+1 for Milk of Magnesia, used it many times on J-79s hot sections. Went together smoothly and never had an issue with galling threads. Ever since I have used it for spark plugs and exhaust fasteners on my own vehicles and experience similar results.
I was looking to do something very similar though I referred to it as a variable tier stand. Did a lot of searching and found a guy that was building a teeter totter style stand. If I remember correctly the MLT was in the center and the HLT and BK would travel up and down as required to permit...
I live in Roy, two local clubs I am aware of 1) The O-Town Hop Heads meet at The Union Station Fermentation on 25th St in Ogden see or call Nigel, he can dial you in the the meeting schedule 2) The Hill Hoparatzi but don't know much about them.
Used a metal trash can for several years. Works great even during horizontal snow fall. Also use it in the summer to reduce fuel consumption. Completely non-intrusive.