Jacks

What are you guys using for jacks? Hi lift has always been the go to for anything off pavement for me. I don't see many people with them mounted on 4 runners. Maybe they are stowed in cabin. Too big for my precious cargo space inside cabin with family and dogs.

Maybe I am wrong but no confidence in the factory jack getting it done off pavement.

 

I’m actually picking up the Habor Freight badlands today, you should look up that one.

 

I already have a hi lift. Are you mounting it or keeping in cabin?

 

I had it mounted on my Gobi when I go off pavement

 

Check out safejacks.com
https://safejacks.com/products/basic-bottle-jack-kit
I've seen this site recommended several times here on this forum

 

I have seen these but no experience with it. Definitely solves the space problem since it is bottle jack with extensions. Hi lift is a valuable recovery tool also can be used as a winch when needed. Trade offs on what everyone is willing to compromise on. If I didn't have a roof rack to mount the hi lift this may be a compromise needed to make.

 

I use the factory jack and a 12"x12"x2" platform for the base of the bottle jack to give more surface area and height. Its a good jack and has many more options for placement than a Hi Lift. I should probably upgrade it though.

 

The the OP already has a hi lift and no interior space. That seems to limit the options, so a roof mount would probably be it.

If / when you get an after market bumper you can select one that has an exterior mount.

I have some wood blocks and the Safety Jack, and I have the OE jack too (it still could be useful).

Cheers
Mike

 

I agree, I don't think it would fulfill the role in some off road conditions. I have a Hi-lift that I packed around with all my previous trucks (and have used for all sorts of things), but I don't have it on my Runner because I don't actually have any lift points on this truck yet. But one day, when I have the front bumper, rock sliders, and proper recovery points, I will be mounting mine on my rack. If my budget increases exponentially, I may even get to mount it on a rear bumper/tire carrier!

 

You don't wheel brah.

 

Has anyone tried stock jack with a hi-lift jack base?
I have jacked both KDSS and non-KDSS by rear frame (even though the correct jack point is rear axle), the stock jack had enough height to lift the tire off the ground. I've used just the jack on my lifted Limited in front and it had no issues in my garage. So I thought stock jack may be enough for me to be used with the hi-lift jack base. May be give it a try and see if its enough?

For just in case type of scenario if I have a flat tire in very uneven ground have no chance to drive at all to a relatively level ground I do have a hi-lift jack that is stored in the cargo area.

BTW, almost every time I follow another 4Runner I see stock spare tire (4 bigger running tires and stock small spare tire).

 

Who knew jacks were a spicy topic....

 

Bad news mixing tire sizes.

 

I have four 4x4's about a foot long under the drivers seat and a 2x12 on the rear floor. This gives me plenty of lift to get a tire off the ground with the factory jack. I installed "Seat Jackers" to get the needed space under the drivers seat. If my amp wasn't under the passenger seat the 2x12 would live there.

 

I would do everything I could to get to flat land or use a bottle jack. And I carry a hi-lift. But a hi-lift is a tool for leverage and lifting and moving in general, and not necessarily for replacing a tire. It’s just not safe or stable to do so. Even the directions state (dozens of times, including on the handle label) that you need to chock the vehicle, stabilize it, and then place a jack stand under it, before taking off the tire. I’m sure it’s been done without all these measures, just like someone’s probably successfully reached under a running mower without losing their hand, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it, and I wouldn’t make it my plan A or plan B. Especially on an unstable obstacle on the trail.

 

Some examples of hi lift usage posted on You Tube are terrifying.

 

Yes. I have a Hi-Lift. It is the tool of last resort. Dangerous even when used as directed. We carry them because sometimes nothing else will do, but when anything else will do, we use that!

 

Perfect fit.

 

Yes sir..

 

"I usually just drive up on a rock or a log to get my wheel off the ground so I can change the flat or crawl under it if need be..." Jack Mayhoffer

 

I have a farm jack (hi-lift) and rock sliders that can act as a jack point. Between the sliders and the hitch I have plenty of options

 

So, from what I gather from this thread:

When you get a flat while off road, it is better to use a high-lift in a sketchy spot than to drive to a more level/stable spot on a flat tire, to prevent damage to your rims. Because that makes you a real off-roader.

Got it.

 

What are you guys using as a Jack point for hi lifts? The only thing I can think of would be my sliders and even the it would be a bit sketchy. Maybe I am the only person not running aftermarket bumpers with specific spots for them though.

 

This fact is why is why it’s hard for me to justify the weight and space penalty. Not to mention, adding hard points to even be able to use it, is also heavy and expensive.

If I was wheeling hard and wheeling often, maybe I’d consider it. But as a weekend warrior who loves bypasses, forget it. I already verified that the factory bottle jack can go high enough with a simple plank under it.

The OE jack will have to be sufficient for me. I practiced with it to get a feel for it. I’m also fine with wrecking the shit out of my wheel to get to more stable flatter ground, rather than try to jack off- camber with a hi-lift.

I thought about maybe getting a hydraulic bottle jack, but the OE jack is lighter, and it can never leak!

 

Kind of surprised the response this post created. I did learn some good tactics for using the bottle jack with some kind of block underneath it which is good advice. I think it all comes down to being safe in the situation that your in. Driving to a better location for repair even if might cause wheel damage makes sense in many situations. I do think the hi lift is a great tool that will solve many problems when your in the middle of no where. I try to be over prepared. If I plan for the worst often no issues.

Everyone has their own perspective which is one of the reasons I love the forum. Tap into the knowledge of a big group even if I don't agree with everyone.

 

I was afraid this day would come…. I heard those same snare drums seconds after posting my truth.

But alas, here I am. The moment is over. I’ve been exposed, my AAA card laid bare.

Oddly, the weight of being afraid of being found out…it’s gone. I’m light as a feather…. I am free, finally free to be the groomed gravel trail traveler I truly am!!!

 

Hilarious!

 

If I cant get a trip-tik for a gravel road, Im not going!!!

 

I always confirm that there’s cell service before I go out.

 

Because of no cell service in eastern Oregon for miles and miles, I bought a personal ELT.