Hi, I know this is going to sound stupid, but I need some input as to what type of engine lift you used to install 455 into a 1972 cutlass , I have the Harbor Freight 2 ton model and do not have enough length on the boom. Is there a lift made that has enough length ?

 

Can you fab a new boom extension piece that slides into the lift?

 

Deflate the front tires.

 

I have the same engine hoist and used it to pull and install the 360 engine in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Are you extending the boom all the way out?
if you use the holes marked by weight capacity it will be too short. You have to live on the edge and put the boom as far out as you can. It doesn’t roll very well with a lot of weight on the end of the boom but it is manageable. I did it by myself.
good luck

 

You might have to shorten up on your chains as well. If you're using a load balancer and just hooking into the swivel snap hook of the lift you'll probably have a tough time with clearance. I don't think the 455 is any taller than a 350 (if you used it to pull a 350 from you car). I used a plate on the intake.

 

lift height is not a problem, the problem I have is the lift cylinder is tight on the front bumper and oilpan is about half way on the cross member and I cannot move it any further rearwards.

 

This thread might give you some options.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ft-buy-134641/

 

If you want to live dangerously, or carry your ***** around with a bucket, you could drill another hole in boom and extend the arm another couple inches. My hoist on the longest boom is rated for 750 pounds, that leaves about 100 pound safety margin (more if you have aluminum parts, or a less than fully assembled engine) I would still want some added ballast on the rear of the hoist for a counterbalance.

My hoist will drop the engine on the frame pads with the hydraulic cylinder about an inch from the bumper. The hoist is also older than dirt, I’m sure like everything else over the years they have gotten cheaper and made accordingly

 

I don't think this is surprising. As I understand, these cars were designed to seat six at most.

 

Post a photo. The hoist should have plenty of reach. I have a similar Chinesium hoist and it works fine.

 

i had this same issue putting the 455 back in my 76 cutlass .i ended up doing a boom extension on mine ,it worked fine but you will need to be careful it can tip forward .i had my big brother on the back end so it wasn't going nowhere .that exact setup however will NOT safely lift the 455 and turbo 400 trans together (ask me how i know!)