Opinons on adjustable threaded engine leveler needed

[Oklacarcollecto]

In my collection of tools I am missing a very important item. I use a chain and it wears me out fighting it when I use the cherry picker.

I need to buy an decent engine sling that has the all thread to level it. What do you prefer and is there those I need to avoid?

I don't care for HF tools but is this an decent item from them?

 

[krazykuda]

Make sure that you get one with the Acme threads (square like a vise), the ones with regular thread take too long to crank (like jacking off for over an hour)...

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

Make sure that you get one with the Acme threads (square like a vise), the ones with regular thread take too long to crank (like jacking off for over an hour)...

Thanks... I had never thought about that issue.

 

[krazykuda]

Thanks... I had never thought about that issue.

I made the mistake of getting one with the "standard" threads and not Acme. that's how I found out that it makes a difference. The Acme threads get you farther per crank than standard threads.

 

[Bad Sport]

I made the mistake of getting one with the "standard" threads and not Acme. that's how I found out that it makes a difference. The Acme threads get you farther per crank than standard threads.

Yup, that's what I have, I picked it up at a second hand shop for 5 bucks. Looked to be new and still in the box.

 

[lou3500]

I have a Northern tool it's ok [has the acme threads] but the knob on the handle falls off other than that it's ok.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485246_200485246

 

[Bad Sport]

I have a Northern tool it's ok [has the acme threads] but the knob on the handle falls off other than that it's ok.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485246_200485246

That's the one I picked up, mine has a large nut so you can use a ratchet.

 

[krazykuda]

I have a Northern tool it's ok [has the acme threads] but the knob on the handle falls off other than that it's ok.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485246_200485246

Good point. My first leveler had 1 1/4" hex nuts for the adjusting, the new ones have handles. Sometimes the handles get in the way when you tilt the engine. The hex ones I just used a 1 1/4" socket on a 1/2" drive ratchet.

 

[oldkimmer]

............I've never used 1, always just the plate that bolts to the intake....are they really that much better...thanks.....kim.....

 

[godfatherofchry]

I use the one from H.F with no trouble just put grease where it slides and the all thread. I have even used the inpact on to move it faster:cheers:.......Artie

 

[pettybludart]

............I've never used 1, always just the plate that bolts to the intake....are they really that much better...thanks.....kim.....

Yes they,re worth the money and take the aggrivation out of any engine install.Makes it easier to install engine/trans together from the top.JMO

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

I have a Northern tool it's ok [has the acme threads] but the knob on the handle falls off other than that it's ok.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485246_200485246

That is just a bolt with a nut, correct?

 

[bighammer]

I just checked around the web, Summit has one that looks to have the Acme threads, and they have the best price I've seen: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1021/overview/ I just added one to my wish list!

 

[65Val]

All I can say is...DON'T GET A CHEAP ONE!!!

 

[70aarcuda]

Have had one for many years...really helps angling the trans into the tunnel...

 

[AlV]

Used one from HF just recently, was able to pull the engine by myself with no problems.

 

[BrianT]

We used a HF leveler last weekend to pull my 340. It performed exactly as you would want it to. The handle did come loose and had to be tightened, but that was the only problem we had with it. I probably wouldn't recommend it for a professional or someone who used it a couple times a year, but my buddy had it and it was free so we used it.

 

[krazykuda]

............I've never used 1, always just the plate that bolts to the intake....are they really that much better...thanks.....kim.....

Yes, they are much better. You can drop in an engine and trans in minutes without scratching the firewall or front header panel.


Once I have everything disconnected and ready to pull, I can pull the engine and trans out of my car in less than 10 minutes by myself.

 

[69a100]

I just checked around the web, Summit has one that looks to have the Acme threads, and they have the best price I've seen: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1021/overview/ I just added one to my wish list!

Why is the knob on backwards in that pic?? Looks like it'd be a real pain to use?

 

[bighammer]

Why is the knob on backwards in that pic?? Looks like it'd be a real pain to use?

I noticed that too, in the description it says the knob needs to be flipped around before use...

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

All I can say is...DON'T GET A CHEAP ONE!!!

Cheap new doesn't generally work for me so I avoid it. I don't want to spend a fortune (Snap On) since it will be occasionally used but I definitely want good quality so I expect to have to pay for it.

 

[64ragtop]

I bought this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-heavy-duty-load-leveler-5402.html
It's worked fine pulling and installing 2 engines with trannys.

BC

 

[Rapid Robert]

Bolt the rear pair of chains to not the rearmost intake bolts but the next pair forward. As said take off the crank handle & weld on a nut

 

[RustyRatRod]

The levelers are not needed if you disassemble the car like it was made. From the bottom. The problem comes in when you remove or install from the top, against the design. Then the leveler can help greatly. I don't see the need, because usually when you are pulling the engine, you are also doing other things like brake upgrades and suspension work. Working on the car the way it was intended, you can get all that done pretty much at once.

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

The levelers are not needed if you disassemble the car like it was made. From the bottom. The problem comes in when you remove or install from the top, against the design. Then the leveler can help greatly. I don't see the need, because usually when you are pulling the engine, you are also doing other things like brake upgrades and suspension work. Working on the car the way it was intended, you can get all that done pretty much at once.

When I am feeling decent I do a whole lot more than vintage cars and that is why I asked the question. I have 3 engine jobs on pick ups waiting right now.