Sears red jack modification
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Fear mongering? Scaring the crap out of people? Come on.
It has been a long time since I modified mine so I don't remember the bolt size required. But I recall someone in the thread boring out their holes way oversize, which can weaken the walls of the lifting arms.
My word of caution applies also to those who are unnecessarily increasing the cantilever by installing large or multiple spacers with extra-long bolts. Just use your head when making mods and you'll be OK.
It has been a long time since I modified mine so I don't remember the bolt size required. But I recall someone in the thread boring out their holes way oversize, which can weaken the walls of the lifting arms.
My word of caution applies also to those who are unnecessarily increasing the cantilever by installing large or multiple spacers with extra-long bolts. Just use your head when making mods and you'll be OK.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
I'm away from home right now(so cannot measure mine), but SC-Longhair early on in this thread said the height from floor to top of pads is 5 1/8".
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I just bought one of those lifts and modified it...$8 and change for bolts, washers, and lock nuts, and about 30 minutes time. No power tools, just a hacksaw to cut the cross bar out, a flat file to smooth out the rough edges of the cut, put it back together with the four 6" X 1/2 inch bolts with the cut sides on the outside instead of the inside and it slid right under my SG and lifted it up pretty as pie.
The best part is that I saw the lift on a shelf in my local Sears store while I was waiting for a battery for the Thunderbird. It was the only one they had left and it had a sale sticker marked down to $79.99 regularly $119.95. It's great to get a good deal when I am not looking for one.
The best part is that I saw the lift on a shelf in my local Sears store while I was waiting for a battery for the Thunderbird. It was the only one they had left and it had a sale sticker marked down to $79.99 regularly $119.95. It's great to get a good deal when I am not looking for one.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Ventana, I'm sure the frame is no different underneath on a '13 WG and a '12 Fatbob (which my bud owns). I've used my jack on his as a test and had zero issue. Lifted the bike just as designed. Not sure if you own a '13 WG or are in the market for one but I'd think you could tighten up the shocks (to the 5th setting) and gain a small bit of ground clearance. I don't know how much.
I could double check the height of the jack if need be.
I could double check the height of the jack if need be.
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
I just bought one of those lifts and modified it...$8 and change for bolts, washers, and lock nuts, and about 30 minutes time. No power tools, just a hacksaw to cut the cross bar out, a flat file to smooth out the rough edges of the cut, put it back together with the four 6" X 1/2 inch bolts with the cut sides on the outside instead of the inside and it slid right under my SG and lifted it up pretty as pie.
The best part is that I saw the lift on a shelf in my local Sears store while I was waiting for a battery for the Thunderbird. It was the only one they had left and it had a sale sticker marked down to $79.99 regularly $119.95. It's great to get a good deal when I am not looking for one.
The best part is that I saw the lift on a shelf in my local Sears store while I was waiting for a battery for the Thunderbird. It was the only one they had left and it had a sale sticker marked down to $79.99 regularly $119.95. It's great to get a good deal when I am not looking for one.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
It's not likely that you'll find a much lower lift. If the Sears won't slide under it, just put a low block under the jiffy stand and/or roll one or both tires up onto a piece of plywood or 2x4.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Ventana, I'm sure the frame is no different underneath on a '13 WG and a '12 Fatbob (which my bud owns). I've used my jack on his as a test and had zero issue. Lifted the bike just as designed. Not sure if you own a '13 WG or are in the market for one but I'd think you could tighten up the shocks (to the 5th setting) and gain a small bit of ground clearance. I don't know how much.
I could double check the height of the jack if need be.
I could double check the height of the jack if need be.
After revisiting this thread, I purchased a Sears Jack this week and will do the mod next weekend. Not sure if I'm gonna have issues with my FXDX as it is lowered with Progressive 11" shocks. I'm hoping it won't be a problem as the FXDX starts out with more ground clearance the other dynas. The on-line specs don't really correspond to my real world measurements. Not sure why but on-line says the stock ground clearance is 5.9". When i got down there and measured from the ground to the frame it was 7" and the seat height was 29".
I'm 5' 9" with a 29" inseam and the height was starting to give me problems. I'm a lot older now and had some major surgery the last 3 years. I wasn't feeling comfortable so i was looking to get a lower sitting bike. I really couldn't justify the 17K right now for a new Wideglide so I put about $300 into lowering the FXDX to about the same specs that the new wide glides had. Anyway, I'll do the mod as it's a great one and deal with getting the jack under there with some of the suggestions I've read here.
BTW, I could see and hear your frustration in your second video. All i can say is, to each his own and you shouldn't feel you need to defend your mod. People can do it or not do it any way the wish. You did good. One of the really useful mods I've seen.
