Raising garage door tracks

[DerStig]

I have a ceiling clearance problem and was wondering if its possible to raise my tracks by 3" or so. Basically my 4 post lift's top lock is out of reach and need 1" to get the lock and another 2" to release it. My ceiling is only 91". I think I need to find a way to increase the angle of the top tracks so it gets closer to the ceiling.

I have a LM8500 jack shaft on this door as well.

 

[396_425]

Go to this site and get all of your questions answered.

ddmgaragedoors.com/diy-instructions/garage-door-high-lift-conversion.php

 

[gnpenning]

Yes you can. But first how much room do you have now above the door when it's open??

You will need longer cables, new springs, taller vertical track, depending on the drums you have and how much space is left on them for the cable you may need new drums. That's to do it right.

Depending on how much room you have you might as well use it all, the cost will be about the same.

 

[DerStig]

I have about 7-8 inches above the tracks right now. I dont think a traditional "conversion" will work here

 

[gnpenning]

It's no big deal. Decide on the height you want to raise the door. You will need to know the weight of the door for the new springs. The cable and springs are made to order. For the springs we just need to know the height, weight of door, radius of track, drum, etc and plug it in to the The vertical track can be a longer track cut down and with a few new holes drilled. The drums are easy as well they are made in different sizes to allow for more cable.

What is the radius of the track you have now? If you have a 10" radius you can just step up to a 15" radius with a few other parts and you can use the same track.

Your 8500 will be happier with a small high lift anyway.

 

[DerStig]

Is there no way to reuse the springs and drums? I m afraid I will sever my head with the spring removal

 

[gnpenning]

Short answer no. Not that some genius has cobbled together a homemade guillotine.

The door will have to come up past the drums and springs. The top panel will most likely hit the drum on the way up. If you pull the track back then you will have trouble sealing the door. Not to mentioned the spring and cable not designed for that amount of lift or to lift above it's self..

I don't know what your abilities are but with good winding bars and a little common sense, some GOOD instruction you could do it.