I'm designing a lift system in the garage in preparation for working on my '56 F100. How much does the average engine and tranny weigh. I'll set up a truss type system with an attachment point in the middle. Thanks, Jerry

 

Jerry -

Just a thought: I found a 2-ton cherry picker-style hydraulic engine crane at Kragan Auto Parts on sale for $150. They thru in a free engine stand! I used it to pull my 56's bed. Worked swell, and it folds up to store. Might be easier overall than making an A-frame.

 

Gotta agree with the engine hoist being cheaper and easier, but you may have other reasons to do it yourself.

As far as engine/transmission weights, I'd guess anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds, depending on the vehicle. You aren't going to find many that are over 1,000 pounds, unless you are talking industrial vehicles or diesel. You might find some under 500, if they are little four-bangers from a Honda or something. Design for 2,000 pounds and you'll be pretty safe.

 

Thanks Guys for you response. I plan to set a 20 foot 4X10 up at ceiling height in line and at the same height as the trusses. The span will be about 19'. On one side in front of my heating/air conditioning unit there is a pole about 3' high in the concrete prevent you from running into the heating/air unit. I plan to extend that up and weld a saddle onto it for one side of the 4X10 to set on. The other side of the 4X10 will set on the top plate of the wall that a single garage door is in. The header for this door extends across this single garage door all the way across a double garage door and I think it is a 4X12. The lift point on my 4X10 will be about 7-8 feet from where the pole and saddle are. I plan to build the A frame above that up in the rafters. When the drywall is re-installed nothing will be visible except what I hang off my 4X10. I may go with an I beam for one of those hoist on a track or just install an eye for a regular chain hoist. My overall challenge is to find an engineer that can tell me if the end result will lift the weight. I think at most I'll be lifting cabs, engines and trannies in and out. Right now that's the Ford 272 and tranny and replacing it with a 352 and tranny. What do you guys think? Know any engineers that could help me if I gave them the 4X10 support points (span) and lift point? Thanks, Jerry Eugene Oregon.

 

A fully dressed flathead weighs +/- 570 pounds. I guess you could add another +/-30lbs for a Y-block. Then 100-150 for a three speed. Somewhere there is a site with engine weights, but I don't think they listed y-blocks.
I think a fully dressed FE comes in at almost 700lbs.