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Thread: Hi-Lift Jacks

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    Default Hi-Lift Jacks



    So just a quick question here. I was thinking of buying the All Cast jack, that Hi-lift offers, just because I don't think that buying the Extreme one for $20-50 more is worth it for that one little attachment id probably never use.

    http://www.hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/all-cast.html

    Also, I'm probably getting the 48" one, just since I don't think i'd ever need the 60" one.

    What do you guys think/use?

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    I have a 48" All-Cast jack. Works great.

    I also have an offroad base for it which also can double to use to add height to a bottle jack when needed also.

    I plan on getting at least one of these in the near future:

    http://www.tractorsupply.com/wcsstor...00/1160455.jpg

    They say they will lift up to 22", and it doubles as a jack stand for safety. I'd NEVER work under a rig that was lifted only by a hi-lift. Changing tires or lifting the tire to get some rocks under, etc. is about all I would use the hi-lift alone for.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    I use a 48" but suggest you go with 60" - always better to have more than you need than not enough.

    ---------- Post added at 04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 PM ----------

    Andrew, I had one of those. Failed in short order, it's a POS IMHO.
    ___________
    Chris in Florida

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Really? So one of those really cool designs, but poorly made things?

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Andrew previously posted:
    " I'd NEVER work under a rig that was lifted only by a hi-lift. Changing tires or lifting the tire to get some rocks under, etc. is about all I would use the hi-lift alone for."

    Yeah i've heard stories about people working on cars that are held up by a hi-lift and then the jack slips out and the car crashes down.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Hey Matt

    Check out this link for all sorts of recovery information, including a lot of stuff on the Hi Lift jack and how to use it. Be sure you check out the pirate 4x4 billavista recovery bible.

    http://frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2136

    My thought are to go with the 60", but be sure that you know where you are going to mount it first. Cut a 2x4 to 60" and try to see where it would fit. These things are surprisingly hard to find a good place to mount especially if you plan on mounting one inside your rig. If the 2x4 doesn't fit, the Hi Lift sure won't, so you might be limited to a 48" one.

    BTW, pawn shops have these all the time for at least 1/2 of what you would pay for a new one. You can also find them on craigslist for a good deal. There isn't too much that goes wrong with them and the rebuild parts are cheap and readily available. I have been using mine a lot for the last 7 years and have no issues with it nor have I had to rebuild it. This is a jack that gets used both for wheeling and on the construction site, too.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    If you store it outside on your rig - I recommend this guy:

    http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=42956

    I got one and it covers the important bits from getting too much water on them. Not waterproof by any means, but it's not a bad cover and unlike the full size one you still have the holes for mounting available, etc. It doesn't interfere with my Yakima mount.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    You sure you linked the right thread Pete?

    But yeah I was thinking of mounting it to a roof rack (eventually). And I'm sure that my roof is at least 5'

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Thanks...fixed it. Bad case of 'bumper brain'. It is this one:

    http://frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2136

    A huge amount of recovery stuff and links, plus a lot of input from people on the forum. The Billa Vista stuff is awesome..

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Andrew previously posted:
    "Really? So one of those really cool designs, but poorly made things?"

    Mine is a good door stop. :(
    ___________
    Chris in Florida

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Personally, as stated, I would buy the 60". The only time you realize you should have bought a 60" is when you actually need it. :( Ask me how I know. You would be surprised how much difference that extra 12" can make, especially when trying to jack over a gully or with a bumper that is up on a hill/rock/etc. Suddenly 48" doesn't cut it.

    As Pete also said, look for one used. If you can find a 48" cheap, go for it. I pick them up for $20 or less quite frequently. Try it out, if you don't like it, you can certainly upgrade and get your $ back. I have a 60" on my 4Runner, but I got it for $50 brand new and couldn't pass that up. My other rigs have used 48" models. Don't skimp and get an off brand. The Hi-Lift brand is far superior in quality which is key when you need it most.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Patrolman previously posted:
    " I pick them up for $20 or less quite frequently."

    You should let me know the next time you find one and I'll buy it off of you....

    I would also agree with having more than not enough....

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Most importantly, make sure you have a bumper that will allow you to use a Hi-Lift. Chris, you know the wagons. Can he use a Hi-Lift with a stock bumper? Or does he need one of those wheel adapters?


    I use a 48-incher (but so far only on other people's rigs) and stock FJC's aren't Hi-Lift friendly. I could probably lift off the front winch bumper I have now, but haven't tried it. However, I have an adapter that hooks up under the rock rails, which works well and is safer than lifting off the rails without an adapter.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    DrUnit previously posted:
    "Most importantly, make sure you have a bumper that will allow you to use a Hi-Lift. Chris, you know the wagons. Can he use a Hi-Lift with a stock bumper? Or does he need one of those wheel adapters?

    I use a 48-incher (but so far only on other people's rigs) and stock FJC's aren't Hi-Lift friendly. I could probably lift off the front winch bumper I have now, but haven't tried it. However, I have an adapter that hooks up under the rock rails, which works well and is safer than lifting off the rails without an adapter."

    Well I'm gonna have Pete/Sean make the sliders outta square steel for that reason. And I might incorporate a few points on the bumpers for them.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    FJ60/62 bumpers aren't hi-lift friendly. I use my sliders.
    ___________
    Chris in Florida

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Does the jack slide? Pun intended, but it's still a legitimate question. Seems like it would be an issue.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    I have an adapter Pete made that makes it safe for a hi-lift!
    ___________
    Chris in Florida

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Go 60" or Buy a 60 and I'll trade you for my 48"

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    Chris previously posted:
    "I have an adapter Pete made that makes it safe for a hi-lift!"

    Me too, and I have the tire lifter in Dr.Unit's post. No use having a jack and no jacking points.
    I carry a heavy duty high-rising bottle jack from Craftsman for daily driving and I have the Hi-lift for trails. It doesn't seem worth dragging the Hi-lift around in the weather if my rig height allows for a bottle jack on pavement.

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    Default Re: Hi-Lift Jacks



    1 - The wheel adapters for the hi-lift are nice, but not if you need to change that tire lol.

    2 - I jack up on my sliders but could probably use my front bumper now. Sliders are round tube, but if you are on level ground and seat it correctly it isn't an issue. I prefer the tube sliders anyway - I think they look better and they are stronger.

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