Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

I would go with swivels with as large of diameter wheels as you can afford for all wheels for two reasons.
1) Sometimes when working in a tight spots, you need to nudge the hoist over some.  It would be alot easier with swivels rather than giving a good kick to the back end side of the hoist.
2) Large cast wheels make it easier to roll around and less likely to get hung up on debris.

A clip to hold the pump handle right next to the pump when not used...mine has a welded ring on the upright column you can slide it into but most times slides out the bottom and ends out on the floor when your moving it around.

Tool tray or spot to mount one on the back of the main upright column to put your tools in a handy spot.

Perhaps a large fluid catch tray that can be mounted to the legs so when you pull something, when it leaks fluid out due to tipping it, it ends up collecting in it rather then spewing all over the floor (radiator / oil/ trans fliuid,

Why start from scratch ? can't you repair/modify the bent one into what you want ?
Yup, swivel casters on the back are a big help.
The tray is a nice idea, but I believe would get in the way. I have spare trans yokes that I slip back in right after pulling the driveshaft to prevent fluid from leaking.
If automatic trans, cooler lines at rad are plugged with rubber hoses.
Water pump lower hose is left on the pump and either loosened and turned up, or folded back and held with zip ties to prevent un-welcome spills.
I have the same lame ring for the pump handle as John. I have been "going to" weld a piece of enclosed pipe at the bottom so it can't slide off, but I use my forklift for most of these extractions/installs and haven't used the hoist enough to remember to make the cup.

This is the unit I have and it folds up into a nice size and rolls around on it's own 4 main base casters.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640934_200640934

I "picked" this up almost 20 years ago before they really started cheapening them. I've pulled a Viper engine with trans attached with it. I'll take measurements if you want.