Best Jack?

[janitorjim]

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[Grumpaw]

If "out and about", for a flat, then any good bottle jack with a Safety Jack saddle adapter will work along with a piece of 2 x 10 wood for a base.
If you need to keep one wheel off the ground to do a repair under the vehicle, I was taught long ago that you can lift the offending corner up and place the spare tire/rim under the tire at the corner you need to work on, and lower the vehicle so the corner tire is resting on the spare..
This will give you some extra access to the undercarriage.
I do carry a 8 ton bottle jack, a Safety Jack saddle adapter to lift either the frame of rear axle, 2 pieces of 2 x 12 cut into a 12" x 12" square for a base, a 1/2 inch breaker bar with the appropriate socket for the lug nuts. Also carry a foldable 4 way lug wrench.
All fits into a storage box in the bed.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

In my daily drivers I only carry the factory jack, but I add a 24 inch breaker bar and quality deep socket.

For off-road depending on length and remoteness, I also bring a 2nd and larger scissor jack from an F350, a 4 tonne bottle jack, and a 60 inch High Lift Extreme with wheel lift kit, and I've been eyeing the exhaust/air jack for long enough to know it's only a matter of time before I pull the trigger on one.

In my garage at home I have a long reach, lo-profile high lift floor jack.

 

[Chris M]

For those of us that don't off-road any, and yet don't like the factory jack, is this something that seems acceptable?
https://www.amazon.com/Torin-T90413...ocphy=9061153&hvtargid=pla-663863601499&psc=1

 

[Glocker]

I use a Powerbuilt Unijack. It is a combo jack stand and jack (see image). Theses are available at HomeDepot, Tractor Supply, Walmart, and Amazon. I keep it in a tote in the truck bed, along with other over-night/recovery gear. I have used it on gravel forest roads to change a tire and it was very stable. At home, I'll use them in pairs to lift the rear end (one on either side of the diff housing, along the axle, and pump in tandem).

• Height range: 8-5/8 inch to 18-3/8 inch

I've got one of these too, rated at 6,000 lbs.. I picked it up last week off Amazon after trying to use my floor jack to lift my truck for some maintenance and finding it didn't lift it high enough! I've got a HiLift mounted in the bed of the truck (works with my front bumper) and I plan on securing the all-in-one in the bed with it. Never hurts to have options!

 

[Glocker]

The pet rock of jacks.

The only reason it's not completely useless is the added foot print does increase stability. That is something.

I'm curious as to why you say this. I've used mine already since buying it last week and love it. I ended up with one after using a buddies to lift and support my truck to install my add-a-leaf. It's handy and will secure nicely in the bed of my truck.

 

[Jrel209]

Nicholson

 

[THLONE]

You cant handle the truth.

 

[Grumpaw]

For those of us that don't off-road any, and yet don't like the factory jack, is this something that seems acceptable?
https://www.amazon.com/Torin-T90413...ocphy=9061153&hvtargid=pla-663863601499&psc=1

Go to Harbor Freight...you can get their 8 ton for 10 bucks less, same company makes them.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I'm curious as to why you say this. I've used mine already since buying it last week and love it. I ended up with one after using a buddies to lift and support my truck to install my add-a-leaf. It's handy and will secure nicely in the bed of my truck.

The same jack, with the same large foot print and rigid frame would have been equally effective. The only thing the safety stand adds is protection against hydraulic failure, which in most cases is a non-issue.

 

[WhyNot21]

The same jack, with the same large foot print and rigid frame would have been equally effective. The only thing the safety stand adds is protection against hydraulic failure, which in most cases is a non-issue.

Several years ago, I lost a friend who was changing his oil without jack stands. They determined that the hydraulic jack let loose and he was crushed. I've since learned that it's better to be safe, than sorry.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

Several years ago, I lost a friend who was changing his oil without jack stands. They determined that the hydraulic jack let loose and he was crushed. I've since learned that it's better to be safe, than sorry.

Sorry for your loss.

Jack let loose, as in:

-fell over from him bumping the jack?
-hydraulic cylinder had a catastrophic failure and vehicle fell straight down on top of him?

I'm not against safety stands, but they are not always required or even recommended.

A tire change for example:

The vehicle should only be on the jack for 2-3 minutes, and in 99.999% of situations there is no reason to be under the vehicle. Having to reach under the vehicle to set or release the safety stand, puts you in a dangerous position and manipulating the only device keeping you safe while doing it.

If you need a safety stand, you set the jack and remove the handle. Move in with the stand, clear of the jack. remove your self and re-install the jack handle to lower and remove the jack. Manipulating bith at the same time is not recommended, which is the only option when they are attached.

 

[THLONE]

Any of you used jack stands made from model t rear axle housings. Just cut a notch on the small end.

 

[Chris M]

I'm gonna bump this because I have another question.

I bought a small bottle jack and am awaiting delivery now. I know some of you have small pieces of wood that you use for a stabilizer, but I don't have any handy at my home (in fact, I'm just not all that handy either). What would you use as an alternative (that could be bought on Amazon or Home Depot or something like that?
RV leveling pad, perhaps?
1/4" steel plate maybe? Thinner? Thicker?

I'm looking for something reasonably thin and portable that won't get trashed the first time I use it. In fact, I want to get two of something like that as I'm looking to replace the jack in Jeanie's Honda CRV as well.

Thanks in advance for your insights and wisdom.

 

[Dereku]

I have used the cheap aluminum floor jack from harbor freight for about 10 years. I toss it in the bed when off roading or towing. Its pretty light and has a bog surface area so it wont sink much in soft ground. I also have a harbor freight bottle jack that’s probably 15 years old I keep behind the seat.

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