102 Uses for your High Lift Jack

[Quasimotor]

Ok folks here's a trail fix for those unfortunate enough to end up with a bent tie rod and yet fortunate enough to have a high lift jack.

Here is a picture of my bent tie rod on Martinez cabin trail above the mine and boulder field (I already had a new tie rod coming but wouldn't be in until monday, so much for that last quick trip before I changed it out).

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0252.JPG
After some time with a bottle jack and the winch to straighten out the tie rod some, I removed my high lift handle, and sleeved the tie rod with it.

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0257.JPG

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0254.JPG

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0255.JPG

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0253.JPG

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0258.JPG

And there it is, a nice easy tie rod fix with your handy High Lift handle. This drove home great with a quick toe set (eyeball) and some patience.

[blackeyedt]

OK, What's the fix? I know, but a lot of people don't. Show how you fasten the jack handle on both ends!

You brought it up ! :D

[k7mto]

I've always just slid the handle over the tie-rod and stuffed some shop rags in the ends to keep it from rattling. With the new tie-rod I'm getting, I don't think the Hi-Lift handle will fit anymore (and hopefully it won't be necessary) :D

[Quasimotor]

I've always just slid the handle over the tie-rod and stuffed some shop rags in the ends to keep it from rattling. With the new tie-rod I'm getting, I don't think the Hi-Lift handle will fit anymore (and hopefully it won't be necessary) :DMine didn't rattle since the tie rod had a slight s-bend to it still when I pounded on the handle.

It's a nice converstaion piece though, I'm thinking of keeping it for a spare. :D

[DsrtJeeper]

That's the only part of a High Lift worth carrying! :D They should have named it the "High Drop" or "Not to Swift Lift." ;)

Is your new tierod shiney and aluminum? :eek: ;)

[Antman]

That's the only part of a High Lift worth carrying! :D They should have named it the "High Drop" or "Not to Swift Lift." ;)

Is your new tierod shiney and aluminum? :eek: ;)


More than once a Newbe has asked to use my Hi-Lift so they could change a flat tire. :eek: I just hand them my bottle jack and wait for their question. :D

[Heywood]

I have an Alumaflex tie rod installed, and the stock one clamped to the roof rack on my XJ. (along with a spare driveshaft, both side front axles, and an extinguisher).

I would rather have it and not need it...than need it and not have it.

:cool:

[Quasimotor]

I have an Alumaflex tie rod installed, and the stock one clamped to the roof rack on my XJ. (along with a spare driveshaft, both side front axles, and an extinguisher).

I would rather have it and not need it...than need it and not have it.

:cool:

LOL maybe instead of these manufacturers putting on jerry can holders and High Lift mounts, they should research spare parts holders for the bumpers etc?

NEW ROCKCRAWLER BUMPER!! Carries, four axle shafts (inner and outter fronts, and both rear), Driveshafts, Steering components, and if all else fails, a Stick of Dynomite!

[DsrtJeeper]

More than once a Newbe has asked to use my Hi-Lift so they could change a flat tire. :eek: I just hand them my bottle jack and wait for their question. :D

It's also good bumper reinforcement and a great rear cage spreader. ;)

[danno]

I Once used two high lifts to help a fellow change out a broken D35 shaft...

Cranked that sucker way up in the air...

Then took two stacked spare tires and shoved them under the skid plate and lowered the vehicle down.

I trust no jacks bottle or otherwise when climbing under a vehicle... I have seen a bottle jack suddenly spring a leak. The vehicle didn't drop at 9.8 m/s/s like it would have from a high lift, but at about 1 second, no one would have had time to get out. Lucky no one was under there.

I have done the tie rod handle sleeve as well... Funny thing is that I was able to bend the stock tie rod nearly straight again by hand... I wedged it in my bumper. Its not hard to figure out how worthless the stock tie rod is if you can bend it by hand.

