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  •  » Wheel cribs for transmission removal

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    9/06/2020 10:51 PM  #1

    BradH
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    Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I am going to build a set of wheel cribs to support my 66 fastback and 5.0 Miata when I do under car projects. What do you guys think the minimum elevation should be for a project like a TKO 600 removal or a clutch replacement? If someone could give me an actual number it would be helpful. That way I can purchase some overpriced 2x4's. The stuff is out of sight right now. LOL.-Brad

     

    9/07/2020 1:20 AM  #2

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Mine are a fraction of an inch under 12 inches and aren't high enough to get a trans out using a HF tranny Jack. I think I had to raise one side 3-4 more inches for clearance.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    9/07/2020 2:48 AM  #3

    BradH
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks Bob

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/07/2020 5:51 AM  #4

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I have a set of 4' tall stands I built for installing subframe connectors, etc.  All 2x4 and 3/4" plywood.  You need a 2 post lift to get the car on them though.  Plenty strong though, and allows me to wheel around under the car of a stool. Makes welding, etc. much, much easier.  

     

    9/07/2020 6:26 AM  #5

    val fulesday
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    there is a show on TV that they use the 2X4 cribbing on there cars that they work on. I use heavy duty jack stands but I like the idea of the cribbing under the wheels much better, more stable especially if you need to shake the trans. coming out or going in. many years ago I had a pick up fall on me. there isn't a time I get under any car that I don't ask my self if there is something else I can do to make this more safe. recently we had a guy here where I live, crawled under a trailer and the jack failed killing him. always stop and rethink before getting under a car on stands or what ever

     

    9/07/2020 9:39 AM  #6

    6sally6
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    val fulesday wrote:

    there is a show on TV that they use the 2X4 cribbing on there cars that they work on. I use heavy duty jack stands but I like the idea of the cribbing under the wheels much better, more stable especially if you need to shake the trans. coming out or going in. many years ago I had a pick up fall on me. there isn't a time I get under any car that I don't ask my self if there is something else I can do to make this more safe. recently we had a guy here where I live, crawled under a trailer and the jack failed killing him. always stop and rethink before getting under a car on stands or what ever

    Cinder blocks are NOT a good option!!  (A good story for MSBB over adult beverage night!)
    6s6
     

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    9/08/2020 5:20 AM  #7

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Cinder blocks can work, provided you understand how a cinder block is designed to be loaded.  Cinder blocks are extremely strong in only one direction, and ridiculously weak in all others.  They are designed to be stacked and have weight bear down on them (looking down at the block it should look like a figure 8).  Then you need to cap it with something like a piece of 2x wood.  This spreads the load evenly.  If the block is point loaded it can fracture.  You also need a solid surface underneath it.  Wood, concrete, etc.

    What you cannot do is stand a cinder block on end, or lay it sideways.  You do that you're just asking for it to collapse. 

    Honestly though, wood is the best option.  If you hit a construction site when they are framing the floor of houses you should be able to load up on 2x10 or 2x12 scrap for free.  LVL material is also great, and comes 1-3/4" thick or thicker (I've set LVLs that were 9-1/4" thick).  Elevated decks are usually framed off 6x6s, which also make good blocks.  The taller you go the wider you want your base.  You can screw or spike the blocks together if you're worried about separation.  I used this method for years before I had a lift.  Never had a problem. 

     

    9/08/2020 7:31 AM  #8

    MS
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Forget the cinder block idea.  It just is not worth the risk.  2x4 wood laid flat like in cribbing works well.
    12” cribbing under the tires is plenty high enough.  But add the thickness of any tranny jack, like BBII suggested.

    Then figure out how to get the car UP THERE.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    9/08/2020 8:04 AM  #9

    Nos681
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    They are cement blocks now...not cinders...like back in the old days.😂

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

    When I had the car on four jack stands ( all in good shape of course), any shaking that needed to be done with me under it.
    I placed my old spare tires still on rims, fore and aft of where I was working.
    Just a backup plan.
    Hey...it was me, myself, and I working on it.
    Since most of my wrenching is solo.

    Last edited by Nos681 (9/08/2020 7:31 PM)

     

    9/08/2020 7:33 PM  #10

    6sally6
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    Cinder blocks can work, provided you understand how a cinder block is designed to be loaded.  Cinder blocks are extremely strong in only one direction, and ridiculously weak in all others.  They are designed to be stacked and have weight bear down on them (looking down at the block it should look like a figure 8).  Then you need to cap it with something like a piece of 2x wood.  This spreads the load evenly.  If the block is point loaded it can fracture.  You also need a solid surface underneath it.  Wood, concrete, etc.

    What you cannot do is stand a cinder block on end, or lay it sideways.  You do that you're just asking for it to collapse. 

    Honestly though, wood is the best option.  If you hit a construction site when they are framing the floor of houses you should be able to load up on 2x10 or 2x12 scrap for free.  LVL material is also great, and comes 1-3/4" thick or thicker (I've set LVLs that were 9-1/4" thick).  Elevated decks are usually framed off 6x6s, which also make good blocks.  The taller you go the wider you want your base.  You can screw or spike the blocks together if you're worried about separation.  I used this method for years before I had a lift.  Never had a problem. 

