Alan, You can do it with a trolley jack but as you mentioned it's scary as h*ll. I think RWebb was referring to something like this:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/PORS/POR_PORS_PTOOLS_pg1.htm
I found a relatively inexpensive transmission jack that works well. Wider stance than a trolley jack and the platform angle is adjustable side to side and front to back.
John