Easier to pull engine AND transmission-only engine or trans?

[MKMike]

I have to replace the rear crankcase cover gasket, as it has blown out and created a huge coolant leak.
Not looking to do extra work or to make things more complicated.

Which is the easier to do option; Pull engine & transmission; pull transmission or just pull the engine?

How does anyone get the nose of the car high enough to remove anything from the bottom?
I already have bars to support the engine, from a subframe change but am not averse to getting a hoist and engine stand.
Just looking to save myself grief.

Kind of shocked that at 90K my engine needs such a repair.

[michtom]

Pull the engine using a cherry picker! Not that bad of a job!

[MKMike]

Thanks, Michtom.
So, just the engine alone?
Any decent brands--or brands to avoid?

[michtom]

Yes, engine alone! Much easier if you don’t have a hoist. Otherwise you would remove the transmission to access! No suggestions for gaskets other than quality, as you don’t want to do the job again.

[MKMike]

Thanks again!
I should have been clear, I was wondering which brands make good quality cherry pickers.

[dougtoth]

I have never heard of replacing the rear crankcase cover gasket.
Is that an unusual problem?
90K is nothing on these engines.
I just passed 150K on the 2001 and have 259K on the 2000.
Sorry to hear about this problem.

[MKMike]

Been told it isn't uncommon.
Perhaps it tended to occur on some years and not others.
This one is a 2002 SSEI.

Anyone who has knowledge of which brands are/aren't good on the hydraulic engine cranes/cherry pickers or whatever name you prefer, I'd appreciate if you let me know.

[harofreak00]

I had a project car with that rear crankcase cover gasket leak, the coolant just poured out. With a lift, its easier to drop the trans out the bottom and fix it in the car, but if you only have a cherry picker, the engine out the top is the best way. I wouldn't worry about the brand, the 500lb engine is well within the specs for even the cheapest lifts.

[MKMike]

I had hoped you'd reply, as you have the most experience in Bonneville repairs.
Thank you.
As for lifts, what brand do you recommend for home lifts?
I don't have a cherry picker or lift, yet.
Thanks again.

[harofreak00]

Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for the cherry picker would be fine.

The lift I have in my shop is an Eagle Lift, about 20 years old. The lift was here when I bought the building. I have no idea what I'd recommend for a home use situation.

[MKMike]

Thanks again!