Changing a flat on lifted trucks: tall bottle jack or hi-lift?

[stioc]

So how do you guys change a flat on the side of the road? My OEM manual bottle jack no longer reaches the jacking points. I'm trying to decide if I should find a long range (23") hydraulic bottle jack or get a hi-lift with a lift-mate and then carry a jack stand. The former seems easier but I have yet to find one that goes that high. The hi-lift looks cool and you could use it for other things but it also scares me. It just doesn't look very stable and I'll probably be worried about it slipping and taking out my leg or something.

 

[LilKJ]

Hi-lift and jackstands... after having to do field repairs once without... I always have jackstands now.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

if you're on a solid level surface, tall bottle jack. Otherwise, Hi-lift.

 

[pray4surf]

Ratchet strap the axle or control arm to the frame to reduce suspension droop when using the hi-lift.

 

[Sangster]

now that I got a set of rock sliders, I'll get a hi-lift and use that plus jack stands.

 

[Borrego60]

Bottle jack and a block of wood to reach the axle or some other jacking point. If not a highlift might be the only opton. I carry both and a good size block of wood.

 

[akfj40]

Bottle jack and a block of wood to reach the axle or some other jacking point

x2 unloading suspension with a highlift on a lifted rig has run me out of jack before

 

[Overland Hadley]

I am using a longer bottle jack and plastic blocks. The plastic blocks are from a RV store, they are very lightweight.

 

[bluejeep]

I concur on the bottle jack or floor jack if possible. Else lift with the hi-lift but don't leave it at that - set it on jackstands, blocks, whatever. Very dangerous to do any work on a vehicle suspended on a hi-lift. Hi lift also makes an add on that allows you to grab the wheel so you lift the axle direct instead of maxing the suspension droop first before the tire comes off the ground. Works well to lift, then block under the axle and remove the add-on/jack.

 

[ntsqd]

I gave up on a Hi-Lift. Carried one for years & used it once. Was very rickety too. I find this to be far more useful:

 

[Skylinerider]

I'm getting one of THESE as soon as funds allow.

 

[Mr. Leary]

A high lift jack is probably the most versatile instrument of its kind. It can also be the easiest way to injure someone during a recovery. A bottle jack is pretty safe, but it may not do the job required. My vote is for the hi-lift, in lou of options such as the x-jack, which has taken my fancy as of late...

 

[ntsqd]

They do come in handy. This one came from the Saugus Swap Meet for the princely sum of $50 1987 dollars. The buyer wasn't too sure that it would work, so he only bought one of the many that the guy had. And, of course, the seller was never seen again.

 

[chasespeed]

I use a bottle jack, or a floor jack... I couldnt even pick up the front of my truck with a hi lift... nor would I try.... Had one for my Zu, and one for the Bronco... it was.... rickety.... at least with a floor jack, or a bottle jack, its... more stable.... and yes, a few different sized pieces of wood for height, and stability help alot as well....

Chase

 

[Mr. Leary]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't think of a situation off camber with multiple items stacked up being anything resembling stable.