<VV> Lifting the Engine

[Larry Forman]

At 09:53 AM 11/25/2005 -0500, Cliff Tibbitts wrote:
>In the year or so plus that I have been following VV, since the CORSA
>convention was here in Lexington, I haven't seen any mention of this.
>
>On the bell housing, (at least for the MT) there is a hole at the top, about
>the size of a quarter.  Is this for lifting the engine?  If so, is it
>substantial enough to lift the engine, diff and tranny all at the same time?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Cliff Tibbitts

Hi Cliff,
While at the Ultravan national rally in Custer, SD, this year, I saw how 
this is used on some modified Ultras.  The modification is a strengthening 
of a cross member above the power train.  Then a bearing and long leadscrew 
with hook is inserted into this and the entire power train can be easily 
lowered to the ground and the Ultra pushed forward.  After any power train 
work is completed, the Ultra is pushed rearward over the powertrain and it 
can be easily lifted by cranking on double nuts on the long 
leadscrew.  What is nice about this is it's simplicity and light weight for 
a tool to remove the power train.  I don't think the leadscrew and bearing 
assembly weighs over a pound or two.  Some additional work is needed to 
balance the assembly at the rear of the engine, but it is certainly a great 
modification for Ultras.

-- Larry