Moparts

Anybody use an engine support bar

Posted By: Vert

Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 04:23 AM

I'm looking at swapping motor mounts on my Barracuda with heavy-a$$ hemi. Anybody use an engine support bar that holds the engine supported on a bar with legs that sit on inner fender? Pretty sure my body guy used one when he swapped my k-member for one that wasn't bent.
Posted By: moparx

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 04:14 PM

i have built several of these over the years for front drivers, and they work very well. with that being said, it's important to choose material that will support the weight you need to support, plus make the leg "base" as long and wide as possible to support the weight over as large an area as possible. 3/16" material thickness should be more than enough, and for the "cross bar", i would say 1 1/4 or 1 1/2" square tubing would do the job just fine. this would allow your engine to sit there without a transmission being attached. but since you are just changing mounts, why not just use a piece of padded 1/2" plywood under your floor jack to support the engine ? lots less work, and adjustable as you need it.
beer
Posted By: Skeptic

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 07:22 PM

I used a HF unit when I swapped in my B engine in my 68 Barracuda. It held up flawlessly supporting the engine/trans.
Posted By: minivan

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 09:07 PM

When I was in High School( 72-73 ) I used a couple of 2X4's with a piece of steel(Fender to fender) when I had to replace my K frame in my super bee in pic... Worked fine

Attached picture DSCF0175.JPG
Posted By: Supercuda

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 09:51 PM

Originally Posted By minivan
When I was in High School( 72-73 ) I used a couple of 2X4's with a piece of steel(Fender to fender) when I had to replace my K frame in my super bee in pic... Worked fine


Used the 2x4 method as well. and a ratchet strap
Posted By: BDW

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 10:57 PM

Originally Posted By Skeptic
I used a HF unit when I swapped in my B engine in my 68 Barracuda. It held up flawlessly supporting the engine/trans.


What is a "HF unit"?
Engine hoist ?
Posted By: AndyF

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/22/17 11:30 PM

HF is probably Harbor Freight.

The last time someone asked this question (earlier this week if I recall) I posted a picture of my bridge crane and said that was how I hold up the engine when changing parts. People thought I was showing off so I won't show the picture this time.
Posted By: Skeptic

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 12:15 AM

Originally Posted By cnxt
Originally Posted By Skeptic
I used a HF unit when I swapped in my B engine in my 68 Barracuda. It held up flawlessly supporting the engine/trans.


What is a "HF unit"?
Engine hoist ?
Harbor Freight Link whistling
Posted By: Vert

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 03:28 AM

Originally Posted By AndyF
HF is probably Harbor Freight.

The last time someone asked this question (earlier this week if I recall) I posted a picture of my bridge crane and said that was how I hold up the engine when changing parts. People thought I was showing off so I won't show the picture this time.


Andy, I'd love to have a bridge crane. If you have a link to that previous post I'd appreciate it. I did a search before posting here, but missed that somehow. Thanks to all who mentioned 2x4s and rachet straps. My hemi and trans weigh roughly 900lbs. I have a 4 post lift. I plan to disconnect the headers, lift the engine, and swap from Schumacher mounts to Aruzza mounts. Looks like doing it from the bottom is easier. Not trusting my arms and hands to 2x4s with an engine hanging above them, and the steel beam I gave away years ago cost more than an engine support bar does today. I appreciate the help folks. Seriously!
Posted By: UCUDANT

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 03:35 AM

Yup



Posted By: BDW

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 03:52 AM

Interesting, no issues with that denting the inner walls or fenders?
Posted By: Vert

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 05:21 AM

Originally Posted By UCUDANT
Yup





Exactly what I wanted to see! Thank you!
Posted By: Porter67

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 06:39 AM

NOOOOOO!

Originally Posted By minivan
When I was in High School( 72-73 ) I used a couple of 2X4's with a piece of steel(Fender to fender) when I had to replace my K frame in my super bee in pic... Worked fine
Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 07:24 AM

Originally Posted By AndyF
People thought I was showing off so I won't show the picture this time.


Showing off?
Anyone sensible that reads your posts surely knows that you are a smart, yet humble guy. Those that feel different can take a hike.
Posted By: moparx

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 05:20 PM

Originally Posted By cnxt
Interesting, no issues with that denting the inner walls or fenders?

with the base as long as possible, and padded, [plus the legs being high enough to clear the fender tops] there should be no damage incurred.
beer
Posted By: floridian

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/23/17 07:38 PM

Originally Posted By EV2Bird
NOOOOOO!

[quote=minivan] When I was in High School( 72-73 ) I used a couple of 2X4's with a piece of steel(Fender to fender) when I had to replace my K frame in my super bee in pic... Worked fine
[/quot
Posted By: UCUDANT

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/24/17 01:13 AM

Originally Posted By cnxt
Interesting, no issues with that denting the inner walls or fenders?


No, but I also don't have a Hemi.
Posted By: UCUDANT

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/24/17 01:23 AM

... it also worked great for helping install a FWD trans when I was alone with just a small floor jack
Posted By: minivan

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/24/17 08:52 PM

Originally Posted By EV2Bird
NOOOOOO!

Originally Posted By minivan
When I was in High School( 72-73 ) I used a couple of 2X4's with a piece of steel(Fender to fender) when I had to replace my K frame in my super bee in pic... Worked fine


YESSSSSS... $700 dollar gas hog in 74.. Nobody wanted them..
Posted By: ahy

Re: Anybody use an engine support bar - 08/25/17 02:58 AM

I have a doubled up 2x4 screwed together with ~8" piece of pine 1 x 2 attached to bear on the seam between the fender and apron for that purpose.

I use it with a 3/8" threaded eyebolt and short length of chain to attach to the rear most hole on a manifold lift plate. Adjust the nut on the eyebolt to set height. No problems with a BB when supporting the engine after transmission removal. I do use a jack and block of wood under the pan while actually pulling the transmission. In part to be able to move it up and down and in part to avoid overloading the engine support.

No damage to the fender... the wood actually rides on top of the fender mount bolts.
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