just fine with the two mounting points. I only pull out the three when something will be waiting on parts for a while.