[joe_padavano]

A friend has a Superlift two post lift. One cylinder has internal rust pits and needs to be replaced. Apparently Superlift has gone out of business. Anyone know of a replacement parts source? Thanks.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by hcompton

those companies used off the shelf parts they did not make a cylinder or a pump.

Just clean it up really good and see if you can find a number on the cylinder and try to google that number or look for someone that sells a replacement of the model. Often they are common sizes that can be purchased easily.

Most likely the same cylinder for general industry and farm and small equipment.

This company has a bunch of them.

Surplus Center

Is the cylinder still have a nice finish just some small rust spots. Cause it may not be the end for it. might just need a new seal. Old one lasted how long. If another one last half as long it will be cheap fix.

i know for a lift you want something that will last and be safe so its got to work 100 percent when installed and not leak at all. But they can do that with pretty poor cylinder. Its more about how good its sealing. If it will seal up and hold pressure then its not an issue.

Unfortunately, these are proprietary cylinders that are completely unlike the ag/industrial ones. This is a direct-drive lift - there's no chain over the cylinder - so the cylinder is VERY long. The end fittings are proprietary for the application. He's looked at industrial cylinder suppliers and they aren't even close. All that research has been done in detail before I asked here.

The problem isn't just the seals. The pitting has prevented the lift from lowering as the piston hung up in the cylinder. It required disassembly of the lift to get it out. Fortunately, there wasn't a car on it at the time. The local hydraulics house can make a new cylinder, but the price quote isn't back yet. I assume it will be more than the cost of a whole lift.

[jokerZ71]

Lots of companies use proprietary parts.They may be produced by the same company that makes common parts throughout an industry, but, as proprietary, the manufacturer can not sell you that part, or, disclose the specs.We run into all the time with injection molding machines.It may have a Vickers branded hydraulic valve, but, the part # is proprietary to machine manufacturer & can't be cross referenced to an off the shelf valve, nor, is Vickers allowed to sell it to anyone except the manufacturer.

[OldTech]

Having a new tube built is fairly inexpensive. It is a lot cheaper than having a new rod made.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by OldTech

Having a new tube built is fairly inexpensive. It is a lot cheaper than having a new rod made.

We'll find out when the quote comes back.