2 DR Hard Top Lift Measurements

Mikey D

Working on a Triple Leg Nylon Sling for a single point Hoist. End connections on back straps will have 4" Flat Hook hooking into outside lift points, and J hook for front single point (probably use noodle to help secure without slipping). I measured approximate mid points for back straps hooking into lift points and it looks like 36 inches or so for each side. It also looks like 36 inches or so to the front for center J hook. Does anyone have exact measurements to these points, or better measurements for center points using Triple Leg Nylon Sling? Not sure what to expect when I lift from center points in back with this set up? Unfortunately, no way to adjust once hooks are sewn in.

I saw a three point on Ebay for 98 bucks but I can't say it works well (or at all).

Also don't know if you are aware of it; I didn't know because I never removed my top and prob never will, but I have read several horror stories and seen pics of folks who aren't careful with the "Guide Pins'' when the entire lower flat lip, which, from every post I have read, is agreed to be beyond flimsy, cracks horrendously!

Man! I see some of the pics and there are these horrific cracks running from the large torx screws that hold the entire top down. I have also heard that Ford will not cover these issues because they claim it is a handling mistake when removing and placing the tops back on.

From what I have decided after reading both sides, it seems like Ford (rather whom Ford hired/subbed to build the tops) built the lower flanges rather cheaply and they are in no way able to withstand the weight of the entire top on the two centering pins.

Arguing from the buyer's perspective, there most certainly should be warning stickers in the user's guide/owner’s manual! Maybe a set of those silly red lightning bolts explaining to we the stoopid how the probability of horrendous and unacceptable fractures may occur. God! I have seen the pics and it would drive me absolutely crazy.

Yes, if needed, I could fab plates to cover the back and probably blend them in so you couldn't see them with a few days work and a lot of material I don't possess and would need to purchase to cover the large and structural unsafe cracks, but who the hell wants to do that to a 35 to 70 thousand dollar truck?

Thanks for the heads up. Still debating on method to remove top, but don't want the thing crashing down or cracking in half. Can you post the pics of the lift points cracking? I've seen cracks near trox screws, but not sure that's from lifting top.

Mikey D
Thanks for the heads up. Still debating on method to remove top, but don't want the thing crashing down or cracking in half. Can you post the pics of the lift points cracking? I've seen cracks near trox screws, but not sure that's from lifting top.

I’m curious “what lift points “ are you asking about ?
I haven’t seen any “marked” lift points on the tops.
I’ve had my top off of my 2 Door.
I have no confidence in the strength of the top to lift it from the outside edges in a sling.
“It has way to much flex IMO “ and will create fractures if stored in that way.
I did notice that the weight distribution / balance along the sides is further back because of the weight of the rear glass closed and even further back with the rear glass open if that helps.
I stored my top on a portable foldout support frame purchased from harbor freight 10 years ago.,
Basically sitting on the ceiling surface of the top with the sides of the top just hanging .

14U

I’m curious “what lift points “ are you asking about ?
I haven’t seen any “marked” lift points on the tops.
I’ve had my top off of my 2 Door.
I have no confidence in the strength of the top to lift it from the outside edges in a sling.
“It has way to much flex IMO “ and will create fractures if stored in that way.
I did notice that the weight distribution / balance along the sides is further back because of the weight of the rear glass closed and even further back with the rear glass open if that helps.
I stored my top on a portable foldout support frame purchased from harbor freight 10 years ago., Basically sitting on the ceiling surface of the top with the sides of the top just hanging .

Check out the links below. The Lange hoist has a hook that positions into the slot (lift point) on the top. I have a two door, so when you check out the pictures on their site, look at the two door Bronco. They sell the hook, but that's pretty pricey. I assume they have tested the structural integrity of hanging from the outer points, but then again, maybe not. The lifts aren't marked, but I'm guessing they can be used to lift.

https://langeoriginals.com/collections/hoist-a-top-parts/products/jl-hoist-a-top-rear-hook

https://langeoriginals.com/products...-mic-hoist-a-top-power-hardtop-removal-system

Mikey D

Check out the links below. The Lange hoist has a hook that positions into the slot (lift point) on the top. I have a two door, so when you check out the pictures on their site, look at the two door Bronco. They sell the hook, but that's pretty pricey. I assume they have tested the structural integrity of hanging from the outer points, but then again, maybe not. The lifts aren't marked, but I'm guessing they can be used to lift.

https://langeoriginals.com/collections/hoist-a-top-parts/products/jl-hoist-a-top-rear-hook

https://langeoriginals.com/products...-mic-hoist-a-top-power-hardtop-removal-system

Gotcha…
“Roof Rack Mount Slots”
👍
Yeah…
I don’t know if that area would hold the weight long term or not.
Unfortunately really sloppy information from Ford on usage topics.

14U

Gotcha…
“Roof Rack Mount Slots”
👍
Yeah…
I don’t know if that area would hold the weight long term or not.
Unfortunately really sloppy information from Ford on usage topics.

I'm in between motorized hoist with single point lift, or 4 point Hoister System from Harkin. I have a message in to them asking if they have Bronco version. It's all about figuring out the strap system. The lift can go either way.

Here's the completed set up. Basic wireless Pro Winch hoist doubled up for 440lb rating.
(2) 2"x6"x28" pieces affixed to ceiling joist 24" off center with (12) 5/16" x 4" Structural Screws.
(1) 24" 12-gauge Strut Bar attached to 2"x6"'s with (4) 3" Lag Screws.
I had to cram flat washers' in-between brackets to pick up the slack and ensure a tight fit to bar.

Between the structural screws and lag screws, I could probably pick up the Bronco, lol. Slightly overkill, but safe!!!



The strap system is the same as yours. (1) 36" Tow Strap with D ring connectors and (2) 10' Lift Slings all connected with (2) 3.5" Carabinas.







I drop it on a simple dolly and roll into the corner of garage for space.



Simple, easy and quick. The floor is marked with 4 pieces of red tape for vehicle placement when setting top back on.