Anyone ever make or need one? I know they are not that expensive, maybe $80, but I needed something to hold the engine steady while the trans wasn't connected (car on the lift). What I used was:

1) 1 1/4" x 52" DOM tubing, .060" wall thickness
1) 3/4" x 36" threaded rod
2) 3/4" x 2" long nuts
2) 1/4" x 4x4" steel plates
2) 1/4" x 3/4" x 5" flat stock
1) 3/4" x 1/8" thick washer

Welded one long nut to the center of a 4x4 plate, then threaded the rod into it and welded it in place. This makes the top pad. Second nut gets the two 5" flat stocks welded to it to make 'wings' to turn the nut. Nut threads up rod.

Next, the washer is welded at the top of the DOM tube, so the threaded rod can fall in and the winged nut allows the rod to adjust up and down, finally 4x4 plate is welded to the bottom of the DOM tube making it a stand.

Considering the materials used, it's probably good for about 500 lbs, but most importantly it's good for holding exhaust, engines steady, rear end, etc while things are partially disconnected.

I can snap some pictures if anyone is interested. Took about an huor to cut + weld up, including painting it flat black.

Gives a lifting height of about 4 1/2 feet to nearly 7 feet. Perfect for work under a lift.

-- Joe

 

they are indispensable under the car on a lift. I use 'em for lots of stuff, especially fabbing up exhaust, it's nice to set the pipe up with a spacer from the floor boards, and just hold everything up.

we have a couple, I suppose my dad bought them from harbor freight or northern tool, but that was so long ago, I have no idea. These have about a 3x3" pad on top, and a big wing nut type acme screw so you can really crank 'em up. they work really well too when you get a bad set on the lift and need to move one of the lift arms.

 

I would make a flange on the top so you can make different "heads" for the top that bolt on with large wing nuts or something. if what I'm saying doesn't make sense I can draw up an illustration for ya.