[NVRSTUKXJ]

Hi-Lifts are also great for pulling gears and axles.......just don't stand in front of the axle when you're doing it......it WILL come out fast and fly......

[big jim]

Hi-Lifts also work good for breaking the beed on a tire :D

[DrunkenKyle]

103: A quick way to get a broken finger or 2

[Timmy.o.tool]

I actually used mine to winch this kid outa a mud hole the other day. The first time I used it for this ...

I couldn't believe how well it worked.

That thing ratcheted him right out. I wasn't going to drive my jeep in there to get him out as he was in super soft ground with a crust of ice on top so you could walk on it but the wieght of his jeep broke right through and was buried over the tires...

[jeremyswrangler]

I was wonderring if the stock bottle jack comes in handy for changing a flat with 33inch tires? Until I get a winch I figured the Hi Lift might help me out of getting stuck,worst case cenario. :confused:

[DsrtJeeper]

I was wonderring if the stock bottle jack comes in handy for changing a flat with 33inch tires? Until I get a winch I figured the Hi Lift might help me out of getting stuck,worst case cenario. :confused:

You betcha! That little jack is your buddy. ;)

[Markos]

I'd like to see pics of it used as a winch. I have a shorter hi-lift (less than 48"). I honestly don't forsee the need to use it for anything other than a tie-rod issue, or a winch. I can't say for sure, but I don't really run trails where I'd get hung up on a rock, unless something was broken.

I have a tow strap, which be ridiculous for winching. What else do you need. A couple of HD tow chains, one for the shaft, and one for the jack hook?

I thought I remember a website that shows how to do it.

I also heard that a Hi-Lift is a good way to get a broken jaw (if you don't know what you are doing).

[SavageSun4x4]

Good friend of mine attended a a off road meet and they had a 'Jack Off' contest. They got a bunch of Jeeps together, called a circle jerk by some and each Jeep had to to be jacked up and the opposite corner tires had to be swapped using the spare.

My buddy won using his stock Jeep 'bottle jack'. He picked up a cool check for $2,000 bucks and a free Hi Lift Jack, which he gave away. I think the contest was sponsored by Hi Lift, don't believe they do it any more.

No, not kidding.

[DsrtJeeper]

That's classic, Don. :D

I grew up using farm jacks which were nothing more than the original style Hi-Lift. That was one of the most dangerous devices on the whole farm. Picture hilly farm land with a half load of hay on a rickety old hay wagon. The wagon has a flat. Soft ground and the powers of gravity mean sure death is ahead. "Come on jack...just one more pump..." as it leans downhill more and more. :eek:

[mingoglia]

The thing you need to remember is you have to be very very respectful of the hi lift. It can be a great tool but it can also kick your arse. Always use a hi lift with a buddy to stabalize the jack whenever possible. Your buddy should stow the jack handle in the clip and hang on to the top. If you have someone in constant contact with the top of the jack you'll be much safer. Also, in the rocks a Jack Mate works great...in fact the base is pretty worthless in the rocks, if you use a Jack Mate you'll be much much safer.

A hi lift can safely be used to change a tire on a vehicle as long as the vehicle doesn't have a excess of droop.... AS LONG as you have someone hanging on to the jack to make sure the vehicle doesn't wonder off on you.

I think everyone should carry a bottle jack to change a tire (I do). But if worse comes to worse and you have to use a hi lift it can be done safely as long as you take the proper precautions. Everything tool out there requires precaution when using...much of this caution is to prevent a very minor risk of injury....well with the hi lift there's a much better chance of bodily injury so you must must respect it.

If I were to change a tire with it I would probably do similiar to what Dan already said... I would take the spare off first before jacking. I would set it by the side I need to change. I would then loosen the lugs on the tire that needs replacing. I would jack up the vehicle WITH a buddy and make sure he's aware that he always has a hold of the jack. I would then pop the spare under the frame (like Dan said). I would remove the bum tire of the vehicle. I would then immediately pull out the spare from under the vehicle and replace it with the bum wheel.... then I would finally get the spare on the vehicle and fasten it down.