     

    Oh.............I didn't crush the block!!
    6s6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    9/09/2020 5:30 AM  #11

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Nos681 wrote:

    They are cement blocks now...not cinders...like back in the old days.😂

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

    When I had the car on four jack stands ( all in good shape of course), any shaking that needed to be done with me under it.
    I placed my old spare tires still on rims, fore and aft of where I was working.
    Just a backup plan.
    Hey...it was me, myself, and I working on it.
    Since most of my wrenching is solo.

    Technically they are referenced as CMU (Concrete Masonry Units), but in common parlance people still use the term "cinder".  Its kind of like calling what's really aluminum foil tin foil. 
     

     

    9/09/2020 6:04 AM  #12

    Rudi
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Must be different in Newark, I have not heard the term “cinder blocks” In Canada for many decades!

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    9/09/2020 12:43 PM  #13

    Nos681
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Rudi it’s like “car” in most of the U.S. but “caaaar” in Massachusetts.😅

     

    9/10/2020 4:54 AM  #14

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    It's mostly, how should I put this...more seasoned individuals who still use the term "cinder". 

    I say soda, you say pop, let's call the whole thing off...

     

    9/10/2020 7:22 AM  #15

    DC
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I grew up in an area that had a lot of brick and block production, and that was because of readily available raw materials. "Cinder" blocks around there actually had cinders in them from all the power plants along the Ohio River. Cement blocks did not. It was common to see cinder block garages next to homes with Cement block basements. Cinder blocks were way cheaper and lighter.

     

    9/10/2020 7:34 AM  #16

    Rudi
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Not many here more well seasoned than I am! lol

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    9/10/2020 9:05 AM  #17

    rpm
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    DC wrote:

    I grew up in an area that had a lot of brick and block production, and that was because of readily available raw materials. "Cinder" blocks around there actually had cinders in them from all the power plants along the Ohio River. Cement blocks did not. It was common to see cinder block garages next to homes with Cement block basements. Cinder blocks were way cheaper and lighter.

    Thanks DC, I did not know that.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    9/10/2020 9:29 AM  #18

    BobE
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I made these based on what I saw on a few of TV shows.  They are 18"long, 10" wide and 10" high to the top of the 3/4" plywood.  Each level is screwed together and I added 1/4" threaded rods on all four corners.  This raises the rocker panels to about 20" off the ground.  While I haven't used it to pull the transmission, I would think the height would be adequate for this task. I do have to raise the car a few inches, and reset my hydraulic jack with a block in order to raise the tires high enough to set these in place.
    And yes, I'm old enough to remember cider blocks ... and to have used them!


    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    9/10/2020 11:01 AM  #19

    Bolted to Floor
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    TKOPerformance wrote:

     

    I say soda, you say pop, let's call the whole thing off...

    They're all Coke's in different flavors!!!
     

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

    9/10/2020 2:01 PM  #20

    val fulesday
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    the older I get the more I like the idea of the cribbing, I have 4 big jack stands and I like the idea of the "larger" foot print that the cribbing offers. being under the and shaking it to get things lined up, I would feel safer with the cribbing, I've already had a pick up fall on me, have that happen to you one time and see if you don't start thinking more about your safety.

     

    9/11/2020 5:55 AM  #21

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    DC wrote:

    I grew up in an area that had a lot of brick and block production, and that was because of readily available raw materials. "Cinder" blocks around there actually had cinders in them from all the power plants along the Ohio River. Cement blocks did not. It was common to see cinder block garages next to homes with Cement block basements. Cinder blocks were way cheaper and lighter.

    Some places also used that cinder/ash to fill potholes.  If you mixed it with used oil from the generators it created like a cheap asphalt.  You'd never be able to do that now, and now I'm feeling seasoned...
     

     

    9/11/2020 5:56 AM  #22

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Bolted to Floor wrote:

    TKOPerformance wrote:

     

    I say soda, you say pop, let's call the whole thing off...

    They're all Coke's in different flavors!!!
     

    So long as its not Pepsi.  Sorry, I spent a lot of time in the Atlanta Coke indoctrination center...er...I mean "museum". 
     

     

    9/11/2020 8:55 AM  #23

    rpm
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I don't think I've seen one Pepsi product in Atlanta.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    9/11/2020 9:20 AM  #24

    Rudi
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    Teen years in high school, lunch breaks at corner confectioners. Remember this  is in the fifties.
    Coca Cola  came in a small bottle and Pepsi came in larger bottles at same price. Been a Pepsi guy all my life.
    Dif strokes, dif folks

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    9/11/2020 4:01 PM  #25

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Wheel cribs for transmission removal

    I actually prefer Wild Cherry Pepsi to Cherry Coke.  Sshhhh, don't tell Big Brother in Atlanta.

     

     

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