If you read the directions the are very specific about where the hooks are setup. I didn't have any 2x4's on hand so I just backed the jeep in saw which cross beams would work, made sure they were equal distance, and tried it expecting to have to fix it later. It worked great so I have not...
If you have the "hey google" feature turned off, there should be a microphone button on the bottom right corner of the android auto screens. You can use that as well. If you get a message about voice functions not available, then you need to enable permissions in the Google app.
Surging engine and hard to brake sounds like a vacuum leak. There is a TSB related to hard brake pedal which involves a vacuum hose.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/tsb-05-003-18-hard-brake-pedal-brake-booster-vacuum-hose-september-21-2018.15740/
I installed the Harkens Hoist without the 2x4 without issue. The directions are very specific about measuring exact distances. I just made sure the front an back were equally spaced. Have removed the top at least 10 times and left up for weeks on end without issue.