8 minute read

DIY Hi-Lift and Tool Mounts

Compliments of Benson X @ tacomaworld.com

1-26-2013

I finally got around to making a mount for my Hi-Lift using the factory bed rails, and ended up making a few more for my shovel, axe, hatchet, fire extinguisher, and flashlight.

I have limited tools, so I had to improvise on some things. Not all the holes and measurements are 100% exact, but each mount it still solid and secure.

NOTES:

• A drill press and vise is recommended and would speed up the entire process. I did not use either, but it made for additional work.
• You can make all the mounts on here using (2) 36" pieces of flat-bar (listed below)
• Most people will be using different style shovels, axes, hatchets, flashlights, fire extinguishers etc. - keep that in mind and make sure to measure and test fit your tools before drilling and cutting. Don't get pissed at me if your setup isn't the same as mine.
• I am not proficient in drafting or design, so please excuse the crappy dimensions/diagrams
• Please feel free to leave pertinent questions, constructive feedback, or comments.
• As always, I am not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from anyone doing these mods.

TOOLS USED:

Drill (or drill press)

Center punch

Small Pilot bit (7/32")

1/4" bit (titanium recommended)

5/16" bit (titanium recommended)

3/8" bit (titanium recommended)

Hammer

Vise (or equivalent)

Cut-Off Wheel (Dremel works)

10mm wrench and socket

13mm wrench and socket

14mm wrench and socket

Tape measure

Sharpie

LIGHT!!!

PAINT:

I primed and spray painted each mounting bracket black. I then dipped each bend in Plasti-Dip and double-dipped the bottom mounting brace for the fire extinguisher. The plasti-dip should help prevent any vibrations and absorb some shock.

----< Hi-Lift Mount >----

PARTS NEEDED:(each part is a hyperlink)
I got pretty much everything at Home Depot aside from the T-Nuts.

(2) 3/8-16 T-Slot nuts
(1) 1.5" x 18" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick)
(2) 2" 3/8-16 Bolts
(2) .75" 3/8-16 Bolts
(2) 3/8" Lock Washers
(6) 3/8" Washers
(2) 3/8" Fender Washers

(2)3/8" Rubber Fender Washers

(2) 3/8-16 Nylon Locking Nuts
(2) 3/8-16 Jam Nuts
(2) 3/8-16 Wing Nuts*

*I found some3/8-16 Knobs at Lowes that work much better than the Wing Nuts to secure the Hi-Lift. Pics updated.

Step 1:I measured, cut and drilled my mounting plates using the 1.5" x 36" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick).

• I measured 9" down and marked it with my Sharpie, and then made another mark at 8".
• Cut it off @ 9". Bend it to 90°from the 8" mark using your hammer and vise (or equivalent). Make (2) of these pieces.
• I drilled my top holes .75" down from the top (the un-bent side) centered .75" in.
• I drilled my second holes 4" down from the top, again centered .75" in.

Step 2: Assemble your mounts and attach to the bed rail.

For the Hi-Lift Mounting Bolt:
2" Bolt >>> Mounting Bracket >>> Nylon Locking Nut >>> Washer >>> Jam Nut >>> Hi-Lift >>> Wing Nut

*NOTE* When tightening your Jam Nuts down, make sure the flat edges are parallel to the edge of your flat bar. The Jam Nuts fit perfectly in the Hi-Lift holes to help stabilize it when mounting and help hold it in place.

For the T-Slot nut that goes in the rail:
T-Slot Nut >>> Fender Washer >>> Mounting Bracket >>> Washer >>> Lock Washer >>> .75" Bolt

Assembled:

Step 3: Attach it to your bed rails, and mount your Hi-Lift

FRONT:

BACK:

DETAIL OF THE JAM NUT IN THE HI-LIFT HOLE:

HI-LIFT MOUNTED:

Upgraded to these Knobs instead of the Wing Nuts. 

----< Tool Mount >---- 

PARTS NEEDED: (each part is a hyperlink)
I got pretty much everything at Home Depot or Lowe's aside from the Quick-Fists and T-Nuts.

(4) Original QuickFists (I got the combo pack + 2 originals)

(2) 3/8-16 T-Slot nuts
(1) 1.5" x 19" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick)
(2)1-1/2" 3/8-16 Bolts
(2) 3/8" Lock Washers
(6) 3/8" Fender Washers
(6)3/8" Thick Rubber Fender Washers
(4) 1/4-20 1" Bolts
(4) 1/4-20 Nylon Locking Nuts

Step 1: I measured, cut and drilled my mounting plates using the 1.5" x 36" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick).

• I measured 9.5" down and marked it with my Sharpie, and then made another mark at 8".
• Cut it off @ 9.5". Bend it to 90°from the 8" mark using your hammer and vise (or equivalent). Make (2) of these pieces. I drilled my 3/8" top holes .75" down from the top (the un-bent side) centered .75" in.
• I drilled my 1/4" holes 2.5" down from the top, and the third set at 5-5/8" down from the top, both centered .75" in.

Step 2: Assemble your mounts and attach to the bed rail.

Quick-Fists to the Mounting Bracket:

1" 1/4-20 bolt >>> plastic washer (incl. w/ Quick-Fist) >>> Quick-Fist >>> flat bar >>> 1/4 washer >>> 1/4-20 nylon locking washer

Mounting Bracket to the T-Slot Nut:
I had to stack the fender washers to make a spacer. Otherwise, my shovel would hit the rail.

1.5" 3/8-16 Bolt >>> 3/8 lock washer >>> Mounting Bracket >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> T-Slot nut

Step 3: Attach your mounting brackets, and mount your tools.

SEE BELOW FOR THE "T-MOUNT"

Hi-Lift Mount - Assembly Instructions (1).pdf

Tool Mount - Assembly Instructions (2).pdf