coilover is on the right track but he doesn't go quite far enough. He explains how the force a cylinder developes is calculated but not how it is applied. That is where we need to know what type of hoist you have, i.e., a direct push or lift arm frame of some sort. And of course one must know the cylinder size and pump pressure. Also we need to know the where the hoist is attached and the overhang from the hinge location. Simple, Huh? ...well it's really not as bad as it sounds.
The easiest thing to do is post a picture of it or e-mail me the information above. FWIW..modern pick-up truck hoists are 3 ton capacity on an 8' body length. (Tomcoe..once in a while they let me out of the Engine & Driveline forum for good behavior (?) to stroll around some of these other rooms..
