hi-lift acc.

[BCJC]

hi guys, serious noob situation here regarding purchasing my hi-lift setup. currently looking at a 48" cast hi-lift, w/base, lift mate, off road kit, and this neat case: www.jackguard.com . any input before i pull the trigger on this setup? anything else i will require (besides alot of practice) to have a basic self recovery capable hi-lift? oh, and on the practice note, will the instructions be comprehensive enough? thanks for holding my hand for awhile here;)

[rgsiii]

I think a lot will depend on how your vehicle is setup. If you have aftermarket bumpers, sliders and lifts your needs may not be met by the same devices as somebody else. If you have enough lift on some vehicles, a 60" might be a better option--use a friend's 48" and see how it does.

With a high-lift a good variety of options is found at this site, with explantions:
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/hilift/

If you have an ARB front bumper and some rear bumper with a similar attachment point for the lift, there is an ARB Hi-Lift adapter works well.

Some sliders may be able to use an attachment like this http://www.wabfab.org/products/sa/sa.htm

A plastic base is sold that may be useful for you in mud--it greater surface area and doesn't sink in as much.

Many different options and all useful for the right person/vehicle.

For some reason, the Expedition Exchange site does not seem to be up--try this one for some info on some of the things you might want to add to the Hi-lift http://offroadrecovery.zoovy.com/c=gyIof78Kt0MTWvFcv2esJkIvP/category/hiliftjacks/

[+ d]

I have the case and I think it makes handling, storing and transporting the jack much easier. The base always seemed like a rip off to me. The Lift Mate I like conceptually, just make sure it will work with your wheels, mine works fine with my rear wheels but there isn't enough clearance between the wheel and the caliper on my front wheels. And the Off Road Kit is great option if you don't plan winching that often (ever!).

Of course as mentioned you have to have points of interface on your rig to fully utilize your set up, sliders, pull points, etc.

The best instructions on how to use your recovery gear...http://www.bb4wa.com/

[DaveInDenver]

If you have enough lift on some vehicles, a 60" might be a better option--use a friend's 48" and see how it does.

I have a 48" Hi-Lift and have several times wished I'd have gotten a 60". If (or when) I replace mine, it will be without a doubt the taller one. But I have the space to mount it, which is a consideration also.

[+ d]

...If (or when) I replace mine...

I believe it's been mentioned around here before but I understand you can purchase a 60" beam separately, and just swap the parts.

[DaveInDenver]

I believe it's been mentioned around here before but I understand you can purchase a 60" beam separately, and just swap the parts.

That's actually what I meant, just bolting a 60" replacement bar into the bed (also backup). Yes, I think every part on a Hi-Lift is replaceable. The Bloomfield part number for the bar is B60P for black and B60C for red. Both are $24.95 + $6 shipping.

[rgsiii]

I have a 48" Hi-Lift and have several times wished I'd have gotten a 60". If (or when) I replace mine, it will be without a doubt the taller one. But I have the space to mount it, which is a consideration also.

I agree. I don't see any good reason not to get a 60" unless there is a space consideration.

[waskillywabbit]

I offer these as an invaluable accessory for a Hi-Lift Jack...as mentioned in the link above and reviewed by ExpeditionsWest in the link in my signature.

More information here:
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sliders/sliders.htm

Model 2
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sliders/newsa4.jpg

Model 3 - 2" OD UHMW in the pic
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sliders/sa32.jpg

Model 2 by Model 3 comparison
http://www.wabfab.org/products/sliders/bothsa.jpg

Let me know if you have any questions about the slider adapters.

:elkgrin:

[DaktariEd]

Yowza!
That looks like a great adapter for sliders...
Somebody is thinkin' !

:D

[devinsixtyseven]

Just found a good price and free shipping on a Jackmate and a regular (cloth) cover, total just shy of 50 bucks, from a merchant on Amazon. I didn't see the cloth cover on EA or I would've got it all there. The poly handle keepers are definately better than the clamp and bolt I'm using :p.

That plastic cover looks real nice! And at 25 bucks it's comparable to the cloth cover, more durable...guess I'll see how the cloth cover holds up. If I were in mud or rain a lot, I'd have got the Jackguard.

With some 303 cloth protector, the cloth cover should be fine for the little rain I see offroad.

[njtaco]

Worth mentioning...if you EVER intend to use the HiLift as a hand winch, buy the 60 inch model. You will thank yourself later. ;)

(So will your club when another truck needs the extra height.)

[devinsixtyseven]

Where do you go about buying a longer bar? Direct from Hi-Lift? Or can a place like EA order individual parts, like the upper clamp/spread attachment from the "Extreme" (or whatever it's called) version?

[njtaco]

Lookey here, they are a forum sponsor...
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php/action/category/id/1/subid/25/

[SeaRubi]

the jackmate is a great addition to your hi-lift. i keep a ~5ft length of chain around and some small d-rings. with some creativity you can use if for all kinds of jobs. I've used mine to spread the frame-rails of a land-rover (no small feat if you've seen the frame of an older one), pulled apart a stuck driveshaft, and straightened out a steering linkage.

[cruiseroutfit]

For those with the 48" unit that think they might need some extra height (or those with the 60" unit that really need to get up there!)

I am working on some new high-lift extensions:

Introducing the CrOut Extensions (Patent Pending)
(yes this was a joke ;))

[cshontz]

I just got a Lift-Mate LM100. Very handy if you 1) have a vehicle that doesn't have any good jacking points, and 2) don't need to lift it to pull a wheel. Although, you can slide a jack stand or a sturdy log under there once you have it in the air.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/443661514_bea0c0231e.jpg

[etbadger]

Few notes I have on the hi-Lift:

- Maasdam Jackmate attachment very useful to simplify winching, spreading, clamping, etc. About 30$, available online at http://www.quadratec.com (updated, thanks) when I got ours. The new top clamp on the hi-Lift Xtreme looks to be essentially the same thing.

- The hole spacing on the 48" and the 60" is slightly different. Over 3' the spacing is off by .5 hole, meaning if you made a mount that uses the holes to mount a 48", your new 60" won't fit. This makes you cranky as you have to re-drill the mount and mutter curses.

- For winching you will want the off-road kit, and also about 25' of 3/8" chain. Grade 70 chain in this length, with grab hooks at the ends (handy) is available at truck-stops and online as "Load Binder chain". Often cheaper than getting bulk chain cut to length, and then purchasing the hooks.

- Read Bill Burke's notes on using the hi-Lift at http://www.bb4wa.com. He knows his stuff, and attending a real-time class of his is largely a lesson in the wonder and utility of this simple device.

- If mounted in the open, try for the front of your vehicle. If in the back it will quickly become encrusted with dust and grime. Clean and lube before using it (water can work in a crunch if the pins are sticking and not ratcheting).

-Erik

[teotwaki]

Few notes I have on the hi-Lift:

- Maasdam Jackmate attachment very useful to simplify winching, spreading, clamping, etc. About 30$, available online at http://www.quadratech.com when I got ours.


should be quadratec (no "h")


http://www.quadratec.com/products/92200_96.htm

[ntsqd]

Something to note if you have an ARB or similar bumper with shackle points is that you can lift off the 'U' of a shackle. I've done it a couple times, the first being when installing the front bumper on Patch.

Those making a box type of bumper can include, if there's room, a large ID tube that fits over the hook of the jack. Cut this tube just a bit shorter than the depth of engagement of the hook. You end up with a round hole in a verticle face of the bumper that the jack's hook fits into.
Gives a secure place to jack from.