Jacks fior Changing Tires etc.

[Grouseman]

What brand of Jacks do you guys use for Off-Roading? I noticed the hi-lift jack in a catalog. Anybody use that brand?

Grouseman

[Jonathan Hanson]

Grouseman, the Hi-Lift jack - that is, the actual brand and model; there are several copies around - is an essential piece of kit for off-road exploration. It can be used for recovery, e.g. to jack up the vehicle and put traction aids under a spinning or unloaded tire or to actually shove the vehicle off the jack sideways to reach firmer ground, and as a winch in a pinch. Most people spring for the all-cast model instead of the cast and stamped version.

But frankly I find the Hi-Lift a pain for most simple tire changes - just too big and awkward. I carry a heavy duty (three-ton?) KYB bottle jack for that purpose, along with a base for soft surfaces.

[david despain]

Grouseman,
while i have no idea about your prior experience and i definitly dont want you to think im coming off as judgmental it appears from your initial post that you have not used the Hi-Lift before or at least very often. So the one thing you should keep in mind is that these type of jacks can have the potential to be very dangerous if used improperly. when the handle is not fully up all the weight of the truck is in your hand and if the "ratchet" mechanism that allows you to keep pumping the handle to raise and lower the truck should malfunction and you let go of the handle it could wack you pretty good. you (meaning anyone that hasnt got a lot of practice) really should use the jack often enough to stay familiar and comfortable with it before u need it in the woods or desert or whatever. there are a number of offroad training resourses out there that cover its use very well. i think scott has done some reviews of some of them on his website. oh yes here they are http://www.expeditionswest.com/resources/resource_reviews/index.html
the bill burke stuff is reported as some of the best out there.
the hi-lifts need to be taken care of (cleaned and lubed) and used regularly
so that jack and its user can be effective when they are really needed. also they wont do you much good if you dont have a good spot on your bumper, sliders, wheels, etc to jack from. i always see some soccer mom with plastic bumpers front and rear with a hi-lift in the roof basket and wonder how they are ever going to use it let alone get it down from there with out the step ladder they used to mount it in the first place.
here is some more good info about use and products of the hi-lift jack https://www.expeditionexchange.com/hilift/
sorry if you knew this already but im sure someone reading this thread doesn't and it might get some good discusion going.

[BajaTaco]

What brand of Jacks do you guys use for Off-Roading? I noticed the hi-lift jack in a catalog. Anybody use that brand?

Yes, I use the Hi-Lift jack also. Jonathan and David have provided some really thoughtful commentary that sums it up pretty well. I'll just add that in my particular case, I have been able to utilize the Hi-Lift in a way that makes it just as convenient for me as a bottle jack or floor jack can be. I have the jack mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, on the side of the roof rack within easy reach. So I can have it removed from the vehicle and ready for use sometimes as fast or faster than someone can unpack a bottle jack out of it's stow compartment or container inside the vehicle. I mounted the jack using the "Loc-Rac" (http://www.hi-lift.com/products/locrac.htm) mounting system.

David mentioned keeping the jack clean and lubricated. I am able to keep mine that way by using a jack cover (http://www.hi-lift.com/products/jackprotector.htm) made by Hi-Lift. It doesn't look as cool as a bare jack does, but it functions very well for it's intended purpose. When using the jack on the trail, I often get comments as to what good condition the jack is in.

As David mentioned, good mounting points for the jack are essential. I am lucky enough to have custom front and rear bumpers, as well as rock sliders down the sides of the truck. So once I have the jack off of the rack, it's only a matter of seconds before I can be lifting up any corner or side of the vehicle. This makes a huge difference in safety and convenience. To make things even better, I am using a new product by WabFab (http://www.wabfab.org/) that is a Hi-Lift jack adapter that securely fits the tongue of the jack onto any round tubing. When I first heard of the product, I didn't really think it was that big of a deal (since I had used my jack for so long without one). But once I actually had the product in hand, and saw how it worked in person, I realized I had underestimated it's value. It's just plain cool. It makes the jack tongue very stable (I tried to shake the jack side-to-side to get the tongue to slide and it wouldn't budge), and a benefit I didn't realize until I used it is that it allows the tongue to be safely used on tubing that is very close to body sheetmetal. (see 3rd pic below). Here are a few pics that I took of the WabFab adapter...

