QuickJack and 1988 Fiero (Page 2/2)
Vintage-Nut FEB 27, 12:34 PM
Electric or Hydraulic?


quote
V8Steve:
The only down side I've learned is that the lift {MaxJax} is either up or down, no in between positions such as working on brakes. In that case, I'd use the lift to raise the car and then place jackstands in correct positions. One Amazon reviewer added more holes for the locking bars.



YES - as a safety rule, never trust a hydraulic jack/lift to 'hold' the load - ALWAYS put solid supports!
Drilling more holes on the MaxJax column for 'locking positions' is a good idea!

Electric Lifts:
Lower maintenance requirements, simplicity of their design leads to increased safety.
One notable limitation is the somewhat 'jerky' operation for a precise height....

Hydraulic Lifts:
Remarkably smooth and significant advantage when precision is required, however they're slower...
Limitations - more complex, which can lead to more potential points of failure and fluid leaks, thus a higher likelihood of maintenance/repairs.

I have both systems and as an auto lift, personally like electric over hydraulic.
V8Steve FEB 27, 01:01 PM
I agree. Apparently the latest MaxJax has 7 position holes.

This design is the only portable one around and one can unbolt the posts and roll them away like a handtruck. Unfortunately it's hydraulic.

I have extensive hydraulic experience and know enough not to trust them. For example, suppose a hose suffers a sudden burst when the vehicle is being raised?

I've made dozens of hoses for my tractor, running at 2500 PSI and have never even had a leak. If I suspect the hoses and connectors are inferior at the outset, I'll replace every one of them.

Ordered unit today.

The slab or shop floor requirement is 2500-3000 PSI 4.25" thick concrete. The contractor whose Dad poured it 27 years ago cannot confirm what I have. So, we're putting in two 4'x4' x12" mounting pads with #4 rebar and 4000 psi mix. Better safe than sorry.

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88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

Vintage-Nut FEB 27, 02:22 PM

quote
V8Steve:
So, we're putting in two 4'x4' x12" mounting pads with #4 rebar and 4000 psi mix.
Better safe than sorry.



Awesome!
87GT3800SC5SPD FEB 27, 02:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by OldGuyinaGT:

I've been considering Quick jacks myself. Last week I found this on reddit:

How to lift a Pontiac Fiero with the QuickJack BendPak Portable Car Lift

This was not written by me; I have no knowledge of the author. But it is a very detailed article, very well written, very informative. definitely worth a read.




It is important to note that the author of the article failed to read or follow all of the instructions for the Quick Jacks.

The pictures show the Fiero is lifted with the end of the Quick Jacks having the Quick Jacks labels, to the front of the Fiero. It is clearly stated in the instructions, that the labeled end of the Quick Jacks is to go toward the "heavier" end of the vehicle. The illustration of the Porsche on the Quick Jacks is also incorrect. The author also states that the Quick Jacks move "forward" when raised. The Quick Jacks actually move toward the labeled end of the jacks, which should be pointed to the heavier end of the car.

The author also included a picture to illustrate that the Quick Jacks are to be parallel to each other, then notes that they should be "as parallel as possible". With the use of a simple tape measure, it is possible to play them "exactly" parallel, so that they are both going the same direction. This simple step goes a long way toward ensuring the jacks are stable with the car raised.

Most of the Fiero lifting points in the multicolored illustration are not accessible with the Quick Jacks.

The instructions provided by Quick Jacks are clearly written and worth reading and following, for both assembly and use, before lifting your car off the ground.

[This message has been edited by 87GT3800SC5SPD (edited 02-27-2024).]

Neils88 MAR 09, 10:37 AM
I've had my Maxjax for a couple years. I love it. I bought two sets of anchors so that I could move it from one side of the garage to the other if needed. The only negative thing I can say about them is that the connections to the hydraulic rams wasn't well thought out. If you use the hardware supplied, you'll end up with a leak at that point. It's difficult to get tools in place, plus you can't fully tighten the connectors and have them line up. If you tighten it properly, you can't access the quick connect. I just went to a hydraulic supplier and they put together a new connector for me. Easier to install and eliminated any leaks. Minor issue for a great lift.
V8Steve MAR 10, 07:50 AM
Thanks for the tip about the hose connectors. It seems to be a common complaint.

In the past I've made plenty of my own hoses and quick disconnect arrangements so I'll do whatever is needed to work around any problems.

------------------
88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

V8Steve MAR 10, 08:30 AM
My new project is awaiting the lift:



------------------
88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

Archie MAR 10, 11:24 AM
That has to be the sexiest car ever built.

We're watching you Steve.

No late night visits are allowed without proper courtship.

Archie
V8Steve MAR 14, 11:18 AM
Post Spacing for Fiero - It would be helpful if any MaxJax Fiero users had information on the spacing of the posts.

------------------
88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com