hi lift jack

[swynx]

i was lookin to buy a hi lift jack but im not sure if i should buy the 48" or the 60", but i know im going to buy a cast/steel, im not sure bcuz i got a 91 frd ranger 4x4, 4.0 with 3 inch body lift, fender trimming and 33's and i didnt know if 4 foot would be large enough for me, and i havent bought a winch yet so i was going to use it as a hand winch when i get stuck, and to take on and off tires

i guess in a way im asking u guys to make up my mind for me

im thinking of going with the 60 since its an extra foot, and the 48 is on sale for 50 bucks and the 60 is only 56 bucks

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've got the 48" and i'm running 6" suspension and 3" of bodylift and i can still get the tires off the ground with it, but the 60" would have been nice to have at time. I'd say get the 60" then you never have to upgrade to a larger one.

 

[metalmacguyver]

But it can be harder to find a place that is out of the way to keep it.

 

[pillen140]

how the heck do you use those things any way? ive used em on stuff before, but what do you use as a lift point? bumpers?

 

[swynx]

i could give a shit if it ripped off my bumper, just duct tape it on later, and it would give me more clearance in the front/rear, and it would be less of a hassle ne ways lol, and it takes patience and skills to use them ive learned

 

[Loanranger]

Use them under your bumpers, rocksliders if you have them, or they even sell a tire lift adapter that hooks into the holes on your rim, this makes it easier to change a tire, lift the tire off the ground, stick something under the axle, and take the tire off, you don't have to stretch out your suspension this way. Keep the pins lubed up well, and you won't have a problem, as long as you're smarter than the jack.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Personally I don't think I would put enough faith in one to jack something up high enought to warrent a 60' one. They do have a tendancy start leaning and trying to kick out. They can be as frustrating as they are helpful sometimes.

We just have a 4' on the farm to jack up tractors, it works fine for that.

 

[Capt Jay]

The longer one is too hard to hide in the truck. I've got 9" of lift and a 48" jack. Any more would be overkill. Yes you can use it to help get yourself unstuck but it's a lot of jack to be moving around.

As stated earlier, keep it well lubed and in good shape. Nobody's jacks seem to ever work except mine. Just pour a little oil on it now and again and it won't ever let you down.

 

[farley610]

yeah i was also wondering, when you need to replace a blown tire where do you place the jack? if i put it on my bumpers it would rip them off

 

[dogboy]

I use a 48" one and it has been plenty in my opinion. a 48" jack fits somewhat nicely in the back of the ext cab on my '93 Ranger. It has to go at a angle, but it fits. About the only rteason I can think of for a reason you'd need a 60", is if you have a VERY lifted truck, and the fact that it would be nicer if you were using the lift as a winch.

Generally, the work better when lifting off something other than the stock bumpers, or rock sliders, that is the the main reason I want a new front bumper and some sliders.

 

[Todd]

It all depends on what kind of truck you have and what you are planning on using the jack for. Back in the day I bought my 48” when the BII had little lift and no winch. It worked perfect for lifting the front or rear to “walk it” sideways out of ruts, change tires and use as a winch.

Now my 48” still works but I wish I had a 60”. If I want to get a tire off the ground I must chain my axle while the weight of the truck is on it or the 48” will never lift a tire. My truck is not huge by any means, but I have a LOT of travel.

I don’t use it as a winch as much anymore but still maybe use it twice a year to pull my rig backwards when winching forward or a rear pull isn’t possible. But for those two times a year I wish I had the 60”.

For places to jack off, stock bumpers are sketchy. Whenever building a custom bumper or buying one I believe functionality with a high lift should be incorporated.

Also as mentioned above lubrication of the jack is key. I carry a can of WD-40 with my trail fluids and spray down the jack before every use.

As for storing the 60” over the 48” you have a ranger, it can be mounted in the bed. I would get the 60” if you can get it for only 6 bucks more.

 

[dumprat]

I have had both the 48 and the 60. The 60" is a waste of money. They are too tall to be safe and the beam bends if you try to lift anything heavy anyway.

 

[94 lngbd]

what parts store are they on sale at

 

[Stangmata]

I would get the 60". Not because you need it, but because the one time you really NEED your hi-lift, you are going to end up needing a 60.

To really have it be effective, you need aftermarket bumpers, sliders, tire adapters, etc. You have to have solid jack points and you NEED to know what you are doing. Hi-lifts are dangerous as hell.

As to where to buy them. Online, 4wheelparts, Sportsman's warhouse, tractor supply, etc.