348 Custom Engine Dolly

Just thought I'd share some custom dolly info for my 348. I found a really neat dolly pic posted by Jetfixer awhile back where he used hydraulic rams on all 4 corners of the dolly to facilitate bolt alignment during engine extraction and re-installation. I just installed a 2-post lift in my garage, so I lifted the car and got the points where I believe make the best 4 points of dolly-subframe contact. The cart is now being welded up at a local shop - will post some pics when I get it back next week. Below are pics of Jetfixer's cart and a cad drawing I came up with illustrating jack points:
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I will post pics for sure... The only thing I was unsure of was the ideal total height (bottom of castors to top of unextended jacks) for easy removal/installation. I got under the car and simulated threading the 12 main subframe bolts and decided on a total height of 35 inches. Using the hydraulic jacks I can get another 7" if needed. I just want to cut down on wrestling time especially during engine re-installation. I am starting my 30k major next week and not a moment too soon as my t-belt tensioner on the right bank is 'chirping' - yeehaa.

 

yeah yeah I know - maybe a bit of overkill but my confidence level in doing this 30k is teetering on a thin line and I simply need all the advantages I can think of before hand...

 

I will let you know how it works - I think it's going to make things really easy. I need all the maneuverability I can get as I am going to be disconnecting the a/c (leaving it on the car so I don't have to evacuate the system) and will need to squeeze the front of the engine right on by the pump.

 

Here's my problem - I live in a part of Canada where it is very hard to get any goods/services outside of what is normal. I have a '91 ts that has r12 in the air-con. Can't get a recharge anywhere. I have looked at the clearances and it appears that one can move the pump forward while lowering the engine. I am going to give it a try - I think...

 

hahahaha

 

Interesting... I will keep this in mind and do some asking around. I know eventually I will have to get my aircon modified to take the new stuff. Thanks for the tip.

 

That cat is priceless! Well I guess this is my chance to formally thank you for the idea. I could tell you were pretty psyched about it at the time and I got to thinking that 'yeah, that thing really is the cats ass dolly'. I don't want fear the engine-out task and I think this is going to be a pretty sweet tool. Thanks mate.

Troy

 

Here's a pic of the final product guys. Might be as good looking as Weasel's after I get a chance to spray a few coats of rosso on it. It aligns with my jack points perfectly.
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Almost forgot - the whole thing (castors, jacks and frame) cost $350.00.