Where Do You Like Your Hi-Lift?

[tarbe]

For those who have the option of mounting on both a front or rear bumper, which do you find yourself gravitating to? Any idea why??

[goodtimes]

Hi-lifts stored outside are asking for trouble. After a few years of dust, rain and eventually some rust...I got tired of having to clean the rust off of the pins every time I needed to use it. So, I moved mine inside. Currently mounted on the rear-most spreader of the roll cage. Out of the way, yet easy to access when I need it....and since it is inside, no more rust on the pins, so it works smoothly every time now.

[60seriesguy]

Hi-lifts stored outside are asking for trouble. After a few years of dust, rain and eventually some rust...I got tired of having to clean the rust off of the pins every time I needed to use it. So, I moved mine inside. Currently mounted on the rear-most spreader of the roll cage. Out of the way, yet easy to access when I need it....and since it is inside, no more rust on the pins, so it works smoothly every time now.

I tend to agree, but with regular maintenance, it *can* be kept outside. I have mine on the rear bumper, standing up. Seems to be holding up mechanically, but I do regular maintenance with bicycle chain lube. Cosmetically, it's faded to pink, but I don't really care a whole lot about that, it's nothing a can of Rustoleum Red can't fix.

[Boston Mangler]

Keep mine outside, was on the roof, now its on the bumper.

I keep it well oiled and maintained with no problems at all!

Been doing it for year.

Inside became a big PITA, was too noisy, and took up too much valuable real estate (i have the 60")

As Henry said, outside with proper maintenence is fine!

[Nullifier]

just put it in a hi lift bag for outside storage.

[Desertdude]

Rear bumper tire swing out - out of the way - I have rarely seen a high lift that did not need lubricating before using it - I have a brand new one on the Tacoma and had to lube that before using too - I could cover it but then it would loose that adventure look ;)

[calamaridog]

I've got a 48" and I've always carried it inside the vehicle (strapped down of course).

If I had an outside storage option I would use it though.

[Grim Reaper]

Back to the original question. I prefer it in the rear. In the front it was catching branches.

I don't like inside while on the trail. I had an occasion where in January one of my club members rolled a bead in the middle of fains Ford at Tellico. When he pulled up to where he could jack the truck he found that not only would his factory jack not get the truck off the ground after he put 33's on it but that his factory lug wrench would not reach in his new deep dish mags.

So I went to rescue his un prepared butt. There was not enough room to get the back wheels of my Blazer out of water. So I had to drag my High Lift that was mounted in the cargo area through the truck. Almost knocked out the side window and windshield. Then has to put the muddy thing back in the truck.

That Truck I promptly mounted it to the top of the bumperetts. After snagging everything imaginable in the jungle and watching more then one friend bend high lifts mounted similarly I decided that the next truck It was going on the rear.

That worked out good on the next truck. That just a couple inches taller then the roof on that K5 so it wasn't real prone to snagging stuff. On the 4 runner its going to be to tall to mount the same way So it will either be mounted at an angle on the back of on a roof rack of some sort. This truck may still get an external roll cage of some sort and the original plan was on the roof inside the halo of the cage.

I Keep mine in a Highlift cover. Lube it every few months. Its 8-9 years old and never given me any trouble.

[BCJC]

anyone have any experience storing a hi lift out side with this case?

http://www.jackguard.com/

[MaddBaggins]

Inside the rig, right behind the 2nd row seats, strapped to the storage deck.

[Boston Mangler]

Back to the original question. I prefer it in the rear. .

COME ON! This isnt the place for that!

Please stay on topic! ;)

Sorry, but i know someone was going to say it!

[vanguard]

COME ON! This isnt the place for that!

Please stay on topic! ;)

Sorry, but i know someone was going to say it!
:smileeek:

I'd put it in the rear just to prevent ramming things with it. Personally, I keep mine in the toolbox in the bed of my truck.

[Brian McVickers]

I store mine on the outside of the spare tire on the back door.
Easy to access if needed and and out of the way.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/With%20can.jpg

[bigreen505]

Brian, can you provide some additional details about your mount? That looks like an option that would be available for those of us running stock bumpers.

[Brian McVickers]

http://imagescommerce.bcentral.com/merchantfiles/5001434/hlmthumb.gif

http://www.safarigard.com/

It's made by Safari Gard to fit the three hole patern of the LR DII spare tire mount. You could possibly modify to fit any other bolt pattern or if your handy with a welder...

[Boston Mangler]

http://imagescommerce.bcentral.com/merchantfiles/5001434/hlmthumb.gif

http://www.safarigard.com/

It's made by Safari Gard to fit the three hole patern of the LR DII spare tire mount. You could possibly modify to fit any other bolt pattern or if your handy with a welder...

Kaymar also makes a unit with the Toyota 6x5.5" pattern

[OldSven]

Only if you have a tool box... Out of the weather if possible, will help you from not havine to paint it over an over.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f294/OldSven/P6180004.jpg

[asteffes]

I store mine on the outside of the spare tire on the back door.
Easy to access if needed and and out of the way.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/With%20can.jpg

I've read in a few places that this can lead to the door hinges bending or cracking.

[tarbe]

Only if you have a tool box... Out of the weather if possible, will help you from not havine to paint it over an over.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f294/OldSven/P6180004.jpg


Now that's a great place for it!

