Check Straps

[Viggen]

So, I was trying to jack up the truck yesterday using the hi lift (48") and began to run out of holes in the lift before my wheel even left the ground. I have an old tow strap that I am thinking about cutting up and creating a quick to attach/ quick to remove check strap to limit my droop and allow the wheels to leave the ground. Anyone done anything like this before? I like the flex for the trails but if there was ever a time where I needed to lift the truck to change the tire, or get the tire off the ground to put ladders underneath, I could be in trouble.

 

[xcmountain80]

Yes this can be a problem when not jacking from the axle. I've used heavy load rate ratchet straps before with success. A few companies make Things just for this, one of which is Slee Offroad and is called Jac-Kof.

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[The Adam Blaster]

Ratchet straps are a great solution to this problem.
They are cheap, you almost always already have one packed in your rig, or are using one told hole gear in place, and they are adjustable.

 

[Token]

Got a winch..??

 

[Ozrockrat]

Slee Jac-Kof kit (Yeah seriously that is its name)

Check it out. Contains the strap for the suspension, Strap and hooks for lifting from the tire and a few more bits.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_jackof_detail.htm

 

[Viggen]

Got a winch..??

Yup, got a winch but Im flexy on both ends.


Those Slee pieces look awesome. I never thought about just using ratchet straps. Good solution.

 

[spencyg]

I've been thinking about welding a couple small chain retaining hooks to the frame and spring pearch to allow safe chaining of the axle for droop prevention during tire and axle maintenance. Seems like a simpler (and cheaper) solution which utilizes stuff you're already most likely carrying. I typically try to limit my specialty tools to things which can serve multiple functions on board.

I do like that SLEE solution though, but it seems more at home on some sort of off-road only competition rig than one which needs to have room to carry lots of stuff.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Cody1771]

i keep a bag of ratchet straps (12) in my vehicle at all times, they are GREAT for many repairs, i was about 200km into some back roads and i broke the welds holding my battery tray on, 2 ratchet straps and it was secured better than OEM haha. bent a spring once, tree trunk between the axle and frame, and ratchet strap, killed the ride but got me out and kept my tire from destroying my fenders (imagine trying to drive with only 1 leaf in the pack... )

 

[sleeoffroad]

I do like that SLEE solution though, but it seems more at home on some sort of off-road only competition rig than one which needs to have room to carry lots of stuff.

Just my $0.02.

Actually we developed that piece so that you can simply your recovery gear. It does the job of 4 tools previously found separate. Slider attachment, ARB attachment, Wheel hi-lift attachment, and an way to attach to bumpers with D style shackle mounts.

The axle strap is supplied for this exact reason. A ratchet strap will work, but the custom designed strap is made to go around the axle and strap securely to itself, then you have a couple of different ways to attach to the vehicle. You also have to take into account the total pressure put on the strap by the suspension wanting to expand. So choose the ratchet strap with the correct rating.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Ratchet straps are great.
I even keep a couple in my wife's car, cause you just never know.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I use the 8' chain I carry with my Hi-Lift stuff.

My CJ is fine, as it's leaf sprung, but I still use it there, to keep from having to get the Hi-Lift so far up the rail.

On my XJ, with the long arms in front, having a chain or strap is mandatory!:snorkel: