[whirnot]

When I put my Mitchell transmission in, I didn't use a spreader or a dolly. I just cut 2x4 blocks to fit from the spring perches to the top of the differential housing, and drilled a depression in one end to center on the top bolt.
Then after removing the wheels, I let the axle down so the backing plates sat on small skid plates made from plywood. Then just slid the axle back. But I did have the car on the hoist.Next time I will make plywood wheels.