70runner
Well-Known Member
Now that I'm well into the golden years, I've discovered DIY replacing standard Group 26/27 batteries (~30/50lbs) is a lower back wakeup call. The Odyssey Group 27 batteries (we use in our mopars) weigh nearly 70lbs. There's all manner of lifting tools which don't appear to reduce the lower back strain.
One solution, offered by the wife, why don't you use your tractor (with forklift attachment)? Well, hon, that's a great idea, but I'd be Mr. Nervous maneuvering the tractor in close proximity to our vehicles.
Put the thinking cap on, can I fab a jig that uses hydraulics (2 post lift) to replace my lower back muscles? Penciled up a simple post-telescopic arm-hooks concept. For the post base used an extra 6" lift pad extender. The upper, circular portion of the extender nearly fit inside some scrap 2x2 steel square tube for jig post. Nearly, because I had to mill .05" off each side of the extender to fit but which provided a flat contact surface for welding. For the lift arm, used some telescopic, perforated steel square tubing leftover from another project. Bolted a shorter perforated cross piece to the telescopic arm end so the cross piece can be rotated +-45deg if necessary. All that was needed was a couple threaded hooks on the cross piece for the battery handles. Some cutting and welding, presto a $7 (cost of the 2 hooks) 2 post lift battery jig. Couple pix of mockup with RAM 1500 to size the lift arm, then painted. I have a couple Harbor Freight carts to move batteries to/from the RAM bed.
At full extension, could use this to remove the 55lbs 440-6 iron intake manifold if needed...which might be soon as I'm contemplating a cam/lifter replacement.
First test was today, replacing Odyssey Group 27 in Roadrunner. Worked perfect. That 70lbs hanging over the fender/grille area is still stressful, but now without the added lower back stress.
One solution, offered by the wife, why don't you use your tractor (with forklift attachment)? Well, hon, that's a great idea, but I'd be Mr. Nervous maneuvering the tractor in close proximity to our vehicles.
Put the thinking cap on, can I fab a jig that uses hydraulics (2 post lift) to replace my lower back muscles? Penciled up a simple post-telescopic arm-hooks concept. For the post base used an extra 6" lift pad extender. The upper, circular portion of the extender nearly fit inside some scrap 2x2 steel square tube for jig post. Nearly, because I had to mill .05" off each side of the extender to fit but which provided a flat contact surface for welding. For the lift arm, used some telescopic, perforated steel square tubing leftover from another project. Bolted a shorter perforated cross piece to the telescopic arm end so the cross piece can be rotated +-45deg if necessary. All that was needed was a couple threaded hooks on the cross piece for the battery handles. Some cutting and welding, presto a $7 (cost of the 2 hooks) 2 post lift battery jig. Couple pix of mockup with RAM 1500 to size the lift arm, then painted. I have a couple Harbor Freight carts to move batteries to/from the RAM bed.
At full extension, could use this to remove the 55lbs 440-6 iron intake manifold if needed...which might be soon as I'm contemplating a cam/lifter replacement.
First test was today, replacing Odyssey Group 27 in Roadrunner. Worked perfect. That 70lbs hanging over the fender/grille area is still stressful, but now without the added lower back stress.
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