Transform your Hi-Lift jack

[Jonathan Hanson]

I just finished testing a new accessory for the Hi-Lift jack, which moves what we all know as a useful but troublesome tool to an entirely new level of stability and safety. It's called a Safe Jack:



At first glance it seems complicated, but the system takes just seconds to set up, and it adds unbelievable steadiness by creating a triangulated structure. There's a full review on OT&T here, and the manufacturer's site is here.

 

[IdaSHO]

Thats a great idea!

I love my high-lift, but it can certainly be VERY dangerous due to stability.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Great idea.

But, in the video, they say it keeps the Jeep from rolling.......

I don't buy that. Keep the jack from kicking out/the rig from going side/side, yes. But only having it in 4x4 with one axle on the ground, or by chocking the tires, will the rig not roll forward/backward.

 

[1leglance]

Thanks for the quick bit and link to Overland Tech.....I am in a real love/hate relationship with my Hi-lift and this helps find a back up use for it.
Lifting wise I only use my ARB X-jack as it is soooo much more stable. The Hi-lfit I keep around as a handwinch & backup lift. Not at least I will feel better about using it as a backup.

Good to see you around by the way, would be great to see more thoughts from you.

 

[obscurotron]

I have read the ARB X-Jack is a "recovery tool only", and not suitable for a tire change (one of the reasons I carry my hi-lift and 4x4 chunks of wood to block tires, in case I need to swap/fix a flat on the trail).

Is the X-Jack OK to use for a quick tire change or trail repair (say, axle shaft R&R)?

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Is the X-Jack OK to use for a quick tire change or trail repair (say, axle shaft R&R)?

No!

 

[Lynn]

Seems like a good idea if you have enough level ground to set it on. But it seems to me this device is only useful in the situation where it is least needed. With a properly chocked vehicle and a level base to jack from, I've never had a hi-lift kick out.

 

[TangoBlue]

Very clever idea. I like some of the other products on their website, too.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Seems like a good idea if you have enough level ground to set it on. But it seems to me this device is only useful in the situation where it is least needed. With a properly chocked vehicle and a level base to jack from, I've never had a hi-lift kick out.

Actually, its utility would increase if the ground weren't level. It enhances the stability of the jack in any terrain. If you were in a situation where you couldn't position the Hi-Lift straight up, the triangulation would compensate to a significant degree.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Personally I would not use a Hi-Lift for changing a tire, its a recovery tool. A bottle or screw jack is much safer when a tire change or repair is needed.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

A bottle or screw jack is much safer when a tire change or repair is needed.

Clearly. However, I've been in many situations where a bottle jack simply would not work. In those cases I've used the Hi-Lift, then secured the vehicle once the tire was clear of the ground.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Clearly. However, I've been in many situations where a bottle jack simply would not work. In those cases I've used the Hi-Lift, then secured the vehicle once the tire was clear of the ground.

If you are forced to us a Hi-Lift, strap the suspension prior. By strapping you keep lifting requirement at the absolute minimum.

 

[dr350jja]

If you are forced to us a Hi-Lift, strap the suspension prior. By strapping you keep lifting requirement at the absolute minimum.

I think this is very good advice. Especially for the long travel suspension rigs.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

By strapping you keep lifting requirement at the absolute minimum.

Actually it works for the X-Jack-type bags as well.

I'm about to have a go with Bogert's nose attachment for the Hi-Lift, which should allow lifting a wheel directly.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Having long arms, you get a lot of suspension droop. Enough where a 48" Hi-Lift would run out of room.

To counter that when using the Hi-Lift, I welded hooks on the sway bar brackets, and the spring towers.

Using a short chunk of chain, it kept the suspension from drooping.

Much easier and safer than using a strap. I've had straps slip and break, after that I came up with the hook idea.