I have moved engines on cranes many times. The worst is a Ford 460 in an old F150; the engine is very heavy and must be raised very high. It's not mine, but I've helped remove and reinstall that engine three or four times so far.

The unpaved surface is your worst enemy. Perhaps you can lay down some lumber to support the hoist.

Put the engine crane on a sheet of 3/4 plywood and you can pull it away from the car with a come-along attached to another car or with rope and a Z drag system or just pull it back slowly with a car.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Dunl, I think I would build an inexpensive trackway using 2 x 10 treated lumber. Then once you have the engine out and high enough start bringing it back and across the alley. I would do this with a "come a Long" properly attached to a post, pole or the trailer hitch of a vehicle placed in the proper place. Move it slow and have a helper to keep it on its track. Move it slow and easy, with the engine quite low and you will do OK. Four lengths of lumber should do the job as you can bring them back up front after or as you advance.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!