Hard Top Hoist/Lift Help

[robd1438]

When I had my JLU I had bought the TopLift Pro and it made it super easy for me to remove my hard top by myself as well as store it where I can drive under it. No with the warmer weather and my JT I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. My garage isn't the biggest and alignment doesn't look like a powered lift will work (see pics). I can build/buy a cart for it but would need two people to remove and put back on. Are there any other options or creative ways out there?

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[Gren71]

its hard to see but my thoughts...

- move the lift by remounting it over where the truck sits. Even if its a little behind it the top can be lifted off and placed on the bed in order to be lifted by the hoist.

- 4 point handing straps that simply hand down a little higher then the bed. You could lift the hard top one corner at a time and hook that corner up until all 4 are hooked, suspending the top just high enough you can pull away

plus some attached links and pics for ideas

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/diy-hardtop-hoist.21268/

 

[FLUndertaker]

My set up

 

[Gren71]

My set up

this is next level thinking! very nice

 

[robd1438]

My set up

That’s sweet! I can prob do that and then just slide the top down the bed to where I can hook it up then raise and slide it back. Do you have a write up or list of materials by chance?

 

[Kelor]

this is next level thinking! very nice

This is such a great idea. I'd like to do something similar using a beam trolley like that, but I'd still like to have the hoist/winch installed on the wall. I think I've figured everything out except the challenge of not having the trolley move during lifting and lowering.

Do you think there is a locking trolley mechanism available?

That’s sweet! I can prob do that and then just slide the top down the bed to where I can hook it up then raise and slide it back. Do you have a write up or list of materials by chance?

I'm also curious as to the hardware used to attach the hoist to the trolley. Any idea how high the ceiling needs to be with the hoist hanging that way?

 

[FLUndertaker]

This is such a great idea. I'd like to do something similar using a beam trolley like that, but I'd still like to have the hoist/winch installed on the wall. I think I've figured everything out except the challenge of not having the trolley move during lifting and lowering.

Do you think there is a locking trolley mechanism available?


I'm also curious as to the hardware used to attach the hoist to the trolley. Any idea how high the ceiling needs to be with the hoist hanging that way?

My garage ceiling is 111”.
Trolleys are from Amazon Andustrial 4 bearing trolley. $27. I used 2 to better keep the hoist level. You can get away with one but you need to make sure it’s well centered. Pics show how it’s mounted

 

[robd1438]

My garage ceiling is 111”.
Trolleys are from Amazon Andustrial 4 bearing trolley. $27. I used 2 to better keep the hoist level. You can get away with one but you need to make sure it’s well centered. Pics show how it’s mounted

Did you get the rail from Amazon also?

 

[FLUndertaker]

Did you get the rail from Amazon also?

The strut channel came from McMaster Carr.

 

[21NachoQueso]

My garage ceiling is 111”.
Trolleys are from Amazon Andustrial 4 bearing trolley. $27. I used 2 to better keep the hoist level. You can get away with one but you need to make sure it’s well centered. Pics show how it’s mounted

Like the double trolley setup. Specs on the black angle iron, where did you get it?

 

[FLUndertaker]

Like the double trolley setup. Specs on the black angle iron, where did you get it?

Thanks.
The angle iron cane from a local metal supply house. Simple 2.5” angle iron, nothing fancy. Bought 4’ and cut it in half with a chop saw. Top only weighs 75lbs so you don’t need to get crazy. Mine is overbuilt for sure.

 

[RomeyIII]

When I had my JLU I had bought the TopLift Pro and it made it super easy for me to remove my hard top by myself as well as store it where I can drive under it. No with the warmer weather and my JT I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. My garage isn't the biggest and alignment doesn't look like a powered lift will work (see pics). I can build/buy a cart for it but would need two people to remove and put back on. Are there any other options or creative ways out there?

Top Lift Pros makes a Gladiator version now. Have you heard anything about it or tried it?

 

[robd1438]

Top Lift Pros makes a Gladiator version now. Have you heard anything about it or tried it?

not yet but i'm very intrigued by it!

 

[FLUndertaker]

Top Lift Pros makes a Gladiator version now. Have you heard anything about it or tried it?

They do but it’s ridiculously huge. If I had room in my garage for that thing I would fill it with Jeep parts or another jeep. The overhead hoists are the best solution because they don’t take up any floor space empty or while holding the hard top.

 

[RomeyIII]

They do but it’s ridiculously huge. If I had room in my garage for that thing I would fill it with Jeep parts or another jeep. The overhead hoists are the best solution because they don’t take up any floor space empty or while holding the hard top.

agree on the space issue but have read some claiming that if hanging as you do by corners for extended periods of time, may causing "warping" (if that is the right word) of the hard top shape, over time, and then leaks etc....

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