DIY Hi-Lift and Shovel Mount on Stock Crossbars

comtn4x4

Senior Member
Ok First off this is my first write up so be easy on me.

I was looking for an inexpensive removable Hi-lift and shovel mount to go on the stock crossbars. I am eventually planning on getting a rear bumper and a rack but in the meantime with the family and dogs I needed a temporary fix. Since I didn't find anything other than mounting it to the bar on my front bumper I came up with this myself and thought I would share. I have driven around for a week with them on and there have been no issues. I am going on a 3 day off road trip in a week so we will see

This should work for any vehicle that the mighty mounts can be adapted to.

Parts List:
1 each Yakima Might Mount set. I found mine on Amazon for $45
https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-8003590-Universal-MightyMount/dp/B0012SHLVK

2 each carriage bolts 2 1/2" x 5/16" Coarse. Available at all hardware store for about 30 cents

2 each clamping knobs. There are dozens of varieties available here
Clamping Knobs, Star Knobs, Metal Knobs, Wing Nuts, Wing Screws, Thumb Screw and Rim Knobs – Section 8
I used these safety knobs. They were more than some of the others but I felt it was worth it to get it clamped down right. $13.46 each. There are also locking knobs available
https://estore.jwwinco.com/default.aspx?itemcode=5TCN2K&Page=item+detail

2 each quick fist clamps. I bought a pack of two for $10.95
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Qui...g_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VNMV1FJ3K8HTGX6DVN2H

There is no real fabrication to the process just assembly.

For both the mounts I assembled the mighty mounts with the shorter arms needed to fit the crossbars of the 5th gens.

For the lift mount I used the taller of the two available spacers (For lack of a better description) to help the lift fit on the mount correctly. In the top part of the mount use the 2 1/2" carriage bolt and put it through the mount then the spacer. Then thread on one of the lock nuts that comes with the might mount assortment of hardware. I didn't tighten this all the way due to it's need to move to seat correctly and the difficulty of tightening it. At this point the hi-lift mount is ready to go. I placed the rear crossbar as far back as I could without the base of the Hi-lift hitting the hatch door in the up position. Also to center it more to standing on the rear wheel which is where I will be when removing etc.
I placed the front crossbar forward enough to spread the weight of the lift evenly and for the mount to reach an available hole in the hi lift

For the shovel mounts I first widened the hole in the base of the quick fist with a 1/4 inch drill bit and forced one of the 1 1/2" carriage bolts that comes with the mighty mount kit down through the quick fist. I then inserted the carriage bolt through the smaller spacer and into the mighty mount. Next I tightened it down with one of the included lock nuts. At this point the shovel mount just needs to be attached to the crossbar and mount your shovel.

I hope someone find use of this and I am happy to answer any questions or criticisms.
 

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The rattling of the hilift will drive you mad (it did to me). Do yourself a favor and just strap it down behind the rear seats
 
The rattling of the hilift will drive you mad (it did to me). Do yourself a favor and just strap it down behind the rear seats

I have a bungy on it now and it killed the rattle. Plus mine won't fit there without loosing too much space. And I only store them lift up there when I'm off road
 
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I have a bungy on it now and it killed the rattle. Plus mine won't fit there without loosing too much space. And I only store them lift up there when I'm off road

Good. At least you're not like those poser JK drivers I see driving around the middle of the city with pristine hood-mounted Hi-Lifts.
 
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Good. At least you're not like those poser JK drivers I see driving around the middle of the city with pristine hood-mounted Hi-Lifts.

Ha yeah I see them every time I leave my house. I think northern Virginia is the land of JKs on 35's, I count at least 20 or so on my 30 mile commute to work. I'm pretty sure it's the new mid life crisis car. I'm so happy my wife got rid of hers.

Back to topic, thanks OP for the idea, looks great.
 
Ha yeah I see them every time I leave my house. I think northern Virginia is the land of JKs on 35's, I count at least 20 or so on my 30 mile commute to work. I'm pretty sure it's the new mid life crisis car. I'm so happy my wife got rid of hers.

Back to topic, thanks OP for the idea, looks great.

Same here. I used to never see Jeeps except clapped out beaters. Now that a 4 door is available it has opened them up to the masses and they are the new bro truck. I also see quite a few women driving them as well. My commute is about 4 miles each way, all surface streets. I see at least 3 modded and always very clean JKs (lift, 35s, bumpers, winch, lightbar(s), Hi-Lift, etc.) morning and night, and they're always different ones. Lord knows why you'd want to daily drive one of those pigs and never off road.
 
Sweet man!
Ok First off this is my first write up so be easy on me.

I was looking for an inexpensive removable Hi-lift and shovel mount to go on the stock crossbars. I am eventually planning on getting a rear bumper and a rack but in the meantime with the family and dogs I needed a temporary fix. Since I didn't find anything other than mounting it to the bar on my front bumper I came up with this myself and thought I would share. I have driven around for a week with them on and there have been no issues. I am going on a 3 day off road trip in a week so we will see

This should work for any vehicle that the mighty mounts can be adapted to.

Parts List:
1 each Yakima Might Mount set. I found mine on Amazon for $45
https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-8003590-Universal-MightyMount/dp/B0012SHLVK

2 each carriage bolts 2 1/2" x 5/16" Coarse. Available at all hardware store for about 30 cents

2 each clamping knobs. There are dozens of varieties available here
Clamping Knobs, Star Knobs, Metal Knobs, Wing Nuts, Wing Screws, Thumb Screw and Rim Knobs – Section 8
I used these safety knobs. They were more than some of the others but I felt it was worth it to get it clamped down right. $13.46 each. There are also locking knobs available
https://estore.jwwinco.com/default.aspx?itemcode=5TCN2K&Page=item+detail

2 each quick fist clamps. I bought a pack of two for $10.95
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Qui...g_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VNMV1FJ3K8HTGX6DVN2H

There is no real fabrication to the process just assembly.

For both the mounts I assembled the mighty mounts with the shorter arms needed to fit the crossbars of the 5th gens.

For the lift mount I used the taller of the two available spacers (For lack of a better description) to help the lift fit on the mount correctly. In the top part of the mount use the 2 1/2" carriage bolt and put it through the mount then the spacer. Then thread on one of the lock nuts that comes with the might mount assortment of hardware. I didn't tighten this all the way due to it's need to move to seat correctly and the difficulty of tightening it. At this point the hi-lift mount is ready to go. I placed the rear crossbar as far back as I could without the base of the Hi-lift hitting the hatch door in the up position. Also to center it more to standing on the rear wheel which is where I will be when removing etc.
I placed the front crossbar forward enough to spread the weight of the lift evenly and for the mount to reach an available hole in the hi lift

For the shovel mounts I first widened the hole in the base of the quick fist with a 1/4 inch drill bit and forced one of the 1 1/2" carriage bolts that comes with the mighty mount kit down through the quick fist. I then inserted the carriage bolt through the smaller spacer and into the mighty mount. Next I tightened it down with one of the included lock nuts. At this point the shovel mount just needs to be attached to the crossbar and mount your shovel.

I hope someone find use of this and I am happy to answer any questions or criticisms.
 

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