Review of ARB Bushranger X-Jack

[1leglance]

Well here is a cool way to let your tailpipe do all the hard work! This thing is a trip, with just the pressure of your exhaust the vehicle gently rises into the air regardless of sand, mud, snow or anything else that would make using a Hi-Lift a pain.
Now for disabled persons I think an air compressor would be better to use than exhaust since the cone sometimes needs to be held against the tailpipe. Nicely enough the X-Jack comes with a valve stem just for this use.
Read more here....
http://disabledexplorers.com/id11.html

and please realize Disabled Explorers is new and a work in progress so if you find mistakes or any other issues please let me know. All thoughts are welcome.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Exhaust Jacks are neat tools, very handy.

A YouTube review: :gunt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxW-5nYr-m4

 

[Skylinerider]

So, the only thing that has me hesitant to pull out the wallet and buy one, is that I am wondering how durable it is. meaning is it going to puntcure easily on a bolt or other sharp piece of metal on the undeside of the Jeep? If it's nice and durable, I may need to pick one up from you Kurt when I get around to calling you about the ARB strap.

 

[cshontz]

I wrote a short review here on ExPo a while back (?t=413!), and I know there are others in the forum who own one - hopefully they'll chime in. My feelings are that it is adequately durable, but you should still put some care into positioning.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413

 

[cruiseroutfit]

So, the only thing that has me hesitant to pull out the wallet and buy one, is that I am wondering how durable it is. meaning is it going to puntcure easily on a bolt or other sharp piece of metal on the undeside of the Jeep? If it's nice and durable, I may need to pick one up from you Kurt when I get around to calling you about the ARB strap.

They are pretty well protected on the top & bottom, however it would be prudent to position it out of harm. All the lifts I've done were easily accomplished without any extra protection, though I can imagine location under a rig that would need a bit of care.

It does come with a protector mat of sorts, shown here:

 

[Ron B]

There is also another one on the market that's a bit less expensive and comes in 3 sizes/capacities (the biggest one being the same specs as the x-jack). I think the problem some are having is if their tailpipe has a bend near the exit then it won't seat properly. But most of us are running air systems so using the compressor attatchment might be a better option anyways.

As far as lifting capacity, most on this forum would be fine. My friend has one (I haven't seen it in person yet) and tried it on his h1, it got a tire about 3 inches off the ground...but he had to use another vehicle to inflate it because of the afore mentioned bend in the exhaust pipe.

I'd love to try one out. Seems like a good idea.

here's the link to the other model:
http://www.airjackusa.com/features.htm

rb

 

[ntsqd]

About '94 or '95, first time it got used. I had a cut sidewall:

The guy in the boonie hat got it at a swap meet for $50, which at the time we all thought was an outrageous price.....

 

[SinCityFJC]

1leglance I've already replied to this thread over on Adventure4x4 site but just adding that I've seen highlift jacks fail on the trail due to off-camber use ect. and think this is way safer.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

There is also another one on the market that's a bit less expensive and comes in 3 sizes/capacities (the biggest one being the same specs as the x-jack). I think the problem some are having is if their tailpipe has a bend near the exit then it won't seat properly. But most of us are running air systems so using the compressor attatchment might be a better option anyways...

I've got the Titan unit here too... we've been doing a review on it for our local 4x4 magazine. Side by side its nearly identical to the Bushranger...

 

[Beowulf]

Do you have to use and Limiting strap on the axle? I think the Xjack might max out before my tyres got off the ground.

 

[1leglance]

of course as with many things in life....it depends.
The max lift height is 31" so you would have to measure from the place you would lift from to the ground and them figure your suspension travel.
On my 2007 FJC with 3" lift it took the tire off the ground no problem 255/85/16's

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Do you have to use and Limiting strap on the axle? I think the Xjack might max out before my tyres got off the ground.

Not if you put the jack under your axle

 

[The BN Guy]

So I didn't see my answer anywhere. Here's the question...

Do you leave it hooked up to the vehicle with it running until you get the tire changed/work completed? Or does it have a valve, that once it reaches a desired height, you simply close it?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

One way valve, while it likely bleeds off over a long period of time, it has stayed inflated for all my uses (~1hr?)

 

[1leglance]

So I didn't see my answer anywhere. Here's the question...

Do you leave it hooked up to the vehicle with it running until you get the tire changed/work completed? Or does it have a valve, that once it reaches a desired height, you simply close it?

thanks for the heads up on missing info and I will add that tidbit to my review..
for me also it stays up long enough to do a reasonable amount of work and if it does slowly come down enough to effect you then a quick air up is no trouble