I'd rather spend the 80$ on the support bar, that is actually LOAD RATED for holding an engine, rather than try to rig together 20$ worth of 2x4's and ratchet straps.

I guess it depends on how much you use it though. If you have a shop, and do alot of work on FWD cars, then would get the bar. If I was doing this out of my garage, then yeah, 2x4 all the way baby!!!!

 

Just did another Buick tranny swap today. Used the support to hold the engine while disconnecting the mounts. Engine hangs in space, drop subframe using floor jack, then R&I tranny using floor jack. The adjustable support on the brace makes fine adjustment of the engine very easy.

"I guess it depends on how much you use it though. If you have a shop, and do alot of work on FWD cars, then would get the bar. If I was doing this out of my garage, then yeah, 2x4 all the way baby!!!!"

I use the bar (not mine) at the shop, and when I eventually do such a job at home out will come the square tubing and the stick welder to make my own (with TWO adjusters for tiltage and with enough range for one to lift a transmission).

I have plenty of alternate gear, but bars are super nice to use. No dodging cherry picker legs or tying up the floor jack to hold a tippy engine while wrestling a transmission.