Is an Engine Leveler Worth It? Pulling an Engine & Transmission Together | The ROY Garage

Pulling an engine and a transmission out of a classic truck at the same time is a massive job. Trying to angle the whole assembly out of the engine bay without hitting the firewall, radiator support, or fenders can quickly turn into a frustrating wrestling match.

On this episode of The ROY Garage, we put a shop engine leveler to the test to see if it actually makes pulling a Chevy 355 small block and a Turbo 350 transmission out of an old International pickup easier.

Watch the full video walkthrough below before diving into our breakdown!

Parts & Tools Used in This Build

• Engine Leveler: Pittsburgh Engine Leveler from Harbor Freight

• Shop Apparel: Gear up in heavyweight, broken-in style with The ROY Garage Apparel Collection!

Step 1: Prep the Hoist and Clear the Bay

Before hooking up any lifting gear, make sure your work area is clear and your equipment is ready.

1. Assemble the Hoist: Put together your shop engine hoist, ensuring the hydraulic jack and control knob are oriented correctly for easy access.

2. Clear Obstructions: Don't forget to remove stray radiator mounts, fan shrouds, and any remaining front-end components that could block the path of the swinging drivetrain.

3. Support the Drivetrain Tail: Because you are pulling the engine and transmission together, remember that your driveshaft is going to slip out of the tailshaft. Place a jack stand underneath the transmission tail housing so it doesn't drop to the ground unexpectedly when it breaks free.

Step 2: Hook Up the Engine Leveler and Four-Corner Chain Setup

An engine leveler gives you precise control over the tilt angle of your load by turning a central threaded crank.

1. Attach the Four Corners: Bolt the heavy-duty steel angle brackets from your leveler kit to all four corners of the engine and transmission setup (securing two points on the engine and two on the transmission).

2. Adjust Chain Length: If your leveler sits too low or lacks immediate adjustment room, shorten up the chains by undoing a bolt, shifting to a different chain loop, and securing it tightly.

3. Clear the Wires: As you begin lifting, keep a close eye on your wiring harness, fuel lines, and kickdown linkages to ensure they don't snag or wrap around the lifting chains.

Step 3: Crank, Tilt, and Pull Out Smoothly

Once everything is unbolted from the mounts and crossmembers:

1. Take Up the Slack: Slowly pump the hoist until the chains go tight and the engine weight begins to float.

2. Adjust the Tilt: Crank the leveler screw to tilt the nose of the engine upward, allowing the heavy transmission tail to clear the firewall and crossmember smoothly.

3. Use a Wrench for Leverage: Turning the leveler crank under a heavy load can be tough on your hands. Keep a large crescent wrench handy to slip over the adjustment crank for extra mechanical advantage.

Verification: The entire engine and transmission assembly should glide smoothly out of the bay at a controlled angle without binding against the firewall or fenders.

The Verdict: Is an Engine Leveler Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. If you are pulling an engine and transmission together, an engine leveler saves an immense amount of time and physical effort. Trying to manually manhandle a heavy, unbalanced drivetrain out of a truck bay without one is a recipe for dented firewalls and strained muscles. Having the ability to dial in the exact tilt angle on the fly makes the whole operation effortless.