[slowTA]

After months of thinking about which brand to go with, what features I liked, and what size I wanted, I FINALLY decided on a Bend Pak HD-9. I had a chance to look at a different brand in person but didn't like the fact that their cables were exposed which meant that the plate on the top of the posts was trying to be bent. Apparently Bend Pak was pushing out a price increase the beginning of the month so I placed the order a few days early. The lift arrived at the shipping terminal (5 minutes away) and I used a friend's car trailer to get it home. I was able to lift the columns myself, but only one end of the cross tubes. I used an engine lift for the runways. Putting it together wasn't as bad as I expected, I only needed help lifting the posts up after the cross bars were slipped inside. Since positioning the runways was the next step I had help with that as well. The only problem I had assembling was with the hardware that wouldn't torque without stripping. I had to replace the hardware myself after I was told they would only send me more of the same hardware! The bolts were labeled 4.8 on the head and are 12MMx1.75, the torque spec was 80 ft-lbs. I wound up replacing them with socket head cap screws supposedly grade 12.9, that's what I asked for at least.

I know there is a whole 2 post vs. 4 post debate but I bought the rolling jack to get the wheels off, so I should be good to go.

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[slowTA]

Julie, you could cut 2 holes in the floor to pour thicker sections that are keyed into the current floor. Its not as big of a job as a whole new floor but still requires planning.