In my opinion, you would be better off renting the engine hoist and buying the engine stand. Look on Craigslist for deals. One ton is OK but the rating goes down as the boom is extended. A slanty is probably around 550 lbs. You can remove the engine and trans together but it is LONG and awkward. If I had to do it over again I would remove the trans first. When everything is ready to go back in, install and align the clutch and bellhousing while it is hanging from the hoist. Then you would put the trans back after the engine is in.
If you are planning on painting the engine bay it will take FAR longer than you think to do it properly. Otherwise, you might be renting an engine stand for 6 months. :)
I'm going through that right now. Just put the top coat on Sunday. Hopefully you are going to repaint the engine bay the same color as the body. Nothing says I'm a converted Chevy guy like a black engine compartment in a Mopar. O:)
