Alternative to bendpak rj45 rolling jack?

[racerock]

Hey guys, i'm back on the idea of getting a rolling or sliding bridge jack for my bendpak hd7p 4 post lift.

Problem is that 2-3 years ago you could get it for $950 shipped.
Now, it's pretty much $1200.
On top of that the car I work on most is my foxbody mustang.
Best jacking points is the subframe connectors. The floors and pinch weld are pretty fragile so I prefer to only jack up from the subframe connectors
I don't think the rj45 goes that narrow and appears you need a pedestal kit that goes on the center bar for another $300.
The subframe connectors are just about 31 on center apart.
If that is how it is, i'd be in this thing $1500.

I'm by no means cheap, but with a 1 year old and a bun in the oven, the $950 i planned on spending was already stretching the toy fund. I don't want to add a third to that number.

I've seen other slide jacks for $500 to about $950, some of which go narrow similar to this one: http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-bridge-jacks-clsbj4.html

Any thoughts?

I'm not going to use it professionally, so the manual pump doesn't bother me. Says it had protection for sliding although i read here the sandpaper painted ramps may make it tougher to slide.

I have the jp3 jacking tray already and i don't love it. I had to have it modified by a friend because it wasn't level with the runways because the jack stands need to be half on half off of it. I also had him weld a rail on because i didn't trust the stands weren't going to slide off. It will be good later with a bridge jack, for putting the stands on, but as a jacking point, i just don't feel that safe.

Get a good, certified Assymetric 2 Post Lift to actually work on the Foxbody and many other vehicles!

I look at how much it costs for a pair of good rolling jacks and you could nearly be even up on a 2 post.

But you need a second bay.

 

[bdyster]

My salesman said the RJ-45 was discontinued, and Jeff is on vacation this week, but thanks to this thread I was able to send him to Lillian, who OK'd the RJ-45 substitution. They quoted me "2-3 months," but I said I'd wait. I'll post again when they ship.

...

All prices are going up September 1st. I don't want to spoil our nice discussion with politics, but the fact is that these things are made of steel and come from China, and that means importing them is about to get much more expensive.

Like others, I bought my HD-7P about a year ago and also had been waiting on buying the bridge jacks. Today I was able to contact Liliana (actually bought my lift thru her a year ago) and was able to still order RJ45s as BendPak is still offering them at least for a limited time right now for GJ members.

She also confirmed several key measurements and confirms what others have be noting:
Min height of jack as measured above the rail deck height:
RJ45: 3"
RBJ4500: 4.5"

Min pad span (outside Dim):
RJ45: 44"
RBJ4500: 42"

Max pad span (outside Dim):
RJ45: 61"
RBJ4500: 57"

So the RJ45 does have ~1.5" better drive-over clearance and a bit better max span to reach the pinch welds and may address some of the issues others noted with the RBJ4500.

Lili also confirmed that the redesign was part of getting the bridge jacks certified so maybe they are beefed up a little and also reduce the span helps reduce deflection at full extension. Lead time for the RJ45 is 60-90days and she also mentioned that there is still enough interest in the RJ45 (partially due to GJ) that BendPak *may* continue to offer it as an option for GJ members who like to order off-menu.

I noticed that other websites are still offering the old pricing of $1175 for the RBJ4500. However I was told that when those sites put thru their order to BendPak for drop-shipment, the order will be denied. BendPak was getting a lot of returned orders today - apparently as a result. Thus, it doesn't seem like there is a way to get around the price increase unless you are willing to take a RBJ4500 and can find a retailer that has their own stock on hand.

Unfortunately the new pricing did go into affect Sept 1,and I found this thread a few days too late and it cost me $260 extra per jack. (I agree with the comments about another 2post being the same price and I have the extra bay, but I know my wife would kill me if I put another lift in the garage.)

Since most of my cars don't even weigh 4500lbs TGVW, I'm not worried about certification and prefer clearance and span versatility. Thus, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on 2 RJ45s today to guarantee my place in line before the option of the old style runs out.

 

[00vprgts]

I got my 7W installed today. Got the lift before the price hike. I opted out of the jack for now. Now that I have the lift I’m going to take my own measurements and see what my options are. Either order the old school rj45 or I’m pretty sure the advantage rolling jack will work.

 

[JMURiz]

I wonder if/when BendPak will make a manual bridge jack as a cost effective alternative. I'm looking into getting an old-style RJ-45 for my old/low sportscars, but I'd really like to save some money by manually raising the jacks.
...sounds like there are no other options (re-re-reading this thread and others) I'll try and get a hold of Jeff and/or Liliana to see if I can get hooked up with an old style one.

