Hi Lift jacking
09-25-2008 | 11:59 AM
#41
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: RSM, Ca
Thanks for your concern, I actually use the 8000# strap, but close enough I don't get under the jeep when its on the highlift nor do I let anybody else, I don't trust the jack, I trust the strength not the stability. And the only time I use that method is when i need to lift the tire about 1" to get some boards under it. If I'm lifting it I use the D rings. But again I appreciate your concern and I promise you won't hear about me or my jeep come crashing down b/c I'll never tell 
J/K
J/K
10-03-2008 | 06:24 PM
#43
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 2
From: MOKENA ILL
If I were looking to simply jack up my stock height JK, I'd use the factory jack. The hi-lift shines as a multi-tool. I ran trails with my old jeep for many years. Even though I had a good winch, there were many times I used my hi-lift as a winch insted. Why? stalled motor, low battery, take your pick. The point is, the Hi-lift is simple and with that comes amazing reliability, someting I need on the trail. It's a jack, a winch, a press, a vice, a puller, a make shift tie rod, the list goes on and on...
As mentioned before, the most important thing anyone should do as a hi-lift owner is to KNOW THE TOOL. Practice with it at home. Know it well and maintain it and you'll be glad you have it on the day when every other tool craps out!
As mentioned before, the most important thing anyone should do as a hi-lift owner is to KNOW THE TOOL. Practice with it at home. Know it well and maintain it and you'll be glad you have it on the day when every other tool craps out!
AS A MAKE SHIFT TIE ROD 
can you explain how it would be a good thing to know thanks
10-11-2008 | 09:36 PM
#46
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I have said this all recently about changing a tire with the Hi-Lift but...
The jack that comes with the JK works very well for lifting the axle to change a tire and most problem situations. The Hi-Lift jack is a tool and can when used properly do things the standard scissor jack can't. It sure does look rugged and if your winch was broke and your all alone in the wilderness/outback then I guess you could use one. I think the Hi-Lift is a well made and quality tool! I might even get one for my Jeep. This is where I will probably get flamed but...Personally I think it is way over rated as an accessory for the Jeep. Why you might ask?
Lift points on a stock Jeep - none Yes, I know they make a hook for the wheel to lift but that doesn't help if you need to take the wheel off. You would have to block the axle underneath and remember I said that it is really unstable. Don't get under there with just a Hi-Lift attached.
Lift for a flat tire on a lifted and aftermarket bumper Jeep - The reason why we add mods like lifts, coils, and swaybar discos is to let the axle flex. You have to jack at the bumper or rockrails way too much to get a tire off the ground. This makes an unstable platform which can cause damage to the vehicle or the operator. I do have rails and bumpers that I could use but I choose not to use them. One of the blocks (AEV) makes for the scissor jack works great and stows easily for a lifted JK.
See how high the bumper point is in this photo. This is in a level garage floor not the off-camber trail with boulders.
Used as a winch! - Yes, it can be done but man what a serious pain in the back, arms, and other places I won't mention. Can you say sloooow. Need a winch get a winch or go with someone that has a strap and/or winch. The tow strap will get you out of many a high centered spot on the trail.
If you want something that looks really heavy duty for around $60 then a Hi-Lift will make your rig look rugged and like a serious off road rig. Some of the guys I have gone out on the trails with have them but I have found very little need for one on most trails.
Or you could just build one of these and climb over everything including my JK.
Note : Due to current inflation my $0.02 is not worth a thing.
The jack that comes with the JK works very well for lifting the axle to change a tire and most problem situations. The Hi-Lift jack is a tool and can when used properly do things the standard scissor jack can't. It sure does look rugged and if your winch was broke and your all alone in the wilderness/outback then I guess you could use one. I think the Hi-Lift is a well made and quality tool! I might even get one for my Jeep. This is where I will probably get flamed but...Personally I think it is way over rated as an accessory for the Jeep. Why you might ask?
Lift points on a stock Jeep - none Yes, I know they make a hook for the wheel to lift but that doesn't help if you need to take the wheel off. You would have to block the axle underneath and remember I said that it is really unstable. Don't get under there with just a Hi-Lift attached.
Lift for a flat tire on a lifted and aftermarket bumper Jeep - The reason why we add mods like lifts, coils, and swaybar discos is to let the axle flex. You have to jack at the bumper or rockrails way too much to get a tire off the ground. This makes an unstable platform which can cause damage to the vehicle or the operator. I do have rails and bumpers that I could use but I choose not to use them. One of the blocks (AEV) makes for the scissor jack works great and stows easily for a lifted JK.
See how high the bumper point is in this photo. This is in a level garage floor not the off-camber trail with boulders.
Used as a winch! - Yes, it can be done but man what a serious pain in the back, arms, and other places I won't mention. Can you say sloooow. Need a winch get a winch or go with someone that has a strap and/or winch. The tow strap will get you out of many a high centered spot on the trail.
If you want something that looks really heavy duty for around $60 then a Hi-Lift will make your rig look rugged and like a serious off road rig. Some of the guys I have gone out on the trails with have them but I have found very little need for one on most trails.
Or you could just build one of these and climb over everything including my JK.
Note : Due to current inflation my $0.02 is not worth a thing.
10-13-2008 | 12:43 AM
#47
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 2
From: MOKENA ILL
I would highly, highly recommend practicing using a high-lift jack in your driveway - a bunch. I highly recommend this video from off-road guru Bill Burke:
Getting Unstuck DVD
He shows the proper use of a high-lift jack, proper winching techniques and other great advice.
Getting Unstuck DVD
He shows the proper use of a high-lift jack, proper winching techniques and other great advice.
10-15-2008 | 09:19 PM
#48
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Reading, PA
Attachment 13253
By using 12mm or 16mm bolt to attach this long ram jack to my front bumper or rear frame rail i feel this is often more safe option than using my high lift. Also using proper base and strong enough bolts to secure it down to earth---not like in this picture...lazy me.
WARNING ! Never go under it with this setup. It may collapse suddenly or lose it´s pressure...crushing you. Always use a proper support to let your jeep rest on it...never on this jack alone.
By using 12mm or 16mm bolt to attach this long ram jack to my front bumper or rear frame rail i feel this is often more safe option than using my high lift. Also using proper base and strong enough bolts to secure it down to earth---not like in this picture...lazy me.
WARNING ! Never go under it with this setup. It may collapse suddenly or lose it´s pressure...crushing you. Always use a proper support to let your jeep rest on it...never on this jack alone.
That's great, but what about using it as a winch, clamp, or even jaws of life?
The Hi-Lift is a must have for any off roader.
There are additional parts and other methods to lift just about anything. It is not designed to replace your jack for changing a tire, but is designed for off road use when you are out of options.
10-16-2008 | 10:49 AM
#50
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Macon, GA
Good question; I've got a 48" one, but bought it for using to level the shed I had just purchased. I convince my wife that the price of it would be cheaper than having the delivery guys out twice to level the shed! (creative accounting!)