MaxJax Lift Install - Why Not Max Spacing / Width?

[Gordo2]

MaxJax M7k portable 2 post lift is scheduled for delivery tomorrow - DIY installation to follow. Yes... I'm stoked!

Primarily 911SC use, but will see Lexus IS350 (sedan), Honda Passport (SUV) & other visitors

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My workshop has adequate space, so I'm wondering if there are any reasons / 911 unique considerations why I shouldn't install the posts at maximum overall width?

In general - I assume wider spacing provides best utility therefore I'm inclined to install at max overall width:

MaxJax M7k Install Manual:


Please reference / use MaxJax Overall Width measurement locations in your responses and recommendations (outside edge of baseplates).

I searched Pelican BBS for MaxJax and found some great info - but... also found inconsistency among installation measurements & recommendations.

Some owners measure lift width at the inside edge of baseplates, baseplate toes, vertical/post uprights etc. If I correctly converted… it appears many Pelicans recommend installing with 136" @ the outside edges of the baseplates.

I prefer to install at a width that is optimal for lifting the 911 - getting the arms under with minimal vehicle movement(s), balance when lifted, open doors to slip in/out while lifted etc.

As far as I can tell, there is no benefit to installing narrower than the recommended max.

Thanks for your input folks.

[mepstein]

Sometimes width is dependent on room available. My workshop is 21’ wide and I wanted enough room to store a second car against the wall if need be. I would have to unbolt the center column to move a car over but maxjax makes that possible. I’m only using it for 911’s and 914’s so the length & width is pretty consistent. You just need to space it based on your cars and space available.

BTW- I epoxied my anchors instead of using the supplied wedge anchors. 100% satisfied with the choice.

[Nditiz1]

I too spaced it based on garage size. I have a 20ft wide garage and already had a 4 post lift. The spacing was as wide as I could get without interfering with the 4 post next to it. I also mainly put 911s and 914s on mine as well, but I have had an audi and a mk4 r32 on it with the same spacing. If space is no issue then I would max the spacing as long as I could still reach the 4 normal lift spots of the 911 chassis.

[mikesarge]

I'd go wide if you have space. Easier to get short wheelbase cars on it, and easier to get in/out of wider cars without having to do a bunch of moving the car around once you're out of it.

ask me how I know (narrow 2 post symmetrical lift in a tight garage here)

[Gretz]

I installed mine with anchors in two locations: one is the single garage bay, narrower configuration, but wide enough for the 911. Second is in the double garage bay with nearly the widest configuration, which was for cars other than the 911 to include the wide C7Z06 i had at the time.

I had the car up for several months on the narrower side when I was restoring the suspension/CVs/brakes/steering etc. Subsequently I've used the wider side for 911 work and I'm not sure I could now go back. So much easier to work with the extra room, and definitely easier to get the doors open and enter/exit the vehicle on the lift.

So I'd recommend going wide if you have the room. No downside.

[Gordo2]

Thanks folks,

W-I-D-E it is...

Shipment now due this weekend... will install at MaxJax max width of 135" on outer edges of baseplates.

[spoke]

I placed my MaxJax 124 inches apart which was the widest I could do and stay more than 8 inches from the edges of the concrete.

As it is, 124 inches is almost too much for my '86 930 as the lift points of the 930 are quite inboard. Originally I placed the 930 so that the pickup points front and rear were equally away from the post. Then I realized I couldn't get the front pickup point over the end of the arm with the arm fully extended.

So I had to move the 930 back 2 inches to get the front pickup point over the arm.