Guy's I'm wanting to pull the engine on my V6 Bird and I can't find a crane with a long enough reach to do the job! As far as I can see number plate to center of the lifting eyes on the engine is around 53in (1346mm)
The closest one i've found is the Clarke CFC1000LR with a reach of 1500mm but thats the entire jib length not from the hydraulic ram. Would removing the bumper cover and the crossmember give me any more room to work?
What sort of cranes do you all have? I'd be interested to know because I can't work out how the hell I'm gonna do it!

Speed.

The one I use which is perfect is CFC1000LR 1T. Long Reach Workshop Crane.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...workshop-crane
£176.23inc.VAT

The problem with some of the MM cranes is that the advertised length is the total length including the unuseabel portion behinde the hydraulic ram. I bought the next smaller one in the range as it looked as if it would be okay from my measurements on my TransAm and my Lotus. However, it was too small for even the Lotus to be done safely.

The disadantage with this Long Reach one is that it doesn't fold. However, it is relatively easy to dissasemble for transportation and/or storage. It is very sturdy and high quality though.

I removed the bumper for extra margin and safety. Although you 'might' manage with leaving it on, it's not worth the risk of damaging the bumper. The support behind the bumper can definitely be left in place.

Thanks for that Dr G, thats put my mind at rest a little. I looked at that crane and thought it would be ok but wanted to find out if anyone else had used one to save me wasting money. I'm on holiday this week so I'm gonna pull the nose off and the bumper support etc for extra safety, then get off and get the crane.

Cheers, Speed.

The plastic lattice style bumper support is held on by an unusual trim screw. Some will be easy to get off, others will break in the process. If any break then use a nut, bolt and two washers in substitution of them in the reinstalling process.

This is also a good time for you to repaint/protect the metal behind that area that's unseen normally.

Also, be careful with how you store your bonnet so that it doesn't get damaged. I kept mine standing up with fabric and sponges underneath and supported from both sides. Laying it flat with fabric/foam above and below would be ideal.

Hey Dr, Yep got the bumper cover off and the bit of metal support behind it so thats given me an extra six inches right there! My vans currently at a workshop having some body work done so when i get it back I can get down to Clarke to get the crane. Just took off the rear drive shaft and i'm off out to remove the torque arm, shifter linkage, and electrical connectors & lower the transmission to get to the bellhousing bolts :s

Speed.

The crane comes flat packed, I was able to fit it into a Ford Focus with the rear seats down.

Are you doing a full restoration? If it's just an engine swap then you don't need to lower the transmission, torque arm etc.

Good luck with things.

Hey Dr G,
Got my crane 2 weeks ago (In 3 boxes!) and I managed to remove one of the long bolts in the rear diff box and the bracket on the tranny and the arm swung out ok. I'll keep ya posted how I get on. Not doing a full resto though, the engines fine as wine. I got bad freeze plugs and want to take the engine out to do the job properly (putting brass ones in) and give it a good clean.

Speed.