Or if anyone has found one that works with an HD-9, I'd love to know which ones work.

$ saved would go right into my cars

 

[a52-830]

i meant to get back here, but keep forgetting about it. now that this thread has risen to the top, here i am.

i dug out the "old" craftsman large vertical tank compressor i have, and moved it into where the lift is. at 90lbs, it provides 6CFM. given that, i assume it is safe assuming that it will provide over 5CFM at 100PSI.

NOTE: the manual that comes with the unit includes the directions for adding the optional air kit to the lift. the air kit does not mention how much air it needs, and allows for servicing two jacks. the manual for the jacks wants, as i recall, 10CFM @ 100PSI.

attaching the air to the jack and pushing down on the lever causes a racket of the air over oil pump starts (do your others make that noise? both of these do). after a second or two, the jack starts to rise, engages with the car, and starts to lift it. fortunately, it is much slower than i feared, since the mechanism is really an on/off situation (there does not seem to be the ability to vary the speed).

all told, i am happy. the lifts are movable, but require some effort. this is what i want, i dont want to adjust the location of the lift itself or the arms and have it get bumped out of position.

i noticed this on the BP web site:

https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/accessories/air-bottle/

has anyone gotten this? i assume it captures air from the ram used to lift the platform.

 

[jcar302]

i noticed this on the BP web site:

https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/accessories/air-bottle/

has anyone gotten this? i assume it captures air from the ram used to lift the platform.

This site explains more.
https://www.garageappeal.com/bendpa...essed Air Bottle For BendPak Car Lifts | $205
I think i'll get one soon.
My craftsman compressor is loud as hell and I always forget to turn it off.

Thanks for posting it.

 

[a52-830]

I think i'll get one soon.
Thanks for posting it.

no problem. i would appreciate your opinion of it after you get a chance to play with it some.

 

[JMURiz]

Good news, due to popular demand...in most part due to this forum's requests...they are making new batches of the RJ-45.

I just ordered a pair and they should be manufactured and delivered before year-end.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Dannmar makes rolling jacks that are identical to bendpak but a few hundred cheaper. My 6k jack was $999 shipped from summit a few months ago. I imagine the 4500 is a little cheaper. I use 4"x4" wood blocks when I need to jack something in the middle and they work good.

I just ordered and installed this same jack on my BendPak hoist. Price is up to $1100, but it's still a few hundred less than the BendPak.

 

[pbon]

Is the danmar identical to the rj4500 or the older and lower profile rj45? The bendpak rj45 works well with lowered cars.

 

[PoorOwner]

the price is getting a little out of hand, end up using the money towards a mid rise lift (about same price) for the other bay to do 4 wheel off work

 

[mtwaterguy]

Is the danmar identical to the rj4500 or the older and lower profile rj45? The bendpak rj45 works well with lowered cars.

I don't know if it's identical to either one of the BendPak jacks. I do know it fits the lift.

 

[pbon]

What is the minimum height above the ramps (measured without a car on the ramps and from the highest point of the jack — which is probably the middle)?

 

[Tom Vermont]

Good news, due to popular demand...in most part due to this forum's requests...they are making new batches of the RJ-45.

I just ordered a pair and they should be manufactured and delivered before year-end.

Did you ever get your RJ-45’s? I paid for a pair in August, and I still haven’t received them. I can’t get anyone at Bend-Pak to return my calls or emails. My salesman doesn’t work there anymore. The place seems to be a mess. Are they in business?

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Did you ever get your RJ-45’s? I paid for a pair in August, and I still haven’t received them. I can’t get anyone at Bend-Pak to return my calls or emails. My salesman doesn’t work there anymore. The place seems to be a mess. Are they in business?

I got my shipping confirmation today. When I ordered in August they estimated mid-December. I imagine people will start to see theirs shipping out over the next few days.

 

[pbon]

They had to start making the old frames again. At first they were using leftover old frames so orders were filled quickly but stock was limited.

 

[mtwaterguy]

What is the minimum height above the ramps (measured without a car on the ramps and from the highest point of the jack — which is probably the middle)?

The top of the jack, which is flat, is 2 & 1/2" above the ramp.

This jack comes with the accessory lifting kit and has free shipping.

 

[pbon]

Similar to the Bendpak RJ45 that is in production again. It is 2 and 3/16 with no pad on top of the metal frame.

