Engine support bar

[Jon M]

So I have an engine support bar for my old Honda (that I never got to use) but it only extends to about 64" wide. Unfortunately our 7th generation, Bullnose F150's have about a 71" to go between the edges of the hood. I need this to lift the engine high enough to get access to change my oil pan gasket.

I don't have a set up that would support an entire engine lift, but a support bar would be perfect. Except I can't find one wide enough anywhere. Looking for either a good creative solution or a decently priced support bar that reaches the entire width.

Thanks in advance!

[Gary Lewis]

How about resting 2x6's on the radiator support and the cowl, front to rear, and then put the support bar on them?

[Jon M]

Man that is a fine idea. I'd been wracking my brain all day on a solution to this. As it happens I've got a few 4x4 and a 4x6 pressure treated posts laying around, I'm certain I can make something work with these.

[Gary Lewis]

You could put a 4x4 across the cowl and then front/rear 4x4's on that one to spread the load on the cowl.  And don't put that back on the louvered part, but up front where the cowl hits the firewall.  Or, better yet, pull the cowl and put the 4x4's direction on the top of the firewall.

[Rembrant]

You could also lift the engine with a floor jack and put blocks between the engine mounts and the frame. You'd have to cut slots in the blocks to go around the studs, but it should also work depending on how high you need to lift.

[Jon M]

that's a solid idea. I wonder if the third engine mount (the one in the center closer to the transmission) would also need a block under it?

I just need it high enough to get the pan out, so I don't know how much actual clearance I'm looking for going into this.