Removing 1GRFE with 4" lifted truck

So I need to pull the engine in prep to drop another in.
I have about four inches of suspension lift.
Anyone got any brilliant ideas how to get it out without cutting the crossbar over the radiator, and/or removing the A/C condenser?
I can't locate an A-frame hoist, otherwise that would be my first option.
A few ideas I've come up with (weigh in with your thoughts):
1) Figure out a secure means of attaching a chain hoist to my garage's stick-frame ceiling. I would of course spread the load across as much of the ceiling as possible.
2) Remove the front 33" tires, compress the suspension as much as possible, and try pulling it with a cherry-picker.
3) Lift the truck as much as possible and remove the engine from underneath. This would be the most work, as I would need to remove the front axle (4wd).

 

Remove tirez place vehicle on jack stands

 

I say get the front tires off, coilovers off, get it as low as possible, use a cherry picker to get it out.

 

So after reviewing the options, taking it out from underneath is a no-go. Two crossmembers in the way. Duh.
It looks like I'll be taking off the wheels, and either compressing the suspension as much as possible, or removing the coil-overs.

With any luck, I'll have the engine on a stand tonight or tomorrow. (Really wishing I hadn't sold my old engine stand. "I now have a brand-new Toyota, why would I ever need an engine stand again??")

 

just did all this last month. 3 in of lift tho. anyways, pull the tires and lower as low as you can get it on jack stands. gets real easy to work on it when its that low

 

or he could just set it on the rotors it wont hurt nothing just put lug nuts back on to keep rotor from moving

 

What's up with your motor?

 

wtf, how you guys breaking theses things?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/so...cue-needed-anybody-near-ridgecrest-395-a.html

 

spun a bearing on piston no 4 and had scored bearing on all rod bearings and man cap bearings. not sure if that caused the low oil pressure i had, or the low oil pressure caused the bearings to get fucked. if thats the case i dont know what caused the low oil pressure

 

Low oil pressure was the cause, not the effect.

 

yeah but why? i had issues on the truck before i had low oil pressure.

anyways, to answer your earlier question. just take tires off and lower as low as possible and put it on jack stands.

here is a pic. only reason i pulled more of the suspension than i needed was because i had coil bucket gussets installed and i replaced the LCA bushigns

 

I would try to do it with only the tires off as taut would save from paying for another alignment unless it needed one anyway

 

Taking off coilovers and putting them back on wouldn't warrant another alignment, but I'd do one after a rollover anyway.

 

I generally do an alignment after any trip. Certainly after any time I'm wrenching on the suspension. And it was a given after the rollover. I love Firestone's Lifetime Alignment!

 

Engine is completely ready to be pulled. All I have to do is get the hoist, then see if I need to roll the truck out of the garage or not before I drop the suspension.

So now my next question:

Wtf do I hook to? I don't see any hoisting eyes or hooks, or really any provisions for any.

 

Let me ask Krish (rcfreak). He just swapped his motor for the same issue.

 

Ok he didn't do it himself, but I did find this thread

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/76358-1grfe-engine-swap.html

 

That's strange that your cherry picker won't go high enough to clear a 4" lifted Tacoma.

I pulled a 350 out of a 3" lifted 3/4 ton chevy on 33's without lowering it at all. I almost maxed out the hydraulic cylinder but it cleared the radiator with no problems.

As for where to attach it, I'd use exhaust manifold bolts.

 

I bought the hooks from Toyota that mount to the side of the heads. If u look at the pass side head above the last exhaust port, I will see two holes. On driver side it's between middle and back ones. The hanger/hooks mount there