Lets see those HF hoists

[TXSquid78]

Hey folks, just got my Jeep in December. Managed to get the top off using a homemade hoist with a hand crank. While lowering the top, one of the pulleys pulled out of the wall. Fortunately it only dropped about a foot and there wasnt any damage. This is exactly why I didnt want to hang it from the ceiling. It would actually be hanging over my 2nd car so dont want to risk damage to both. I built a storage cart and manged to stand it up on the cart. I went out and bought a Harbor Frieight hoist to use to lift it off of the jeep then down to the cart for storage when I need to. To the topic, trying to get an idea of how you are mounting the hoists and what type of set up you have. Thanks!

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[Fourthandlong5]

You can distribute the load using angle iron across ceiling joists...

full post with pictures:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...p-hoist-ideas-brainstorming.5659/post-2328388

 

[TXSquid78]

You can distribute the load using angle iron across ceiling joists...

full post with pictures:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...p-hoist-ideas-brainstorming.5659/post-2328388

Saw this one on a search. I like it. Ironically, it wasnt the ceiling pulley that pulled out, it was actually the one at the wall. My crank set up is\was similar to yours. More of an engineering issue on my part but managed to pull 2 pulleys out (one was mounted on the wall, when that one pulled out, the one mounted to the ceiling against the wall where the cable made the turn pulled out). I have limited places to run the cable or set up the winch which makes it difficult.

 

[Tncdrew]

Not a HF hoist, but I'm a big proponent of spreading the load out, and having a safety backup. Multiple lag bolts into perpendicular trusses (above sheetrock). I get nervous with this stuff hanging over vehicles

 

[Grayhound]

I have limited space, so I mounted on a back wall and ran my pulleys forward.

 

[Bobby Hank]

Not a hoist, but I found this on Facebook marketplace, and it’s been great. Makes replacing the top very easy, as you can line it all up without help. I drive the hood right under it in the garage. Can go from buttoned up to doors off and topless in 45 minutes with no assistance.
They can be found for sale.

 

[1Evil55]

Curious to know if the OP bolted the pulley's directly to wall/ceiling studs? Distribution is helpful. Running a 2x4 across 3 of those wall/ceiling studs with a couple screws at each, will be much stronger.

 

[CJ_s3v3n]

Was looking for the Freedom Jack 3 until I learned it's currently not available.

Would love to see some efficient home made design to use with an engine hoist (ex. - padded angle iron). One of the biggest challenges seems to be position of the anchor point on the hoist to correctly balance the top.

At the end of the day I'll probably buy a used Lift Top Pro if I cannot get the Freedom Jack but would be nice to make use of the engine hoist sitting in the garage.

 

[TXSquid78]

Ill post mine up this weekend. I ended up making mine pretty simple after some trial and error. I used the HF hoist going to a pully and using the cable on a homemade bracket from designs by Topsy. I have only used it once to lift the top so it works for the most part. I wont be hanging it from the hoist since I built a cart. Ill just be getting it high enough off the Jeep to lower it back down to the cart and store it vertically. I did it this way since there isnt much room in the garage to have it hanging from the ceiling and it would be hanging over my C6. Not risking that. Ill probably reinforce it once it gets cooler. Would rather overengineer and spend a few more $$ than buy a new top.

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