[+ d]

anyone have any experience storing a hi lift out side with this case?

http://www.jackguard.com/

I have it, but I don't keep mine outside... For me I find the case makes it much easier to store, handle and pack the hi-lift. Its actually quite a robust and well thought out design.

Plus to the unknowing it looks like you're rolling around with a serious assault rifle...:ar15:

[+ d]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/With%20can.jpg

I dunno if you can just photoshop a jerry can on the back of your truck and think that you won't run out of gas.

:p

[60seriesguy]

Here's where mine is carried:

[tarbe]

I wish I could find the cable for the digital camera, 'cause I came up with what I think is a great alternative place to put my 60" hi-lift in my 80 series.

I often remove the center row of seats during hunting season and when wheeling if I am going to be alone or with just my son. A couple of M10x1.25x40mm bolts and the hi-lift is bolted right up against the vertical part of the floor board as it makes it's way to the foot well behind the front seats. Out of sight, out of the weather, secure in a wreck.

I can mount it on the Hanna or the ARB if I need to have the center seats. Otherwise, I think it is going to find a home right where it is :)

I should add that prior to this thread, I had never really considered putting it inside (kinda scary to have a 30lb chunk of cast iron in the cabin). Thanks to all for stimulating thought!

[Willman]

Here is what i did....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Rear%20Bumper%20Buildup/DSC01426.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Rear%20Bumper%20Buildup/DSC01422.jpg

A cover coming soon to keep some of the weather out....

[BCJC]

willman, how is that setup working out for you? do you get much rattle/vibration from the swing arm when offroading? i'm looking at a similar setup, and would love to hear your input. i've read your build up thread, and am interested in field testing results! cheers

[michaelgroves]

For expedition use (i.e. where you are carrying a lot of weight), the place for heavy items is within the wheel base, and low down. Good luck trying to find a high-lift jack mounting point that fits those requirements! Plus, the jack must be accessible when you are stuck, and it might be a very dirty item when you have finished using it.

All things considered, both those spare wheel mounting positions look pretty good. On balance, it's probably preferable to have the jack outside the wheel, if the alternative is having the heavy wheel even further aft of the rear axle. Either way, you'll be taking the spare wheel off, of course, to use it as a jacking base in the marsh :)

[Boston Mangler]

Well, i am now changing my view on this subject!

On our recent, very dusty trip to Baja i wanted to use my hi-lift at camp to pull my wheels off and check my brake squealing. Jacked it up fine, no problem, couldnt get it to come down because the pins were all mucked up with dirt and dust. Tried another hi-lift, same problem tons of crap in the pins. We ended up messing with them enough to get them to work, but mine is going to need a serious cleaning/lubing after this trip.

This happened with the lift on the rear of the truck and i will now either look to relocate it, or cover it somehow.

Thats my new .02 after this weekend

Thanks
Kevin

[tarbe]

Here is what I ended up doing...2 simple brackets of .2" X 2" stock. Fits right between the doors.

If I need the center seats and the Hi-Lift at the same time, it'll probably go on the Hanna.

[91xlt]

Where Do You Like Your Hi-Lift?


this is a kinda personal question....no?

[goodtimes]

...Jacked it up fine, no problem, couldnt get it to come down because the pins were all mucked up with dirt and dust. ...

Yup, that is a problem. You could keep a can of brake cleaner handy to spray off the pins before use, but definately do not use anything that leaves a residue (WD-40, Liquid Wrench, etc) as it will attract dirt and make it even worse the next time you use it.

[flywgn]

I don't have the Xterra figured out yet, but
-F250, it's mounted on the left rail inside the bed (bed has canopy);
-'93 Toy (in Baja), it's mounted inside the bed behind the cab (no canopy);
-'98 Volvo XC is Diana's. :smiley_drive:

Allen R

PS- Wilman, have you ordered your cover?

[Willman]

PS- Wilman, have you ordered your cover?


I not had time!!! Its on the list!!!

[Willman]

willman, how is that setup working out for you? do you get much rattle/vibration from the swing arm when offroading? i'm looking at a similar setup, and would love to hear your input. i've read your build up thread, and am interested in field testing results! cheers

I love it!!!! As far as i can tell...no rattle/vibration problems!!! It is a solid setup!...

I have added side protection to my bumper and will be posting that soon...Lots to so..soo little time!

:costumed-smiley-007

[offroad_nomad]

Up front on the bumper.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/DC_Magoo/DSC02804.jpg

[waskillywabbit]

I like mine wearing one of these...

...a slider adapter.
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/newsa4.jpg

More information HERE (http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/sa.htm).

:elkgrin:

[Desertdude]

well done wabbit :iagree:

[mountainpete]

I like mine wearing one of these...

...a slider adapter.


More information HERE (http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/sa.htm).

:elkgrin:


Wabbit!

Are you willing to do a group ExPo price for this piece? I would love to order one... need shipping to Canada though.

Pete

[Willman]

I like mine wearing one of these...

...a slider adapter.
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/newsa4.jpg

More information HERE (http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/sa.htm).

:elkgrin:

Any discounts for ExPo members?

:elkgrin:

[waskillywabbit]

Sorry guys, but for the amount of labor and detail in this piece already, it is at a rock bottom price. I usually do give-aways on other forums, perhaps I could do one here.

I would be more than happy to ship to Canada, but depending on the service it usually runs $20-25 more.

Custom powder coating is also available at additional costs.

:elkgrin:

[Willman]

PS- Wilman, have you ordered your cover?


PM Send!

:D