http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter00.jpg

http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter01.jpg


http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter02.jpg


Another jack that I recently got to try is the Bushranger X-Jack from ARB (http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/ARBrecovery/). This jack is really easy to use and has a tube that connects to your exhaust pipe with a heat-proof plastic cone. The exhaust gas from your engine inflates the jack (which is a heavy duty bag) and raises the vehicle. This is an ideal jack for sand and dune driving.

http://www.bajataco.com/blkmtn06/blkmtn14.jpg

[david despain]

man that round tube adapter is a great idea and looks like it works really well. im really liking that thing more and more as i sit here admiring it

[datrupr]

You can not help but admire stuff that is on the BajaTaco, the whole truck is admirable. I drool every time I see it.

[Ursidae69]

man that round tube adapter is a great idea and looks like it works really well. im really liking that thing more and more as i sit here admiring it

If you have round tube sliders, you really should buy one. I have one and it makes the hi-lift use a lot safer. I recommend the product highly.

[BajaTaco]

You can not help but admire stuff that is on the BajaTaco, the whole truck is admirable. I drool every time I see it.

You are too kind Aaron!

[flyingwil]

Another jack that I recently got to try is the Bushranger X-Jack from ARB (http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/ARBrecovery/). This jack is really easy to use and has a tube that connects to your exhaust pipe with a heat-proof plastic cone. The exhaust gas from your engine inflates the jack (which is a heavy duty bag) and raises the vehicle. This is an ideal jack for sand and dune driving.


ARB Bushranger Jack has it limits to heights (about 30 inches), but is an excellent option. I will have a review of that upcoming soon too.

Attached are a few pictures from Playing with the X-Jack:

Scott- Explaining how it works...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0744.jpg

Hooked up to the exhaust of the BajaTaco...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0746.jpg

Beginning to inflate, and ensuring protective cover it placed properly...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0747.jpg

Going up...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0748.jpg

Starting to lift vehicle's weight...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0749.jpg

Still going...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0750.jpg

Fully inflated...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/photos/pics/IMG_0752.jpg

[The BN Guy]

Could the ARB jack be placed under an axle? I have revolvers on the rear and it flexes like crazy so I need to lift the axle instead of just the body/frame.

[FortyMileDesert]

Grouseman, the Hi-Lift jack - that is, the actual brand and model; there are several copies around - is an essential piece of kit for off-road exploration. It can be used for recovery, e.g. to jack up the vehicle and put traction aids under a spinning or unloaded tire or to actually shove the vehicle off the jack sideways to reach firmer ground, and as a winch in a pinch. Most people spring for the all-cast model instead of the cast and stamped version.

But frankly I find the Hi-Lift a pain for most simple tire changes - just too big and awkward. I carry a heavy duty (three-ton?) KYB bottle jack for that purpose, along with a base for soft surfaces.

Unless you are really doing something extreme; save your money. I'm at about 75 expeditions off-road in northern Nevada and the Sierras now - - I have yet to see a Hi-Lift used for anything. A couple guys in our club carry them but it's more because they got them for free than any useful purpose. Better to have some good recovery points, some straps, shackles and a second rig along.

[Ursidae69]

Unless you are really doing something extreme; save your money. I'm at about 75 expeditions off-road in northern Nevada and the Sierras now - - I have yet to see a Hi-Lift used for anything. A couple guys in our club carry them but it's more because they got them for free than any useful purpose. Better to have some good recovery points, some straps, shackles and a second rig along.

They may not be used often, I've had to change a flat only once. However, I'd test to see if your regular jack can lift your vehicle before you make a decision to not get the jack. If someone has even the mildest lift/tire combo, most stock jacks won't lift it. Hate to be stuck with a flat someplace because I didn't buy a 50 dollar jack.

[Life_in_4Lo]

The hi-lift scares me. Got to respect it for sure, it can kick back on you if you use it improperly or slip into the body. However, on uneven terrain, you need something that can jack up pretty high. Bottle jack, in my case, doesn't come close.

If you jack up from the slider (wabfab adapter wabfab.com is great). A trick I learned is to strap the axle to the frame before you lift, so you dont have to jack up as far.

Hi-lift is very flexible (can be used for several purposes and also at all sides of the vehicle) so it is good for many situations you may get into.

