Max Jax question(s)

[Unhdsm]

Hello- long time lurker but this is the first time I had a question I can't find an answer for.
I am installing a Max Jax this week and- after a couple hours of playing with the placement- I am stumped.

My largest vehicle is a 2013 Ram 1500 CC. Danmar told me that the spacing should be at 120-135 inches. I assume this is from the back of the plates, as the instructions are written. I can just barely get the arms to the frame lift points at 119 inches. The posts are hugged right up to the mirrors and the doors are a very tight fit. I would love to mount them a little further apart. Am I missing something? I haven't drilled the anchors yet and I'd like to have this straight before I do that. I bought 5 additional anchors for a second configuration but I will wait until I figure out the first set up to determine where those will go.

Another question- for those who have worked with lifts- What is the minimum amount of space you would like in front of the vehicle?

Last question- Would two underhoist stands be enough (just for assurance) or do you need four.

Thanks!

 

[vettex2]

Last question- Would two underhoist stands be enough (just for assurance) or do you need four.

When you have a hoist , you don't need stands

 

[readhead]

Call Danmar?

 

[Unhdsm]

Call Danmar?

I did. Right before I posted. They think it should reach at 120-135 inches with my Ram 1500. I can't figure out what I'm missing. It could be that I'm a little too literal with the lift points? It could be the CC frame is different? It could be there is a trick to extending the arms further? I have no idea.

 

[Unhdsm]

After looking this again the only explaination I can come up with is that Danmars measurements for a Ram 1500 are with a single cab, short frame config. Customer service said that "could be a possibility". It will work with this truck I think, just a tight fit and a bit outside their measurements. I'm glad I checked before drilling.

 

[Mr onetwo]

I have had a 2004 2500HD Quad cab w/ 8ft bed on mine (photographic evidence attached} I will get the measurement and post it later today.2 stands are plenty.I think at least 4 feet in front is OK, but the more room the better IMHO.

 

[Unhdsm]

I have had a 2004 2500HD Quad cab w/ 8ft bed on mine (photographic evidence attached} I will get the measurement and post it later today.2 stands are plenty.I think at least 4 feet in front is OK, but the more room the better IMHO.

You're measurements would be amazing, thanks. I have the rotary hammer tomorrow so I need to make a final decision soon. Nice shop!

 

[Mr onetwo]

Make sure you follow the instructions explicitly for whichever style of anchors you are using.DO NOT use a pilot bit.Use the proper size sharp bit and let the drill do the work.Anchor failures are primarily due to oversized or out of round holes and not reading the directions! Good luck!

 

[Mr onetwo]

When you have a hoist , you don't need stands

WTF!!! If you really think that, then somebody should come slap some sense into you. Always use safety stands!

 

[vettex2]

WTF!!! If you really think that, then somebody should come slap some sense into you. Always use safety stands!

you obviously never worked as a mechanic
yes accidents do happen and 99.99999% of the time it's user error
that is just life
you need to slapped upside your head with a large wrench and be put out of your misery

 

[Unhdsm]

I'm aware I don't need them. Until I do. I'm buying some, I just wanted some input on using 2 vs 4. The bigger question is still how the hell to fit this truck under the seem-to-short arms. Are people fudging the ALI frame lift points? Do I just have to hit the edge of the ALI lift point (lengthwise, not width)? I'll look again tonight to see if I missed something obvious.

 

[lucky3]

I have had a 2004 2500HD Quad cab w/ 8ft bed on mine (photographic evidence attached} I will get the measurement and post it later today.2 stands are plenty.I think at least 4 feet in front is OK, but the more room the better IMHO.

Man your asking for trouble. That maxJax is only rated for 6000lbs, and u have a truck that big on it. I had one and it struggled to raise my avalanche which is a little lighter. I would then put 4 jack stand under it. U wouldn't catch me dead under your truck.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

yes accidents do happen and 99.99999% of the time it's user error

and that is exactly the reason why you should use stands, just in case you made a user error.

 

[Mr onetwo]

My MaxJax picks these truck up very easily(look at the photos)....you have to get as close to the lift points as you can and then make sure the vehicle is balanced.The rear factory points are too far back in my experience.A 1/2 ton Ram QC 4wd has a Curb Weight of 5,120 lbs...MaxJax does not strain to pick it up at all.

 

[Unhdsm]

Perfect. Thank you so much. The ALI rear lift point is behind that. It sounds like I may not have to stress about getting them perfect- but instead use them as a reference and use my head. That is the info I was looking for. I think I can take it from there.

 

[vettex2]

and that is exactly the reason why you should use stands, just in case you made a user error.

have you EVER worked in a shop?
I doubt it
if you had , you'd never say such a thing, EVER

 

[Mr onetwo]

Perfect. Thank you so much. The ALI rear lift point is behind that. It sounds like I may not have to stress about getting them perfect- but instead use them as a reference and use my head. That is the info I was looking for. I think I can take it from there.

I normally try to hit the front lift points as close as possible because all the weight is up front.Thr rear ones just end up where they end up...be safe out there.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Two safety stands will be fine but get the shorter ones because the regular safety jackstands are too tall.

Get frame cradle pads for the lift when lifting trucks on the frames


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Unhdsm]

have you EVER worked in a shop?
I doubt it
if you had , you'd never say such a thing, EVER

I've been around garages and mechanics my entire life. I've just not had the privilege of using a lift myself. I know two lifelong, smart mechanics that have had trucks tip off them. Things happen. You get tired or distracted. The vehicle has rust you didn't see. Earthquakes. Safety latch failures. It's like motorcycles- You're in it long enough and something unexpected will happen. I needed to know if having 4 would make much difference and thanks all for your input. I already have one short tripod stand and the other will be on the way. I really appreciate all the info.

 

[vettex2]

yeah, you get distracted and then lower the lift with a stand under it.
sorry, you have no experience
if you have a lift, you don't need stands

 

[Unhdsm]

yeah, you get distracted and then lower the lift with a stand under it.
sorry, you have no experience
if you have a lift, you don't need stands

I don't. Thanks for your perspective.

 

[lucky3]

My MaxJax picks these truck up very easily(look at the photos)....you have to get as close to the lift points as you can and then make sure the vehicle is balanced.The rear factory points are too far back in my experience.A 1/2 ton Ram QC 4wd has a Curb Weight of 5,120 lbs...MaxJax does not strain to pick it up at all.

Those extenders are pretty high. Very good chance it could easily slip off the frame. U should get a pair of truck adapters so u don't take a chance of the truck slipping of the pad.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Those extenders are pretty high. Very good chance it could easily slip off the frame. U should get a pair of truck adapters so u don't take a chance of the truck slipping of the pad.

They add 7" in height so I can roll under the vehicle in my wheelchair. The pins don't add any extra movement.I may fab up a set of frame "saddles" in the future but, I don't think the round pads are unsafe in anyway.They grip very well...you just have to make sure they are centered on the frame properly.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Unhdsm....PM me!!!!! I screwed up the measurement!!! S/B 119" Back to back