DIY Wood Gantry or 2 Ton Engine Hoist/Lift??

[Grumpy old man]

Big red engine lift used 4 rachet straps and drove out from under it and sat the bed on 2 barrels , Easy Peasy !

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Big red engine lift used 4 rachet straps and drove out from under it and sat the bed on 2 barrels , Easy Peasy !

That’s a shortbed isn’t it?? I don’t doubt my lift can handle the weight (even at the 1/2t length). It’s the length of the longbed that gives me concern. Due to the balance or lack of balance from being too far rearward.

[weq92f]

Flip fa ya...

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

That’s a shortbed isn’t it?? I don’t doubt my lift can handle the weight (even at the 1/2t length). It’s the length of the longbed that gives me concern. Due to the balance or lack of balance from being too far rearward.

Have you got a load-leveler bar?

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Have you got a load-leveler bar?

Nope

[hotwls13]

Got the garden cart out using the new lift. On sawhorses at 4 corners now. Enough room to get the lift underneath when putting the bed back on. I'm thinking adjusting the supporting 2x4s in the H pattern I plan to use should get it balanced when lifting the whole bed??

[Knight72]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

That’s a shortbed isn’t it?? I don’t doubt my lift can handle the weight (even at the 1/2t length). It’s the length of the longbed that gives me concern. Due to the balance or lack of balance from being too far rearward.

I used my two ton to pull my long bed last week. Four solid ratchet straps and chain hook. No problems. Never felt too sketchy.

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by Knight72

I used my two ton to pull my long bed last week. Four solid ratchet straps and chain hook. No problems. Never felt too sketchy.

From the rear like I am doing?? If so, your boom didn't reach center of bed correct?? what was your process? I have straps, did you drop the front two through the front stake pockets and then use the rear tailgate holes for the back two?

[Knight72]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

From the rear like I am doing?? If so, your boom didn't reach center of bed correct?? what was your process? I have straps, did you drop the front two through the front stake pockets and then use the rear tailgate holes for the back two?

I positioned my boom as close to center as I could get from the tailgate end. Boom toward cab, Legs under differential. One long thick strap looped thru my hook and attached to the driver and passenger side stake holes. One strap thru my hook and left and right mid stake holes. Last two straps I hooked into the holes near the tailgate mounts on left and right. I cranked down the most on the ones hooked to the front stake holes due to the off balance. Mid and rears for support. Lifted and moved back and over to the side very carefully and sat it on the stand I built to hold it. It took about 15 minutes. The cab was another story. It went tits up pretty quick, grabbed a friendly neighbor and we lifted it off.

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by Knight72

I positioned my boom as close to center as I could get from the tailgate end. Boom toward cab, Legs under differential. One long thick strap looped thru my hook and attached to the driver and passenger side stake holes. One strap thru my hook and left and right mid stake holes. Last two straps I hooked into the holes near the tailgate mounts on left and right. I cranked down the most on the ones hooked to the front stake holes due to the off balance. Mid and rears for support. Lifted and moved back and over to the side very carefully and sat it on the stand I built to hold it. It took about 15 minutes. The cab was another story. It went tits up pretty quick, grabbed a friendly neighbor and we lifted it off.

OK Great, thanks for the details. That's what I had envisioned. Was your bed balanced when lifted or was the front lower?? I'm trying the strap idea tomorrow. I'm not quite ready to put the bed back on but really close. Want to be sure I have it figured out before attempting the real deal.

[Knight72]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

OK Great, thanks for the details. That's what I had envisioned. Was your bed balanced when lifted or was the front lower?? I'm trying the strap idea tomorrow. I'm not quite ready to put the bed back on but really close. Want to be sure I have it figured out before attempting the real deal.

No problem. Mine was pretty level. Maybe a inch lower in the front. But not anything I was scared would be too unsafe. I cranked it just high enough to clear the frame and wheels.