I have a 617 5 cylinder turbo diesel engine all disconnected and ready for removal (with transmission, does not seem possible to access bell housing bolts with engine in car) in a 1979 300SD. I removed the AC pump, fan, radiator, and since it's a parts car--I cut and removed the body above where the radiator used to be for more clearance.

Anyway, I notice there is one eyelet in front and two in the rear of the engine. I have an engine hoist with a hook. What is the best way of hooking onto the eyelets to lift the engine and transmission out? They are supposed to come out at a 45 degree angle, but since I cut out the front portion of the body they should be able to come almost straight out.

My shop manual CD says to use rope in the eyelets, but what kind of rope? Or what should I use to connect the eyelets to the hoist hook? I am thinking of possibly using chain and some carabiners. Any thoughts?

P.S. The engine will be bolted up to a 4 speed column shift transmission and installed in a 1967 fintail.