I played with the xjack airbag too- I like it and want one! We tested by placing under the rear axle and it lifted it pretty good.
One thing to note, the FZJ80 exhaust tip has a beveled cut. The xjack needs a straight cut exhaust tip to seal up well. It was a problem w/ the 80's tip- easy fix tho.

I think the xjack is a good addition to the hi-lift and not a replacement for it. Do you guys agree? I plan on adding to my recovery gear at some point.

[BajaTaco]

I think the xjack is a good addition to the hi-lift and not a replacement for it. Do you guys agree?

Yes, I agree. As I mentioned - especially if I were doing a sand or snow trip I would love to have the X-jack along. It would just be so convenient. Even on regular dirt trails and such, I think it would be great especially for folks who don't have good jacking points around the vehicle. Wil is right about the height limitation, so that is something to consider when you decide where to place the jack. LI4L, that is a great tip about strapping the axle.

[Mlachica]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/mlachica/DSC04317.jpg

Anybody have experience with this? Comments?

Li4L, so you think the xjack would work fine under the rear axle of a 5k lb taco?

[Life_in_4Lo]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/mlachica/DSC04317.jpg

Anybody have experience with this? Comments?

Li4L, so you think the xjack would work fine under the rear axle of a 5k lb taco?
Liftmate is cool, gotta get one of those too.... dang $$$ lol

We put it under a 6500lb Land Cruiser and it lifted just fine
http://homepage.mac.com/paintlab/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2005-11-13%2014.08.08%20-0800/Image-E84C5D89548F11DA.jpg

[The BN Guy]

Good pic! Answered all my questions. Now I need to talk Handbrake for funds.

[justfred]

Unless you are really doing something extreme; save your money. I'm at about 75 expeditions off-road in northern Nevada and the Sierras now - - I have yet to see a Hi-Lift used for anything. A couple guys in our club carry them but it's more because they got them for free than any useful purpose. Better to have some good recovery points, some straps, shackles and a second rig along.

I tend to disagree. I've used the hi-lift a fair number of times to get un-stuck. The biggest benefit over standard jacks is height (tho you do lose some of that due to spring sag since you're jacking from sprung areas rather than under axle). Most of the time this was when the 4wd and/or locker did not engage and I got into sand or dg and dug in. The Pinzgauer and/or Land Rovers I've used it with had solid metal bumpers. Jack the truck up, throw some rocks and/or mexican blankets underneath; lower and drive off. I've even used the quite dangerous method of jack up to the top and (making sure not to risk humans and/or sheet metal) push the vehicle sideways onto solid ground. Sometimes it takes one or two tries front and back. Really really dangerous. Don't try this at home.

The main reason to use it for changing tires, is to practice and keep the jack in working condition - better to go nuts cleaning it up in the garage, than on the trail.

[AndrewP]

HiLifts are indispensible trail tools on difficult trails. I have seen them in use dozens of times, but for something like a tire change, I prefer a bottle jack. Where HiLifts really make their mark is during an extraction from a high center. I know Life_in_4Lo was there when we had to HiLift my truck, Amando's truck and Alvaro's truck all within about 1 mile heading down the Big Sluice.

I could not agree more that they are scary and dangerous, and deserve the utmost respect. If you always remember to leave the lever in the "raise" position, and the handle "up", you don't tend to get whacked with the handle. Lowering the truck is where most people get hurt if you don't hold onto the handle with some force.

For really big trucks like SOA Land Cruisers, a HiLift is the only thing that can get those big tires off the ground.

On the lift mate thing-I thought that was such a good idea, I made one with chain and real hooks. It's absolutely perfect for raising a wheel and "bringing the traction to the wheel" without rasing the body of the truck insanely high.

[ldivinag]

the first time i saw a hilife in action, was a few years ago.

nor-cal people know HOLLISTER HILLS SVRA and their mini-rubicon.

a dude went in there and got stuck on a rock.

he yanks out the HLJ and proceeds to lift the entire front end, and using the wobbly base, "toss" the truck over the rock.

he does this a few times before he decides to bail.

personally? i have used it to lift the rear end of my 4runner out of a very sticky (clay) like mud, dump some leaves/branches/whatever under it and after like half an hour of this, got out of a mess.

also, plan on carrying a piece of wood, used as a bigger base. otherwise, first time i started to jack off the mud, the base just sunk into it... doh!

i found a big enough piece of wood that was kinda flat and i used that...

