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Platform for working in engine bay

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Codyboy

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I usually use a milk crate but sometimes need 2 of them stacked to reach to the back of the engine.
But 2 of them are really too tall and 1 1/2 would be almost perfect.
They each measure right at 11" high or so.

What do yall use for engine work?
 
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Codyboy

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Our mechanics at work when I was working had an L shaped platform they would use.
They'd set one up on each side of the truck and you could pretty much walk all the way around.

But I think it was only about as high as a milk crate.
 
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Firebrick43

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oldtractors said:
I have a topside creeper which really helps on some repairs. If I owned a Ford, I would build one of these. 1777075501957.png
Click to expand...
Don't need them on just fords anymore. Our new 3/4 ton chevy service truck at work I need to climb on the bumper and kneel across the radiator support just to add oil and need a steep to reach the dipstick, and I am 6'2"
 
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whateg01

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doo dah, kansas, usa
Firebrick43 said:
Don't need them on just fords anymore. Our new 3/4 ton chevy service truck at work I need to climb on the bumper and kneel across the radiator support just to add oil and need a steep to reach the dipstick, and I am 6'2"
Click to expand...
I think the reference was to Fix Or Repair Daily

over-the-head.png

I have an old sawhorse that's about 15" tall and uses a 2x6 for the top. It's not ideal but I have it.
 
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cody1325

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This one might be a bit smaller than mine (a two step, but it seems bigger than 14" tall), but being short, it really covers my rear for the myriad of stuff I can't reach. It's also much more stable than a flimsy folding step stool, and gives me more of a work platform than my old metal milk crate.

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DennisK59

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I am kinda shorter than I was at about 5ft 10, But Gorrilla lenght arms I still manage a Milk crate. Knucklrs aren't worth a darn
 
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KwikFab

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Central Valley, CA
Topside creeper, no brainer.

As someone that is disabled (back problems), I had to replace the starter after it went out and while I did it all in one day I literally couldn't walk the day after. Doesn't help I'm short and the stock height is pretty tall on a GX470.

20230703_111957.jpg

It was a lot of reaching over the engine bay since the wiring as well as multiple bolts are towards the firewall. They put the starter underneath the intake manifold on a 2UZ.

This was all done standing on a step ladder and reaching over the entire time.

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I borrowed a topside creeper when I replaced the knock sensor before selling it, and it was significantly easier/quicker even though the sensor was also underneath the intake manifold.
 
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Mike65

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Horse Pasture, Va.
When I replaced the spark plugs in my 05 F-150 I put a step ladder in front of the truck & put one foot on the ladder & knelt on the top of the front bumper to get at all the spark plugs.
 
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Copymutt

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To date Ive improvised. For the K20 a platform that slips into the plow sockets. For the 57 plate steel skid plate has a slight gap to accept this guy. The issue then becomes one of supporting your torso with one hand or a moving blanket to lay over the radiator. I have no more room for another large tool😵‍💫IMG_6740.jpeg
 
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75gmck25

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Alexandria, VA
For repairs that take longer I use a platform that is similar to the one in post #1. However, I bought mine at a paint store and I think it ran about $50 several years ago. The version at HD is Gorilla brand for $90 (looks like better construction than mine), and the light duty one from Harbor Freight is about $70. I have found the small platform really useful for a variety of jobs (painting, hanging pictures, fixing cabinets, etc.).

One issue I find with a platform is that you still have to hang over the engine bay to reach the back, and sometimes there is nothing in the right place to lean on. I'm afraid that I will try to support my weight by grabbing a convenient hose or electrical fitting and end up breaking something. A topside creeper would solve that problem, but then I would have to find a place to store it between jobs.
 
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cavalry

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Upstate NY
You can get platforms like the Vestil above at lowes or depot for like $60. I have a topside creeper, its great for it purpose, but its kind of a pain in the *** to store when you are not using it.
 
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Codyboy

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DennisK59 said:
I am kinda shorter than I was at about 5ft 10, But Gorrilla lenght arms I still manage a Milk crate. Knucklrs aren't worth a darn
Click to expand...
I'm short and might as well just have T- rex arms, almost.
1 crate gets me about midstomach high over the fender and 2 crates I'm up past my waste then have to support my upper body with a hand or elbow or something and thats not easy when you need 2 hands for a tool.

kaymccampbell said:
Here ya go. Topside creeper.
Click to expand...
Looks pretty good, but I'd have to try one out before buying. It almost looks like for the creeper to have clearance you're way above the work and the pad is not very big to lay on. Just seems like it would be awkward.
Mike65 said:
When I replaced the spark plugs in my 05 F-150 I put a step ladder in front of the truck & put one foot on the ladder & knelt on the top of the front bumper to get at all the spark plugs.
Click to expand...
Being short and owning all trucks/suburbans it's an issue for sure. Some of the older ones I've had had room enough to work a foot down into it , but nowadays the whole compartment is full.

On this last job that prompted this thread, I was replacing spark plugs on my 18 F150 3.5 Ecoboost. Very easy to access those plugs as they are right on top. The most difficult being the rear cylinders though as they are buried under the cowling/firewall. Even so it was the easiest spark plug change I've ever had to do.
 
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kaymccampbell

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Codyboy said:
Looks pretty good, but I'd have to try one out before buying. It almost looks like for the creeper to have clearance you're way above the work and the pad is not very big to lay on. Just seems like it would be awkward.
Click to expand...
It's steel. A bit of judicious cutting n welding could customize one for your specific use case.
 
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