 

[jcar302]

This site explains more.
https://www.garageappeal.com/bendpa...essed Air Bottle For BendPak Car Lifts | $205
I think i'll get one soon.
My craftsman compressor is loud as hell and I always forget to turn it off.

Thanks for posting it.

no problem. i would appreciate your opinion of it after you get a chance to play with it some.

So the idiots at bendpak have let me down for Christmas.
First off, my wife ordered the air tank weeks ago and since most if not all bendpak products drop ship, it didn't come in time for Christmas, somehow...

before I even opened the box I knew I was in trouble, it ships in a box just barely large enough to fit in, well the relief valve that you pull to let the pressure out is bent to hell.
Now it's got to go back and i'm sure the it will take weeks to get another.

BTW, it doesn't really look like the pipe bomb that it does in pictures.

 

[WaterBoyz]

pbon said:
Is the danmar identical to the rj4500 or the older and lower profile rj45? The bendpak rj45 works well with lowered cars.

MtWaterGuy said:
I don't know if it's identical to either one of the BendPak jacks. I do know it fits the lift.

The top of the jack, which is flat, is 2 & 1/2" above the ramp.
This jack comes with the accessory lifting kit and has free shipping.

So, am I to understand that the Danmar DRJ-6 works well with the Bendpak HD-9?
https://dannmar.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/drj-6-rolling-bridge-jack.html

A52-830 said:
It doesn't fit. The axles for the rollers stick out too far, and rest on the sides of the U shaped channel.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7234889&postcount=53


It looks like the Atlas RJ6 has the grooved rollers to fit the HD-9.
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-RJ-6-Rolling-Jack

 

[naim]

Hey I think that this bridge might be a solution, if not better than the rj45 rolling jack.
It's $800, has a wide top base and comes with high-density lift blocks eliminating the rj45 adapter kit, adjustable wheels to roll on.
The pump is manual. Not sure if that is a plus or minus. On my rj-45, I wish the foot lever was a bar so it would be easier to control by my hand.

https://advantagelifts.us/lift-accessories/RJ-M-Rolling-Hydraulic-Jack-Manual

 

[a52-830]

Hey I think that this bridge might be a solution, if not better than the rj45 rolling jack.
It's $800, has a wide top base and comes with high-density lift blocks eliminating the rj45 adapter kit, adjustable wheels to roll on.
The pump is manual. Not sure if that is a plus or minus. On my rj-45, I wish the foot lever was a bar so it would be easier to control by my hand.

https://advantagelifts.us/lift-accessories/RJ-M-Rolling-Hydraulic-Jack-Manual

those big rubber pads in the center will fail it for a number of people with low vehicles. . . . .

 

[mtwaterguy]

pbon said:
Is the danmar identical to the rj4500 or the older and lower profile rj45? The bendpak rj45 works well with lowered cars.

MtWaterGuy said:
I don't know if it's identical to either one of the BendPak jacks. I do know it fits the lift.

The top of the jack, which is flat, is 2 & 1/2" above the ramp.
This jack comes with the accessory lifting kit and has free shipping.

So, am I to understand that the Danmar DRJ-6 works well with the Bendpak HD-9?
https://dannmar.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/drj-6-rolling-bridge-jack.html

It fits my HD-12

 

[PoorOwner]

those big rubber pads in the center will fail it for a number of people with low vehicles. . . . .

it is just showing a couple blocks it comes with but is not attached to the jack, the arms extend out which is usually how it is used, or you can use the middle of the jack to make contact with the vehicle (plus those blocks) if needed.

 

[WaterBoyz]

those big rubber pads in the center will fail it for a number of people with low vehicles. . . . .

The thickness can be adjusted with the proper tool. Or pads from some other jacks would work. There are arms that extend out that have a place for the traditional tubular adapters. Oh wait, there are conflicting images and videos of the rolling jack.

One shows arms extending and one shows the center section sliding apart.
Hummmmm

I'm waiting for someone to pull the trigger on this jack so the rest of us can buy or walk.

 

[WaterBoyz]

So, am I to understand that the Danmar DRJ-6 works well with the Bendpak HD-9?
https://dannmar.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/drj-6-rolling-bridge-jack.html

It fits my HD-12

I'm guessing the HD-12 is similar to the HD-9 for the distance between the ramps since the HD-12 is no longer on their website so I can't compare.

 

[LT 562]

Has anyone experience with the Challenger RJ3.5? (I cant post links/pictures yet).

