mounting to engine stand
 

I'm about ready to lift the engine out of my 1998 F-250.

I have an engine stand from Harbor Freight on the ready to secure it to and want to make sure I have everything I need ... like the bolts to properly secure it.

I was led to believe I could use the transmission to engine mount holes for this purpose, but having just pulled those bolts, I see that they are only M8 X 1.25. Using just (4) of those hardly seems strong enough to safely hold up an engine weighing hundreds of lbs.

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Steve
Kissimmee, FL

The factory bolts probably won't be long enough. What I typically do is pull one transmission bolt, put it through the hole in the stand and verify it's too short, then take it down to the hardware store for thread reference and get 4 grade 8.8 bolts and several washers. I like them about an inch longer than the stand holes and if they go into the block too deep, space it out with the washers. I have a drawer full of bolts just for the stand because of the variety of engines I end up working on.

Yes, 4 bolts will support the engine using the transmission to block holes. Trust me, they held my V10 with heads and intake, they will hold your V8. Don't bounce it around or anything.

Grade 8's minimum.

I just ordered a package of (5) M8 x 1.25 x 100mm class 10.9 on Amazon for about $5 plus $5 S&H.

I need one inch of threading in the motor and 2.75" to get through the engine stand. 100mm is just over 3.75", so I should have just enough for a washer or two.

Well ... seems I got exactly what I asked for. My class 10.9 M8-1.25 x 100mm bolts arrived, and they are too small. Apparently, I was under the mistaken assumption that hex head size usually implied the bolt type. Nope. The 13mm hex head bolts that hold the transmission to the block are actually M10-1.5, and it seems that Lowes down the street carries a class 8.8 M10-1.5 x 100mm.

Just go to a local "Fastenal". They carry anything you may need.

Yup I bought mine from Lowe's as well. Being Metric it's a little harder to find in the store