Hi Lift jacking
11-01-2008 | 08:36 PM
#62
JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: Grand Junction, CO
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.
Somebody mentioned protecting the body with a jacket or something. The trick is to start with the base a bit under the vehicle so the HiLift leans away from the vehicle. That way when they close up the HL won't hit your vehicle.
11-01-2008 | 08:47 PM
#63
JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: Grand Junction, CO
I've got a 60" HiLift. I want the ability to winch myself backwards if need be. It is a pain but if you have the HiLift Off Road kit it comes with some additional rigging to make it way easier. I always carry it and have used it. Yes it takes a while but it beats walking out.
We are often out by ourselves and will often see nobody else for a whole day. Under such circumstances it would be foolish to be without a HiLift.
We are often out by ourselves and will often see nobody else for a whole day. Under such circumstances it would be foolish to be without a HiLift.
11-01-2008 | 10:42 PM
#64
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 2
From: North East Kingdom, Vermont
I HATE that damn hi lift jack.
Dang half ass piece of Rube Goldberg engineering.
The thing does nothing really well.
And most of what it does do, takes so much work, it makes your eyes bleed.
And talk about a dangerous contraption!
Dang half ass piece of Rube Goldberg engineering. The thing does nothing really well. And most of what it does do, takes so much work, it makes your eyes bleed. And talk about a dangerous contraption!
11-01-2008 | 10:45 PM
#65
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 2
From: North East Kingdom, Vermont
Then again I never leave home with out my hi lift. It does so many things, and sometimes it is the only thing that will work. I hate it, and if I never have to use it again I will die a happy man, but it does always come along. Cause you never know.
11-17-2008 | 07:57 PM
#67
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Philly, PA
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.
HiLift wasn't made for any kind of "stock" vehicle except tractor. FYI its called a farm jack, HiLift is just one of the brands of it. So if you get this jack, its up to you to have accessible jacking points.
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.
I'd rather use HiLift jack on uneven terrain than scissor jack. And i actually got to use both many times while out wheeling. And i will agree with some people on here who have said that you need to learn your jack, and practice lifting your Jeep in driveway. And since your talking about the block for scissor jack, they make one for HiLift too, which gives it a wider base so its more stable and can be used in thick mud/sand.
See how high the bumper point is in this photo. This is in a level garage floor not the off-camber trail with boulders.
If the car is sitting on 40's, then you don't need to be a genius to figure out that a 48" jack won't do jack...
And usually on a trail, the rear bumper is much closer to the ground then on lever surface.
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.
And how exactly will you use a winch if your battery is dead, and engine is not running? What if your winch broke, or cable snapped? There are situations when you cant use your winch. What if you need to go backwards when stuck, how will a winch in a front help you there? Sure you can get one for the rear of your Jeep, but i'd rather spend $50 on a jack, and another $50 for jack accessory kit. A strap works well, agree, but what if the terrain+weather conditions make it useless??
For example: We went wheeling this Saturday. It was raining, and the terrain there consists of clay, and thick swamp mud. We tried using strap to extract someone, and guess what, tires spin, and Jeep is sliding all over the place. Winch was next in turn, and it did work. But if there was no winch, we'd use a HiLift.
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.
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.
HiLift wasn't made for any kind of "stock" vehicle except tractor. FYI its called a farm jack, HiLift is just one of the brands of it. So if you get this jack, its up to you to have accessible jacking points.
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.
I'd rather use HiLift jack on uneven terrain than scissor jack. And i actually got to use both many times while out wheeling. And i will agree with some people on here who have said that you need to learn your jack, and practice lifting your Jeep in driveway. And since your talking about the block for scissor jack, they make one for HiLift too, which gives it a wider base so its more stable and can be used in thick mud/sand.
See how high the bumper point is in this photo. This is in a level garage floor not the off-camber trail with boulders.
If the car is sitting on 40's, then you don't need to be a genius to figure out that a 48" jack won't do jack...
And usually on a trail, the rear bumper is much closer to the ground then on lever surface.
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.
And how exactly will you use a winch if your battery is dead, and engine is not running? What if your winch broke, or cable snapped? There are situations when you cant use your winch. What if you need to go backwards when stuck, how will a winch in a front help you there? Sure you can get one for the rear of your Jeep, but i'd rather spend $50 on a jack, and another $50 for jack accessory kit. A strap works well, agree, but what if the terrain+weather conditions make it useless??
For example: We went wheeling this Saturday. It was raining, and the terrain there consists of clay, and thick swamp mud. We tried using strap to extract someone, and guess what, tires spin, and Jeep is sliding all over the place. Winch was next in turn, and it did work. But if there was no winch, we'd use a HiLift.
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.
05-03-2009 | 07:52 AM
#70
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: middle of the orange groves, FL
Me too!
