Older model and new model. The new one has more adjustment holes and some armor over the connection from the ram to the jack stand part.
Older model and new model. The new one has more adjustment holes and some armor over the connection from the ram to the jack stand part.
A Hi-Lift jack is not the proper tool for changing tires. Use the factory scissors jack or a bottle jack instead. A 12" x 12" piece of 3/4" plywood for a base adds stability.
A Hi-Lift is probably the most overrated offroad tool. I own one - a raffle prize many years ago - that has been rebuilt more often over the decades than it has been used. I still carry it, primarily because my rear bumper has a mount for it low and out of the way and because it might as well be mounted there as sitting in a corner of my garage gathering dust. I suffer no illusions about using it for much of anything.
The very few times it has been used it has been to jack up someone else's rig that was high centered so that we could push the rig away from the offending rock. By "we" I mostly mean they because I would prefer to watch from a distance - I think Hi-Lift jacks are dangerous and I'd like to keep all of my teeth for as long as I can.
derekmac
TJ Addict
This is the only way I’ve ever used a Hi-Lift.
Used carefully, and combined with this little tool, it is a great T post puller.
Especially if you want to reuse the post
Used carefully, and combined with this little tool, it is a great T post puller.
Especially if you want to reuse the post
If I was ever given a free one, I'd probably do the same. As much as I have no interest in really owning one, they do look pretty cool and it could at least be a backup winch (if you have the chains for it or whatever) in case your battery goes dead or something.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
ohiopatriot
TJ Enthusiast
I have two. Bought them at the flea market for $10 each. I used it once. I got rutted in a dry wash and jacked the front bumper up and since it was a stock bumper, once up a foot I pushed it over sideways. I did this twice and moved the jeep sideways 2 Feet and was out of the rut. The one on my hood is for the cool look for my Prize Winning Stock TJ.
I also carry a 12 ton bottle jack for actual work.
Next I tem I bought was a locker and a winch.
I also carry a 12 ton bottle jack for actual work.
Next I tem I bought was a locker and a winch.
tquig01
TJ Enthusiast
I got one with the Jeep. It has sat in my garage since I got it. Only time it was used was by a friend that used it to jack up his boat hoist so he could level the feet. It worked well because he didn't have to dive under the water like a traditional jack. At least it has gotten used a couple of times! And hats off to the guy in the video! He took that shot like a champ - that was a solid hit.
I've had one for 40 years and have used it once - to jack up a floor joist in the house to accept a brace underneath after a load bearing wall was knocked out.
BendLarry
TJ Addict
I grew up on a farm and we used them often. I don’t get the “they look cool “ comments?? The same guys must get all giddy over pipe wrenches.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Only time I've ever used a farm jack is to jack up a shed floor (sans walls and roof) high enough to get a trailer under it.
Neal
TJ Enthusiast
I keep mine in the garage and use it for things like this - straightening out the radiator brace on my daughter's Camry after she had a bit of a vehicular disagreement with another car. The jack is solidly attached to my bumper with a couple of d-rings on one end and a tiedown strap around the brace on the other (the strap was the only thing I had that would fit around the brace). The strap was the weak point, if it were to break the jack would simply drop down to the bumper of her car - no snapback on the jack handle. Works good, lasts a long time. Note her boyfriend taking photos from the other side, in case the ER doctor needed an explanation...
brianb2
TJ Enthusiast
Funny, I had this in my amazon cart. I wish the base disconnected or there was someway to break it down for easier storage. Where do you keep it in your Jeep?
I don't carry it in the jeep. Its just a garage tool. I use it primarily for the front axle and a transmission support.
The factory jack works in a pinch out on the trail.
Head Lice
TJ Addict
A very good alternative to the factory TJ jack is the OEM jack that was used in the '70s - '80s Chevrolet/GMC trucks.
It is virtually foolproof. Has a large base and is a telescoping screw type unit.
Combined with wood blocking (which you should always be carrying) this is a very versatile jack.
These jacks can be found at any wrecking yard for very little coin.
I used my Hi-Lift jack a couple years ago in Moab when I lost my right front coil spring. Had to lift it high enough to get the spring back in, which I was able to do. I've had mine for 30 years or more. It does come in handy now and then.
I do agree....seeing them on the hood of a Jeep makes me cringe.
I do agree....seeing them on the hood of a Jeep makes me cringe.
I have the same and yes it does...I had one issue with this jack though as it wouldn't come down. I bled it, cursed at it and scratched my head for a good half hour...then I just started cranking it up to the max and it eventually came down...guess I had air in there..I only glanced at the link but I have the one with the extended arm attachment.