When the wooden block is removed from the lift prior to installation, the cylinder retracts shortening the cable ends. When this occurs, you'll need to install the lift via the Alternate Lift Installation method. The video below will go over the steps for install the hydraulic lift with the block out:
If this method is unsuccessful in installing your hydraulic lift, please contact our customer service department at cs@arrowsewing.com or 1-800-533-7347 ext 1 during business hours.