Engine Hoist Too Short

[Rhino]

I've never pulled an engine with the hoist to the side such as that. I have what appears to be a similar designed hoist. It clears the front no problem. Have you approached it from a different angle?
If that's not a possibility, how about fabricating a new, longer arm extension? The few inches you're lacking shouldn't cause too much trouble.

EDIT: Otherwise, I've pulled engines a few times by running a chain across the engine. One bolt in one of the accessory mounts, then across the engine in the back of the head. That will give you a little more leeway. If you do something like that, be ready for the engine to swing hard toward the hoist once it comes off the mounts.

[19sixtynine]

That looks like the Harbor Freight engine hoist that I have. If so, i've used it to pull the small block out of my 69 Camaro and the big block out of the donor 1979 GMC pickup I bought and had no issues with clearance when pulling from the front, I never tried pulling from the side though....is there a reason to pull from the side versus the front?

[67Camaro RS/SS 350]

That looks like the Harbor Freight engine hoist that I have. If so, i've used it to pull the small block out of my 69 Camaro and the big block out of the donor 1979 GMC pickup I bought and had no issues with clearance when pulling from the front, I never tried pulling from the side though....is there a reason to pull from the side versus the front?

This is a Harbor Freight crane, but this is their 1 ton crane and it only extends to 50.25". It appears the 2 ton crane extends to 79". The 1 ton must be for imports because I even took the fender off and it's still short by an inch or two. I hope they will let me exchange it. If anyone has plans to purchase an engine crane, make sure it extends to at least 60". If not, you will be in the same boat I am.