Jack recommendations for use with 2 1/2” lift

I just finished installing a 2 1/2” lift on my 2021 TRD Off-road. I suspect that my factory bottle jack may not lift high enough to change a flat.
I would appreciate some recommendations for what to use for general on road travel? Anyone found an extension solution that will work with the OEM bottle jack. I’m trying to find a solution that avoids a bulky item that takes up a lot of space in the back of the rig.
ideas??

Cheers,
Bob

 

I keep a piece of 4x4 wood in my 4Runner. I too scoured the internet looking for an sweet tall jack. Then I realized that a chunk of wood solved all my problems. My stock bottle jack + wood works great.

 

I carry about a 6” piece of a 4x4 and a little taller aftermarket bottle jack.

 

I also recommend a piece of wood, 4X4 or 6X6, I don't have a lift but I have a block of wood in every vehicle I own and have owned, because it saves a lot of jacking if you use the block, also gives you more height if needed because of uneven ground, etc.

 

I have one of these in my truck and a 4x4 block of wood.

https://www.amazon.com/BUNKER-INDUST-Off-Road-Alleviate-Hoisting/dp/B07P1XS3GC?crid=3J7PZZOU0O9MV&keywords=car+jack+stand&qid=1653180008&sprefix=car+jack%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-80-spons&th=1

 

I went with a hi-lift because of that time in northern Death Valley with a flat tire, when I discovered my bottle jack's seal had blown out, so it wouldn't raise. I also carry a flat board. But the hi-lift really is a lot bigger and pain in the ass, and if you screw up you can dent your side panel or your face. You have to do regular maintenance on it, too, so it doesn't seize up and try and dent your stuff.



(Taking pictures while a friend bails me out with his jack.)

 

Consider getting a lift pad for the OEM jack that wraps around the rear axle and frame for safer jacking. Check out Safe Jack.
https://safejacks.com/products/12-ton-7-universal-lift-pad

Or maybe one of their beefier jacks.

 

Same here! Super cheap and doesn't take up much space.

 

Gee, all I carry is a 4X4X4 block of wood I've had for 30+ years now, and a bottle jack courtesy of Harbor Freight. And the factory OEM jack. Works great.

 

Not cheap, but an excellent jack https://safejacks.com/

I got the full kit

 

You can't beat good wood, well you can but be careful

 

I too think hilift jack base should work. As shown on this video I was able to use the stock jack on the frame to lift tire on stock vehicle vs the correct way is on axle.

 

I went round and round on what I think I needed. Until I decided to try actually using the factory screw-bottle jack. It will work just fine. It’s light, doesn’t take up any more room, and it’s as simple as an axe (no blown rings or leaks).

Unless you have long or extended travel suspension, a lift will not make a difference how far you need to jack the frame up to get the wheel off the ground. That said, I watched a Tinkerer video that showed one of the common bilsteins as having longer travel than stock (unadvertised), so it’s a good idea to take a thick board anyway. You’ll need it to help with soft ground too.

You might need a board/pad if you have bigger tires.

For replacing a rear tire, it’s way easier and safer to jack on the axle. If you need to lift at the frame for suspension work, a pad/board will be helpful

Here’s a few pics of when I used it last time I rotated tires. I have stock size K02s and a Dobinsons IMS suspension with 2.5 front/1.5 rear lift.

This shows full extension (not lifting anything here)




Full lift



The amount of height tire came off ground.

 

At first sight I really liked the idea of the axle cradles, but on further thought, I don't think it makes it any more stable. The weight needs to be directly on-center over the little pad (where the groove is). The second the it shifts, the bottle will tip over. The base of bottle jacks isnt very wide since its made to take weight only vertically.

Unless the point is to distribute weight across the round profile of the axle tube so you dont scratch it or something. But those still look like they contact on a point.

I could see a V shaped cradle helping with quick centering on the axle, as long as a bracket or lines dont get in the way.

The wheel chocks are a good idea. Thats the only thing that will keep the jack from shifting off the vertical load axis and the vehicle rolling off the bottle jack.

 

You make a great point that I didn’t consider……
That is that a typical lift of a couple of inches does not increase the droop when you jack the vehicle off the ground to change a tire….
That said, I see why the factory bottle jack should still work as long as you still have OEM size tires (which I do).
I did acquire a Hi-Lift jack base (orange plastic version) that will still be useful on soft ground regardless of whether I use the OEO bottle jack or something else.

To everyone who responded to my question, I greatly appreciate all the responses…

Cheers,
Bob

 

I actually like, and keep the oem bottle where its at. That said, I always have my high lift when out. Ive used it more to pull than push in my time (its just a mechanical winch, both directions). Used it for a billion things other than a tire swap. My grandpa used one when i was young for assorted work in the bee's, gave me one when i could drive. And have one ever since. I really like the ability to use it, on my rock sliders. Super secure, and makes quick work. They (now) have a billion adapters for them (because they arent going anywhere, anytime soon, the off road community loves them) that go on all ends. They have a slick semi circle set up, that fits securely on the anvil, that cradles the dom tubing of sliders. Hell, hooks with straps to lift at the rim, all sorts of rad, smart, safe tools, for the tool to be efficient, effective, and safe.