Modifying Craftsman lift for Dyna

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 10, 2017 | 07:30 AM

#21

Rollcage

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 231

Likes: 23

From: Rochester NY

Can someone please explain why the mod is needed in detail, I'm looking at Jack's now.
i do see that one side of the Dyna frame seems higher (2014 fxdf) but that is not the impression I get when I read about this mod.

I have two gift cards, so I was going to scoop this for less than a Craftsman out of pocket.

https://store.snapon.com/Motorcycle-Jacks-Motorcycle-Jack-Blue-Point--P647170.aspx

Dec 10, 2017 | 07:48 AM

#22

DaddyKnuck

Thread Starter

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 17,625

Likes: 1,665

From: Blairsville GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cggorman

You'll probably want more. The later builds in the thread were using 1/2" - 1" spaecers on each side. I'm using 1" and it slides right under my 99.

I'm going to put all that will fit with my 6" bolts. I can see where wider is better.

Dec 10, 2017 | 09:07 AM

#23

Qdog002

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 3,515

Likes: 886

From: Upstate New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollcage

Because as the jack fits without the mod, the bike will be resting on the oil pan. So you need to extend the arms out beyond.

Dec 10, 2017 | 09:18 AM

#24

TinCupChalice

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 10,907

Likes: 8,756

From: Galt's Gulch - MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollcage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qdog002

Because as the jack fits without the mod, the bike will be resting on the oil pan. So you need to extend the arms out beyond.

Exactly

Rollcage, this is an image of my J&S, but you can see the spacing required between the arms that you'll need to correctly lift a Dyna...

Dec 10, 2017 | 02:54 PM

#25

cggorman

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 11,448

Likes: 2,299

From: NW Ohio

The J&S or Pitbull are far superior to a modded Craftsman/Harbor Freight, but for those on a budget the mod does work OK. My bike has been on my modded for a full year now with no issues. Have had it torn down to almost a bare frame+engine and everything in between. Up and down countless times and moved all around. The grade 8 hardware was kinda salty but, all-in, still way less than half $ of the premium lifts. I'll probably get a J&S eventually, but I'm in no hurry.

Last edited by cggorman; Dec 10, 2017 at 02:55 PM.

Dec 10, 2017 | 06:33 PM

#26

cvaria

Supporter

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 2,215

From: Tallahassee, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by cggorman

i consistently keep not buying a j&s. should have done it long ago

Dec 11, 2017 | 12:47 PM

#27

Ghost_13

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 4,384

Likes: 8,742

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyKnuck

'm wondering if anyone here has made this modification, and how it worked for you.

Solid as a rock - even had the bike idling / running a few times while jacked up (and strapped down of course)

Ghost

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost_13

Bolts - 1/2"-13 X 7" - Qty 4

Nuts, locking - 1/2"-13 - Qty 4

Washers - 1/2" x 1 1/4 - Qty 16

Spacers - 1/2" x 1" L - 4

Angle iron - 1" x 1" X 9" L (I cut out the existing cross member w/ angle grinder - then installed this angle farther back to make room for the kick stand)

What you can't see - I cut 4 pieces of 1/2" pipe..., then installed them under the arms (two each side..., with the bolts going through) to give the arms more rigidity

Black krylon to paint the thing after I was done modifying

Last edited by Ghost_13; Dec 11, 2017 at 12:48 PM.

Dec 11, 2017 | 01:44 PM

#28

DaddyKnuck

Thread Starter

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 17,625

Likes: 1,665

From: Blairsville GA

I've got it done and it works! I got a full inch spacing on each bolt. The bike doesn't feel stable without a strap holding the bike to the right. I'm guessing that's the unevenness of the frame rails.