fwiw,
the very, very most easy way is to drop the engine and transmission as a
unit.
I just balance it on a floor jack........
and sometimes I weld up adapter plates that plug right into the floor
jack and mate with the engine or power unit perfectly.

Other Tricks :
here's a trick I saw mentioned here..........
the engine is always a bit tall to get out from under the van ( if
working with van on jack stands, which I much prefer and recommend
).........right ?

removing the alternator first makes the engine a few inches lower to it
fits out from under the back of the van easier.
And removing the intake manifold and plenum before the alternator makes
removing the alt. easier,
and makes the engine less tall yet.

scott
www.turbovans.com

The Westy man wrote:
> Yes, I know, a few did listen and made the same, thank God.  I mean, the
> saving of time and trouble is huge.
> I'm glad, you let anyone borrow yours.  Although it is so simple to make,
> one could do it in less time than going back and forth to borrow one.
> Zoltan
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark Tuovinen" <mst@ak.net>
> To: "The Westy man" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
> Cc: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:26 AM
> Subject: Re: What's the easiest way to drop a stock engine?
>
>
>> Some of us do listen.  I copied your hoist using a boat trailer winch I
>> had at the house and a 2'X8' last month to drop the engine and
>> transmission out of the Syncro I am parting out.  It worked great,
>> thanks
>> for sharing the idea.
>>
>> If anyone in my area needs to use one they are welcome to borrow mine.
>>
>> Mark in AK
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: The Westy man <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
>> Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8:56 am
>> Subject: Re: What's the easiest way to drop a stock engine?
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>
>>> It is amaizing how people won't take good advice.  I have written about
>>> the most easiest way to get engine out, especially getting in,a couple
>>> of times now.  It must be in the archives, I'm sure.  I may look in my
>>> files if I kept it though.
>>> Zoltan
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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>> 6/14/2008
>> 6:02 PM
>>
>>
>
>