I have a HD-7p and I can’t see why it wouldn’t work. Two different resellers assured me it won’t work because Bendpak is very good at designing incompatibilities with competitor brands. But maybe as authorized resellers, they don’t want to risk saying otherwise?

Thanks!

 

[WaterBoyz]

Has anyone experience with the Challenger RJ3.5? (I cant post links/pictures yet).

I have a HD-7p and I can’t see why it wouldn’t work. Two different resellers assured me it won’t work because Bendpak is very good at designing incompatibilities with competitor brands. But maybe as authorized resellers, they don’t want to risk saying otherwise?

Thanks!

I bought the Advantage manual rolling jack for my HD-9. Fits perfectly.

Since I bought my HD-9 a little while back, I don't know if Bendpak or Advantage made any design changes. That said, I did have to go through the jack to fix issues from sloppy assembly and prep. I have OCD so that could be an issue

 

[LT 562]

Definitely good to know. Hoping the Challenger can be used, as it's on sale right now for just over $600.

 

[pbon]

Don’t assume. One guy bought an Atlas and it did not fit.

 

[WaterBoyz]

Don’t assume. One guy bought an Atlas and it did not fit.

It depends on how the inside edge of the runway is made. Some are just a flat lip. Some have no lip. Some have a ridge to their lip. The Bendpak I have has the lip with the ridge. The rollers of my rolling jack have groves to ride on the lip ridge.

 

[LT 562]

Obviously, not assuming (although hoping) as I'm asking good folks to make an informed decision.

 

[WaterBoyz]

Obviously, not assuming (although hoping) as I'm asking good folks to make an informed decision.

Based on the video of the Challenger 3.5 it looks like it rolls on wheels that have a wide flat spot in the center. I guess that could work on the Bendpak ridge.

Another thing to consider is how high the jack is when fully lowered. Could be a concern for low vehicles. You may not have one today but you have to look in the future as well as friends and family that would like to be a lifting participate.

Also need to know how far out the arms reach. Lots of people have complained about the arms not reaching suitable lifting points.

My Advantage has a huge platform on the top that can support a variety of foam blocks or other stuff so that it can also be a lifting point.

And finally, some people have had issues with their jack setting lower than the runways. That causes the jack assembly to touch the floor before the runways do, which causes the jack to be taller. That could add to the overall height beyond the jack's dimensions.

There is more to know beyond the "it fits".

If I remember, I take some pics of mine.

 

[LT 562]

I think I'm a couple posts away from posting pictures and links. I have been studying the dimensions graphic to see what the potential issues can be.

I do have low cars as well as tall/wide ones. Like others have mentioned, I don't think there's much that can't be overcome as far as vehicle specific matters go. I generally prefer to lift from frame vs body seams.

The under roller height/depth is a very good point though. As you pointed out, I am seeking to understand if it'll work, not just if it fits.

Relevant pictures would be fantastic. Would be great if someone with the Challenger would emerge to do the same.

 

[shopnut]

I thought some of you might find my latest project over in my gallery thread of building an RJ45 jack alternative interesting.

I bought an HD-9XW in 2014, but didn’t have the budget to buy the RJ45 back then. So I started working on my own type of bridge jack. It got shelved for many years, but I recently decided to wipe the cobwebs off of the project and finish it up.

My story starts here where I introduce the project, show the components, and state my goals:
DIY RJ45 Alternative

This is what it looks like currently and it’s looking very promising at this point. I added reversible 110VAC gearmotor drives to two scissor jacks and stole some parts from a floor jack spreader beam.

 

[1320str8liner]

I have a HD-9 and, like you, was concerned about the cost of adding RJ-45's. I bit the bullet and bought two of them with my lift. They fit great (important for clearance on low ground clearance cars). They roll super easy with the ball bearing wheels. And they reach virtually anywhere across the vehicle when combined with the adapter kit. In the past, I have improvised many a time when lifting vehicles. Without question, getting the HD9 with a pair of RJ45's and adapter kits was pricey, but it is super convenient and safe.

I know this thread is a few years old but
you mentioned clearance for low cars. Can you tell me the drive over height with the jack pads removed?

They make a low profile version where the drive over is only 1/4” difference, but it’s always on back order, so I’m thinking of just getting the regular and taking the pads off when not using the jacks

 

[sschung]

one lower priced alternative may be the j5h rolling jack from PEAK. this looks pretty much like the RJ4500 except with sliders instead of rollers. if you have smooth runways like the newer bendpaks, this might work for you out of the box. it is meant to slide on the runway faces instead of the jack channel. it could be made to work in the jack channels as well with some modification.