Yes, That’s a Grandma Removing a 2-Door Bronco Hard Top (using EZ4x4 lift)

[MisterGreen]

I wish Grandma would have sent me the lift with the crank on the side like she has. My wife waited for our back ordered lift, so I would have expected it to be the most current configuration, but ours has the crank on the back. The Bronco still fits in our shallow garage, but just barely. The extra 11" of clearance to the wall would have been welcome.

I just finished assembling mine and it gives you the option to have the crank on the back or on the side.

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[ThunderFlash]

I just finished assembling mine and it gives you the option to have the crank on the back or on the side.

Mine, as supplied, was only set up for the rear crank. They graciously sent me the bracket and fasteners to attach the strap to the side. I was very pleased with their support!

 

[dougcjohn]

Mine was March timeframe and came with instructions for Side Crank. But within package were a few extras that I figured out looking at photos were to move to rear. Had to drill a few holes in vertical post but otherwise all set to go.

I first built as a side crank...then moved to rear crank. I find the rear crank more convenient removing top. Your photo example of garage wall / storage would be a consideration too. I do like the way it folds up nice & compact.

 

[J-Lugster]

I just finished assembling mine and it gives you the option to have the crank on the back or on the side.

Ya I got that information from Brian at EZ4x4 that the newest kits all have the hardware to have the crank on the back or on the side.

 

[dougcjohn]

For those considering a top lift… the purchase has proven to be one of the best. Purchased the EZ4x4 and have taken top off & on multiple times, always by myself with ease, no assistance from Wife and I’m one of the old grey beards! After top is off, I drop as low as lift allows, bag the Ft & Mid Roof panels in their storage bags and place on top of Rear Top sitting on lift. Makes a nice compact package that’s extremely stable to leave in driveway near garage.

 

[EZ4X4]

For those considering a top lift… the purchase has proven to be one of the best. Purchased the EZ4x4 and have taken top off & on multiple times, always by myself with ease, no assistance from Wife and I’m one of the old grey beards! After top is off, I drop as low as lift allows, bag the Ft & Mid Roof panels in their storage bags and place on top of Rear Top sitting on lift. Makes a nice compact package that’s extremely stable to leave in driveway near garage.

We're happy to hear you're enjoying it!!

 

[ThunderFlash]

Seems full on summer in the PNW typically starts after July 4th, so I finally got the top off the Bronco yesterday using the EZ4X4 lift my wife got me for my birthday many months ago. This is only the 3rd time I've removed the top and the first time using the lift, so I'm still building a process, but the lift was clearly a big help on our 2 door.

As a bonus in the developing process, I was even able to utilize the EZ4X4 lift to help remove the fairly heavy and awkward TrailRax rack...removal of which is a PITA on a lifted truck with my 5'-10" stature.

After the fact, the lift/top nested nicely in my smallish, horribly cluttered garage with the truck. It is also holding the front panels on top of the top. The lift rolled OK on our exposed aggregate driveway slab, but I might look into larger casters to help smooth that out. The rough rolling over the exposed aggregate made it a little tougher to accurately position and definitely introduced a bit of flexing and jerking around with the weight of the top on it, though the lift never felt like it would possibly tip or fail. On the smooth garage floor, the thing glided around effortlessly and silky smooth. It's a pretty nice set of casters they supply with the lift assembly and all four casters are lockable.

The most difficult part of the top removal gig for me is definitely removing the rack. I think I'll make some changes to the rack and maybe make a fixture for the top lift to help ease the rack phase of the top-off process.

It's a nice lift. It definitely has some of the tell tale "Made in China" signs, but it's nicely designed, well thought out, and works a treat. If you don't have a roof rack, the lift definitely makes the top take off/back on process a reasonable task for limited stints or weekends.

Edit: it just occurred to me that once I get the stinking rack off the truck, the Bronco will then fit in my garage where I can use the lift on the smooth concrete floor and avoid the exposed aggregate! The process is ever improving!

 

[Fastmc25]

Awesome. Anxiously awaiting mine to ship to me.

 

[24GTBadlands]

Awesome. Anxiously awaiting mine to ship to me.

Good luck keeping the top on after you get it. You will check the weather more often.

If you ordered the replacement fasteners they sell, those are quite handy as well. they are a hair shorter and do a good job versus banging your ratchet into the paint. Either way prepare to enjoy the open air, totally worth it.

 

[Fastmc25]

Good luck keeping the top on after you get it. You will check the weather more often.

If you ordered the replacement fasteners they sell, those are quite handy as well. they are a hair shorter and do a good job versus banging your ratchet into the paint. Either way prepare to enjoy the open air, totally worth it.

I’m ready. Already have better fasteners, a Rough Country mesh sunshade and a rear Tonneau. I ordered early last month and is expected to ship today according to my email. So fingers crossed.

 

[24GTBadlands]

I’m ready. Already have better fasteners, a Rough Country mesh sunshade and a rear Tonneau. I ordered early last month and is expected to ship today according to my email. So fingers crossed.

I got the ford version I think it was Bestop with my points, but yes the mesh is a great choice, lets just enough light in without blinding you, and all these things can go under the hardtop.

Mine has the zippers which can be a bit annoying, but you're doing exactly what I did. Also, assembling the lift is easier with beer and power tools.

 

[Dry0atmeal]

Question... once you remove your top can you lower the boom supporting the roof...the reason I ask is that my garage is not real tall and would have to remove my roof in my driveway and store the roof in the garage...

 

[Desert_Brush]

Question... once you remove your top can you lower the boom supporting the roof...the reason I ask is that my garage is not real tall and would have to remove my roof in my driveway and store the roof in the garage...

Once you have moved the top away from your bronco you can lower it to approximately 2 feet off the floor. It will not lower the top all the way to the floor if that's what your asking.

 

[Dry0atmeal]

Once you have moved the top away from your bronco you can lower it to approximately 2 feet off the floor. It will not lower the top all the way to the floor if that's what your asking.

That is perfect...with my garage door opener i only have about 4 inches of space between the the roof and the opener...thx for the info!

 

[ThunderFlash]

Question... once you remove your top can you lower the boom supporting the roof...

FYI, the angled kind of "boom" piece is adjustable for angle, but it stays static for top removal. In my pic above of the lift and roof stowed in front of my Bronco, it is as high as it will go. In the pic below, its about a foot (the distance below the lift trolly gizmo on the silver square post) from being at its lowest. Then it can be at any height between the two.

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