Pulling the engine. Jack or Hoist?

[Ziptar]

I am going to try to at least get the engine out of the 89 Carat this weekend.

I don't have a hoist and I need a new jack anyways.

I was thinking I'd just get a really nice floor jack and either drop out the bottom or pull from the front (minus bumper and front engine x-member)

How does the jack method work out for a guy doing it alone?? better off with a hoist?

[burn_your_money]

I've done both and I love my hoist

[clbanman]

If you don't have a hoist, look into a chain hoist.  I have one, and while not as convenient as an actual engine hoist, it will work, is substantially cheaper, and doesn't take up as much room while using it.  The only downside is you can't use it if the ceiling in your garage is finished.  I use 2 4X4's to spread the load across 4 ceiling joists and run a chain around them to hang the chain hoist from.

[saurkraut]

I've pulled 'em and put them back in with a jack with out any problems.

Lately, i've been unsuccessful in keeping the darn things on a jack, so I've been pulling them and putting them in with a chery picker.