New MaxJax Install Using Anchor Bolt Locations from Older Install?

[Mike S.]

So the the guy that I bought my house from had a MaxJax installed in the garage. I wanted to buy a new MaxJax M7K kit and wanted to know what your thoughts are on installing a new kit using the old anchor bolt locations. I would prefer to do this rather drilling new holes into the concrete.

The previous owner probably bought his MaxJax kit sometime between 2016 and 2018. The baseplate of the MaxJax changed at some point, but I'm having a hard time finding a dimensional drawing for the baseplate of the older models.

Here's the dimensions for the current M7K model.



This is what I've measured in my garage using a caliper.



I spoke with a sales rep at BendPak. They said the the base plates can shrink a bit when they're welded at the factory, but I'm getting measurements that are 5 or 6 mm off from their drawings.

The MaxJax is on sale until the 29th. Now would be the time to buy it, if I can convince myself to pull the trigger.

 

[AC-WC]

You can always enlarge the holes on the columns to match the holes in the floor. At 5-6mm that's easily fixed with the washer from the kit.

 

[Imatk]

Definitely wouldn't re-drill unless you have to.

 

[lolaetype]

It might be useful to make a template out of something like heavy cardboard (not corrugated) or Masonite, based on the M7K baseplate drawing. Use that to check the fit with the existing holes.

 

[Mike S.]

You can always enlarge the holes on the columns to match the holes in the floor. At 5-6mm that's easily fixed with the washer from the kit.

Thanks, I could probably do that. Do you have a MaxJax or is that a full size lift?

It might be useful to make a template out of something like heavy cardboard (not corrugated) or Masonite, based on the M7K baseplate drawing. Use that to check the fit with the existing holes.

I'll try to put a template together tomorrow. It's probably a good idea to see what I would be working with.

Tonight I tried to put an outline of my smallest car on the garage floor and marked the lift points. The previous owner was a Mopar guy and was always wrenching on Challenger's and Charger's. The posts are a little far apart for my cars, but I think it will work.



The arms at full extension (40") will reach the lift points with an inch or two to spare.

 

[mm08822]

If the present lift locations are too far apart for your current vehicles, can you move one or both posts in one set of holes? So you would re-use 2 of the existing holes and drill 3 new for 1 or both plates. (Check for doors ability to open.)

 

[AC-WC]

Thanks, I could probably do that. Do you have a MaxJax or is that a full size lift?



I'll try to put a template together tomorrow. It's probably a good idea to see what I would be working with.

Tonight I tried to put an outline of my smallest car on the garage floor and marked the lift points. The previous owner was a Mopar guy and was always wrenching on Challenger's and Charger's. The posts are a little far apart for my cars, but I think it will work.



The arms at full extension (40") will reach the lift points with an inch or two to spare.

I have a Triumph C7000, it's portable just like the MaxJack. Same concept just lifts higher and lower priced.
Here's what I used to enlarge the holes.

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Would definitely make a template. I tried painting the holes using the columns for the layout and it was horrible and why I had to enlarge 1 or 2 holes for alignment. The base plates were warped due to the welding.

 

[Mike S.]

If the present lift locations are too far apart for your current vehicles, can you move one or both posts in one set of holes? So you would re-use 2 of the existing holes and drill 3 new for 1 or both plates. (Check for doors ability to open.)

I think that's what I'm going to do. It'll move the post in a little over 5 inches.

I have a Triumph C7000, it's portable just like the MaxJack. Same concept just lifts higher and lower priced.
Here's what I used to enlarge the holes.

2 in. Double Cut Genuine Solid Carbide Burrs, 4 Piece

Amazing deals on this 4Pc 2In Double Cut Solid Carbide Burrs at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Would definitely make a template. I tried painting the holes using the columns for the layout and it was horrible and why I had to enlarge 1 or 2 holes for alignment. The base plates were warped due to the welding.

I made the template last night, which showed me how screwed up the post is against the wall. I'll move the this post inwards and drill 3 new holes. Unfortunately, the hole that deviates the most from the template will be reused, so I'll have to open up the hole in the base plate to accommodate.

This is the post in the middle of the garage, which looks pretty good.



This is the post against the wall.



The hole in the lower left is 6.5 mm (1/4") off.



I'm going to pull the trigger today. Having a low rise lift will hold me over while I save up to build my dream garage.

Thanks for your help everyone.