[Vwdiesel] Need advice for Engine Stand & Hoist for VW diesel

[Maynard Southard]

My 12-year-old son & I are going to work together this summer to pull the
1.6L TD engine out of the '84 Jetta donor.  Eventually, this engine will go
in my DoubleCab, but there is no hurry. I would like to make it a father/son
project and take our time so that he can learn along the way. I expect that
we will at least replace the head gasket and possibly re-ring it.  I've done
these things in the past, but only with the engine installed.

I figure now is a good time to get an engine stand and crane hoist.  I don't
want to spend too much, but I don't want to scrimp either.  I doubt I will
ever pull anything other than a VW diesel (since that's all I really know),
but Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas AND Vanagons fall into the list.

I've seen 750lb, 1000lb & 1500lb stands;  3-wheeled, 4-wheeled, rotating,
etc.  I've seen combo hoists/stands.  American made, Chinese made, etc. I'm
not sure what will serve my purpose.  Most importantly, I want things to be
safe & secure & flexible enough that I won't have to stand on my head to
assemble things and that I can trust it with my son.

Any suggestions on design, make & expected price (new or used) would be
appreciated?  Respond by P-mail if you think this information is too mundane
for the list! Thanks.

Maynard
'86 DoubleCab Diesel
'82 Vanagon GL Diesel
'00 Golf GLS TDI
'02 Eurovan
'84 Jetta TD (donor)