I may as well confess. My Jeep came with one that was like new but missing the base plate. It did have a big heavy plastic base that is probably for weight displacement for mud or sand. I live in desert country. I ordered the replacement parts and painted the jack riser red to fashionably accessorize the black jeep. Then I read the words of wisdom here about the inherent dangers and limited applicability. It might be semi-safe in sand if I somehow buried a wheel and needed a minor boost up. I doubt I would ever go out alone in the Arabian desert without another Jeep or ten ready to give a safer helping tug. I'll also wager I will not go out without very wide tires and sticking in sand shouldn't occur. I am not going to take chances and drive in areas that exceed my abilities. I assume my TJ can already do things I have no right trying. In the end, while it may look macho, a small shovel would be smarter and safer. I have the never been used factory jack and a 12 ton hydraulic that will lift almost 17" without a block of wood under it. I will sell the jack and take advantage of the wisdom of other people's mistakes. If I want to look really macho I'll go Jeeping naked.