Replacing Bottle Jack for 98-11: Emergency Use Only

[RangerJoey]

Hi All,
I saw a Torin Big Red 6 Ton bottle jack on Amazon today for $21 and was thinking of picking one up to replace the OEM bottle jack for the 98-11 generation, (maybe applies to others as well). Luckily, I haven't had to use the OEM one, but given its age, I wouldn't mind throwing $20ish to a little assurance on getting something more reliable, (theoretically anyway). Given the lift range of 8.25" to about 16", would this be just fine on a non-lifted 4x4 model? I know I have my stock jack, but I think I took it out in the garage and can't find the thing for the life of me.

And to note: this is just in the event of an emergency, not a replacement for actual maintenance raising, etc. It looks like the manual calls for lifting the lower control arm if it's the front or the axle tube directly between the U bolts if it's the rear. I'll measure those points as soon as the sun comes out, but just posting to see if anyone has any advice or input surrounding stock jack replacement. TIA!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I used to just carry a couple short 4x4 blocks in the bed to put the jack on

 

[2011Supercab]

I'll measure those points as soon as the sun comes out,

Measure axle tube or lower control arm to the bottom of rim, remember the emergency will be a flat or destroyed tire with the possibility the rim is sitting on the ground.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I switched mine out for a Husky scissor jack. I think it was like $40 bucks. HF has em cheaper.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve used bottle jacks for years. Carry a couple pressure treated 2X and 4x pieces. Block the wheels good and if needed put a board or two down to set the jack on. You have to pay attention that the jack is centered and doesn’t start to lean or anything, and it’s a good idea to have a jackstand or some 6x6 blocks and stuff to stack up to make a temporary stand. Only once had a bottle jack roll out and that was my fault, I was in a hurry and didn’t block the wheels and support the truck because “I’m not getting under the truck” and when it went, the bedside knocked me over backwards. Didn’t hurt anything but my pride but it was a pain to get it jacked back up because when it’s sitting on the brake drum, not much fits under the axle.

 

[pjtoledo]

with the mechanical jack the long handle keeps you out of the way, pumping a hydraulic jack involves getting under the truck.

 

[superj]

you don't want it falling on you, for sure. my shoulder is still not 100% from when the jeep rolled down on me in feb or march.

 

[Shran]

My rule for bottle jacks is if you use one you better have a second handy for when the first one falls over and you have to jack up the truck again to recover it.

They are handy but the tiny flat top does not work well with round axle tubes (see the C shaped top on factory jacks) and the bases are pretty small so they tip easily.

 

[holyford86]

The best bottle jacks I've found are the ones found in 90s Mitsubishi Monteros, 1.5 ton telescoping hydraulic jack with a top pad designed to go under the axle tube, the handle is better than 4 feet long when extended also. they're stored in a compartment in the floor under the driver side of the rear seat in those

 

[Shran]

The best bottle jacks I've found are the ones found in 90s Mitsubishi Monteros, 1.5 ton telescoping hydraulic jack with a top pad designed to go under the axle tube, the handle is better than 4 feet long when extended also. they're stored in a compartment in the floor under the driver side of the rear seat in those

Supposedly some of the new Super Duty trucks come with that style of jack too, or so I have heard.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Older Land/Range Rovers had nice ones too. A yoke to support the axle and a big base with a long handle. Even have wheel chocks too.

 

[holyford86]

Supposedly some of the new Super Duty trucks come with that style of jack too, or so I have heard.

I have one of those too, it's basically a 4 ton version of the Mitsubishi jack, it telescopes out about 2 inches taller also.

Older Land/Range Rovers had nice ones too. A yoke to support the axle and a big base with a long handle. Even have wheel chocks too.

View attachment 84603

Now I know what I'm going to hunt for at the junkyard this Saturday, they have 3 or 4 of those there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have one of those too, it's basically a 4 ton version of the Mitsubishi jack, it telescopes out about 2 inches taller also.


Now I know what I'm going to hunt for at the junkyard this Saturday, they have 3 or 4 of those there.

Discos have them under the hood, the range rover I got mine out of had it in a foam insert inside the spare tire.

Discos are easy to see and get nabbed fast.

 

[sgtsandman]

I have a piece of wood to act as a base plate for the factory and bottle jack. The point about the saddle on the factory one is a good one. A standard bottle jack is going to be more sketchy unless you use it on the frame or a flat surface.

I also slide the spare under the truck until I can get the flat tire off and then it goes under the truck.

I also have a pair of wheel chocks to keep the truck from rolling. The tire on the opposite side and end of the vehicle gets the chock.

Though I haven’t gotten one yet, places sell bottle jack adaptors with the y for the axle and front lower control arm horn. I know Amazon had them at one point. As far as the longer handle to keep you out from under the truck, you’re going to have to make your own. I haven’t seen anything ready made that is long enough.

 

[Josh B]

I use some stock Ford jacks from the wrecking yard. Mostly unused @ $2.50 each. I have several under my tool box now, with at least two jack stands, a couple plywood pads, 4x4 blocks and some tow ropes