[OutbacKamper]

Anybody have experience with this? Comments?


I have (so far) used the Lift-Mate ever time I use the Hi-Lift, mainly because I don't have bumpers or sliders that I can jack from. However if your getting unstuck (rather than changing a tire) this method of lifting the wheel, and compressing the suspension, works much better anyway. I really like the built in rubber faced pad that helps keep the jack away from the tire and bodywork. Be aware that inorder to lift a fully loaded full size truck, it will probably take 2 people on the jack. Be sure to check that the Lift-Mate fits your particular wheels prior to purchase. Also if your spare has a different wheel (my 2 spares are on 2 different styles of steel wheel), check them too. The first time I was running on a spare and got stuck in sand, I went "Oh Sh** the Lift mate isn't going to fit" . Lucky for me I could just squeeze the hooks into the smallish holes in the steel spare wheel.

I also highly recommend the Hi-Lift Off-Road Base rather than a piece of plywood. The Off-Road base has a built in depression to hold the jack in place for safety, while the metal jack foot can easily slip on plywood. It is also usefull to put under your stock bottle jack, as it spreads, the load, holds the jack in place, and gives you about 2 1/2" of additional lift.

Cheers
Mark

[BajaTaco]

I also highly recommend the Hi-Lift Off-Road Base rather than a piece of plywood.

I agree on the Hi-Lift base. FWIW, in a pinch, you can drill a hole in the center of the plywood, and carry a short 3/8" bolt, pair of washers and hex nut to secure the jack.

[Scott Brady]

Wabfab makes a very cool slider adapter, and BajaTaco just completed a great article reviewing its merits.

WabFab Slider Adapter (http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/ExpeditionsWestWabFabSliderAdapter.htm)

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/slideradapter/images/slideradapter01.jpg

[david despain]

so from this review and the comments made on page 1 of this tread that adapter looks like a must have. i only have one question for those that own it. in the review it says it comes with a grade 8 bolt to secure it to the hilift tounge. does this bolt take any substantial shear force that would require a grade 8 bolt or is it there to just keep the adapter from falling off the jack, in other words would it be feasible to put a ball detent pip pin in its place or even a clevis type pin with a r-type retainer clip? that might make it easier and faster to use and then break down for storage? just thinking out loud.

[paulj]

Would you need to remove it for storage. I don't think it extends the length of the jack tongue that much - maybe an inch.

paulj
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/newsa2.jpg

[david despain]

whoa look at that. i guess it doesnt take up much additional room at all. i guess no need to make it all fancy if a simple bolt will work.

[waskillywabbit]

To make things even better, I am using a new product by WabFab (http://www.wabfab.org/) that is a Hi-Lift jack adapter that securely fits the tongue of the jack onto any round tubing. When I first heard of the product, I didn't really think it was that big of a deal (since I had used my jack for so long without one). But once I actually had the product in hand, and saw how it worked in person, I realized I had underestimated it's value. It's just plain cool. It makes the jack tongue very stable (I tried to shake the jack side-to-side to get the tongue to slide and it wouldn't budge), and a benefit I didn't realize until I used it is that it allows the tongue to be safely used on tubing that is very close to body sheetmetal. (see 3rd pic below). Here are a few pics that I took of the WabFab adapter...

http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter00.jpg

http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter01.jpg


http://www.bajataco.com/wabfab/wabfab-adapter02.jpg

:iagree: I must admit it...my slider adapters are downright sexy on a Hi-Lift!

I'll be more than happy to answer anyone's questions. Shoot me a PM/email.

:elkgrin:

[Desertdude]

I liked the wabfab product so much I bought one for each vehicle.

thanks Wabbit for a great product

Dalton highway (http://www.prudhoebay.com/Dalton_home.htm) approved :iagree:


http://idisk.mac.com/desertdude-Public/hiliftdalton.jpg

[waskillywabbit]

I liked the wabfab product so much I bought one for each vehicle.

thanks Wabbit for a great product

Dalton highway (http://www.prudhoebay.com/Dalton_home.htm) approved :iagree:


http://idisk.mac.com/desertdude-Public/hiliftdalton.jpg

I LOVE folks like Desertdude! Got a bunch of friends? :beer:

:elkgrin:

[Boston Mangler]

This product also works great on the 2 bars on the front/center of the ARB front bumper as well! Just used it like that the other day!