Nick's new Ram 2500

[NIsaacs]

For total weight a 10K is plenty, but you need to make sure that the arms can hand the uneven weight distribution of a diesel pickup. As long as the arms can handle 2750lbs then you should be fine with a 10K, thou right on the edge of arm ratings.

If I do my part, the weight should be the same, front to back, on the arms??

 

[AH64ID]

I would like to think they have "some safety factor" built it

They should, but if you knowingly exceed the published rating then you are liable if it fails, not the manufacturer.

If I do my part, the weight should be the same, front to back, on the arms??

It won't be. You will have to get the CG with spec, but there will still likely be more weight on the front than the rear. The times I've seen pickups lifted on 2 post lifts the front and rear arms are not the same length.

 

[BigPapa]

Having used several different lifts over the years, I wouldn’t go less than a 12K for a Ram diesel pickup, more for a C&C. Don’t skimp on the concrete, either. It’s like using a 2500 gasser to pull your 5er, it will work, it’s in spec, but you sprang for the diesel even though it’s much more money. As far as weight distribution, the front will ALWAYS be heavier than the rear, probably between 60/40 and 70/30.

We use these stands at the shop. Much smaller footprint, easier to move around and store, same weight rating.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641745_200641745

 

[SnoKing]

yeah good point John... My new truck is right at or just over the SPEC for the front arms on my 10k (all are rated at 5000) since it is heavier than my 04 was...either way, I do not get under it without the tall jack stands.

Front axle on my 2015 4x4 3500 Laramie CC SB Aisin weighed a little over 5100 pounds.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 15 DRW is around 5,600#. With 6k pin from 5er added it's 5,780#

 

[AH64ID]

New and empty I was 5,250 with me in it, now it’s over 5,325 with me in it. Most trips I’m 5,400-5,600, thou that’s not really relevant for lifting.

Brochure FAW is 4,956 so it’s really not too far off.

 

[NIsaacs]

It won't be. You will have to get the CG with spec, but there will still likely be more weight on the front than the rear. The times I've seen pickups lifted on 2 post lifts the front and rear arms are not the same length.

The length of the arms shouldn't matter. It is where the truck is placed on those arms that will determine front to back weight. If the lift has enough adjustment and if the truck frame has good support locations, I should be able to balance the truck weight, even, on each arm.

Just as an example, because I don't know yet. If the truck is 19' long and the front arms are 5' rear of the front bumper and the rear arms are 7' forward of the rear bumper, it might be close. That will give a 7' spread between front to back arm placement. Keep in mind, I have a lot of weight in the bed.

 

[NIsaacs]

I just checked the truck for lift locations and it appears the front has a purpose built bracket on the control arms for lifting. It is 6' from the tow hooks and the last straight section of the rear frame is in front of the rear suspension, or about 7.5' from the bumper. That will give a 6' spread on the lift arms. That is probably a good place to start.

 

[AH64ID]

The length of arm does matter. If the length is different then the weight is different, even if the CG is correct.

 

[kthaxton]

New and empty I was 5,250 with me in it, now it’s over 5,325 with me in it.

Dude, you should try eating less and exercising more.

 

[bcbender]

Now I'm intrigued..

My truck weighed in at 8980, 5580 FR/3400RR... Of course I think that was with my 60g aux tank and two passengers,.. so I think like John said its right at the limit. I need to figure out what the weights are at the lift points (which are fixed pads on the lower control arms) on the 19+ trucks, but I suspect since the rear lift points are significantly closer to the front of the bed that they will be taking up more of that split..

Gives me incentive to put stripes on the ground for wheel location, I have an Asymmetric lift so long arms in the rear, short in the front, they are much beefier in the front than the rear yet same rating.... anywho still have to have the total CG in the correct location, .

and FWIW, I put in 8" fiber / rebar reinforced concrete at the lift slab just in case I ever wanted to go 12k or 14k when I get a 5500, but don't lift trucks that often so for all my cars and Bronco the 10k is plenty.. I will agree, I DO NOT work under the RAMs without jack stands at minimum on the rear bumper just too much length balanced up there for my liking.

 

[bcbender]

Dude, you should try eating less and exercising more.

I resemble that... at 240#,... me, DW, the kid, and the dog eat up alot off the cargo capacity

 

[kthaxton]

I resemble that... at 240#,... me, DW, the kid, and the dog eat up alot off the cargo capacity

Yeah but...if you do the math, he put on like 75 lbs in just a couple years.

 

[AH64ID]

Yeah but...if you do the math, he put on like 75 lbs in just a couple years.

Got some fun bolt on's.

I'm 20ish lighter, but the trucks a little heavier.

 

[NIsaacs]

The length of arm does matter. If the length is different then the weight is different, even if the CG is correct.

I guess I don't quite understand what you are getting at. The COG that matters, is the anchor points of the arms at the upright post, so there is little to no leverage on the post. If that part is right, it doesn't matter what is on the arm pads or the length of them. I don't think that can be changed or you would change the balance at the post.

 

[AH64ID]

I guess I don't quite understand what you are getting at. The COG that matters, is the anchor points of the arms at the upright post, so there is little to no leverage on the post. If that part is right, it doesn't matter what is on the arm pads or the length of them. I don't think that can be changed or you would change the balance at the post.

That is correct for CG, but with different length arms the weight on each arm will be different if CG is correct. You could be within CG but over weight on one set of arms.

Let say the truck weighs 9000lbs. 5000/4000 split. In order to get the weight CG centered over the post the front will need to have shorter arms. If the arms were the same length then the CG would be too far forward.

 

[bcbender]

Yep.. and its especially true on Asymmetric lifts as the CG has to be an imaginary point behind the lift, front arms are shorter back are longer to accommodate, Im not too worried but as has been said, there is little to no margin over the published numbers.

 

[NIsaacs]

That is correct for CG, but with different length arms the weight on each arm will be different if CG is correct. You could be within CG but over weight on one set of arms.

Let say the truck weighs 9000lbs. 5000/4000 split. In order to get the weight CG centered over the post the front will need to have shorter arms. If the arms were the same length then the CG would be too far forward.

Okay, I see what you mean. That I might be over the capacity of a set of arms but okay on the gross weight of the lift. Is that like GVW and GCW?

I don't see a published weight per arm on the Atlas but maybe I just can't see it. If the arms are made out of the same material, the short ones will be stronger than the long ones, so it should carry the heavier end of the truck ok.

I looked at some 4 post that seem way more stable and stronger but less handy. They also cost more per rated lift.

 

[bcbender]

If the arms are made out of the same material, the short ones will be stronger than the long ones, so it should carry the heavier end of the truck ok.

On my Asymmetric lift they are "ALL 5k rated" but as said some are twice as long as others... the ones carrying the heavy end of the truck are the short ones so like I said, at the top end but not too concerned if the longer ones are good for 5k, just try to balance the CG best as possible.

below taking the front axle out of my 04, easy peazy with support stand in the back to hold the weight once removed from the front!

 

[BSeyler]

Nick,
Once you get your lift bought and installed, you’ll find you’ll use it for many things. I’ve loaded a big air compressor in the back of a pickup, put my unit heater up on my scaffolding, etc. I built a cradle to use to pick the zero turn mower up to change blades - super easy! I can show some pictures if you like.