BendPak MD-6xp bit the bullet...finally
 

Just purchased a new BenPak MD-6XP mid-rise scissors lift. I noticed in the ASEDeals.com web site, a link to a 993 enthusiast site that recommends the rear bar be cut off in order to drop the engine and transmission. Has anyone else done this? Is it really necessary on an early 911/930?

BendPak Mod Link

Better photo.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360615218.jpg

Hi -

I have that exact lift - although it's not branded as a Bend-Pak. I have NOT removed any of the cross bars and have never felt the need to either. I've done engine/transmission drops, suspension work etc... just about everything and the bars have never been in the way for me.

Tom

Tom,
Does the lift become unstable in any way when the engine and trans are removed? I was thinking of strapping the rear to the lift in the event the rear wants to lift up with 1000 lbs no longer there.

I would say that in my experience, if you're a reasonable person with half a brain and not trying to make a "Darwin Award YouTube video", the lift is plenty stable with and without the engine/transmission installed. I wouldn't hang onto the car or lift and swing on it like a monkey, but I have found it plenty stable in all positions for all the work I have used it for.

I have in the past, done some repositioning (forward or back) before, during and after various tasks to achieve the best/safest weight distribution. If you're in doubt, raise the car up a bit and give it a shake. If it feels wobbly (it likely won't), reposition it. My car has never pendulumed forward after loosening the 4 bolts holding the engine and transmission in. Could one place the car on the lift so it would do that? I'm not sure - but if you're smart enough to remove the engine and transmission from your car, you'll be smart enough to place the car on the lift properly!

After you lift your car for the first time and remove the wheels, you'll wonder why it took you so long to get one...

Tom

Great buy. Its on my list

Best of luck with it. I'm on the fence between a new bendpak or used snap-on midrise.

Dave

The rear of the car will be opposite the rams, and you'll have to hang it further back than you probably really want to (in order to clear the rear bar). So, taking the engine\tranny out is actually improving stability at that point.

Todd

Hi Dave,
I had the bendpak when I was living in Kansas. I removed the rear bar in order to do engine drops on Boxsters. Never had my 911 on it, but the cars I did have on it were very stable with the engine/trans removed. Just use the factory lift points and it will be fine.
Todd Holyoak

After some weeks of delay due to the furnace going out in the garage (can't operate the lift if below 41*F) and work, the BendPak is in place and the platform is constructed.

My next question to you BenPak/Scissor Lift users is resolving the last obstacle. How did you resolve the issue of the lift pads not crushing the air conditioning lines? Did you use different lift points?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365605245.jpg

No need to remove anything...

I haven't had any problems, but I do worry about weight instability. Especially with other cars. removing the motor/trans causes a huge weight shift. I usually put blocks under the wheels, when its raised, just in case.

What I was thinking to do, was to put anchor eye bolts in the concrete floor, and when the car is at its highest on the lift, chain the front and back to the ground.

I do sometimes find myself tugging on components, and I really don't want to be found dead, smushed by a porsche. Pretty sure that would end up in the local paper :).

Remove rear bar...lololololol- that is funny!
I drop motors all the time on a mid rise. Also keep in mind if you are really worried about that bar, there is no "Front" or "Back" on this lift. Just flip it around, or the car....

I agree with Plavan...Actually, if I were going to call one end the front and the other the back, I'd put the rams at the back where the motor is on a Pcar.

P.S. Curious as to the cost and where you purchased from? Can you PM me if you dont want to say publically?

i removed the ac lines :)

I bought the BendPak from Northern Tool, but the pricing is pretty uniform across the country. Since BendPak is, IIRC, a California company maybe you'll the pricing less? The price, $1950, included free freight, but does not include delivery to your front door, that is unless you have a forklift at your front door. Had it delivered to place of employment, unloaded the semi with a forklift, then arranged for flatbed hauler to deliver to my home for about $80. The home delivery went slick-as-sheeet...easiest 80 bucks that driver ever made.

I was afraid someone was going to say that. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat6.gif