Mike

[LKD TJ]

For those of you that I have wheeled with in the last couple months know that I carry a HiLift. I am trying to remember but I think in those months I have used my lift on every run except one (Hunter's BBQ run to Squeeze Rock). I have used it on my own vehicle a couple times but mostly to help others. The HiLift is extremely unstable at times and can be scary. I am the first to say out loud (loudly) going up, and then also going down. I don't want anyone else near the vehicle. I would not go out on a trail without one, I do carrry two bottle jack as well (the stock and a little bit heavier duty one). I agree with what everyone is saying but if used properly they are fairly sturdy.
IMO :D

[SavageSun4x4]

That's classic, Don. :D

I grew up using farm jacks which were nothing more than the original style Hi-Lift. That was one of the most dangerous devices on the whole farm. Picture hilly farm land with a half load of hay on a rickety old hay wagon. The wagon has a flat. Soft ground and the powers of gravity mean sure death is ahead. "Come on jack...just one more pump..." as it leans downhill more and more. :eek:
X2

We would use them to stretch barbed wire for fencing. Yes they can eat your lunch if not careful...

[2talltj]

Learn how to use it and practice with it and a high lift is great. When you have a tall Jeep bottle jacks don't work so well. I do recomend spending a little extra and get the stand or at least make one.

[DsrtJeeper]

When you have a tall Jeep bottle jacks don't work so well.

That's 'cause your TJ is too tall. :D I used them on the farm religiously on mostly flat ground. I don't much care for them on a rough trail, but they do come in handy in a pinch. ;)

[Linda]

Learn how to use it and practice with it and a high lift is great. When you have a tall Jeep bottle jacks don't work so well. I do recomend spending a little extra and get the stand or at least make one.

Carry a couple of pieces of 2x4 to put the bottle jack on.

If you use a Hi-Lift (or a variation of one) carry a piece of chain (or ratchet strap) to chain the axle to the frame. You don't have to lift it as high that way. Unfortunately this won't work on unibodied Jeeps, but I am sure there's way to do something similar.

A garage jack stand is a very nice thing to carry if you end up doing any type of tire or axle work in the field.

[xFallen]

That's the only part of a High Lift worth carrying! :D They should have named it the "High Drop" or "Not to Swift Lift." ;)

Is your new tierod shiney and aluminum? :eek: ;)

Nonsense. :rolleyes: And you call yourself a farm boy.

Hi-lifts are great tools. Life isn't supposed to be safe... :D

[Allen]

I'd still be on some of the trails I've wheeled if I didnt have my hi-lift with me! I carry a floor jack too!

Just once I went wheeling without a jack (had washed the jeep out before going)

Had a rock slice into the sidewall! It took a few minutes to figure out how to change the flat! Reconnected the swaybar and backed into a hill until the front went airborne! Changed the tire and went back to wheeling!

http://photos.imageevent.com/frag_o_matic/main/johnbull/websize/John%20Bull%20018.jpg

[mingoglia]

That certainly would be the easiest (and safest) way to change a flat...assuming you're on a trail that you could easily turn around. By the looks of the pic you were "wheelin'" on a dirt road. ;)

[OlneyJeeps]

More than once (so it is rumored:eek: ) someone I know:rolleyes: has used the highlift (applied directly to the inside of the rim) to lift tire/axles (connected to high travel/long arm suspension) so that (soon to be unstacked) rocks could be placed to get some "show off" off of a high center situation that left his winch useless

[Craig]

I love posts with cutting edge tech and hot chicks! :D

http://www.cyclespot.com/images/DSCF0258.JPG

Seriously though, I don't think I have ever used a high lift to change a tire. Its a bottle jack thing. But I sure have used it for tons of other things.

I can't count the number of times it has lifted a vehicle for a suspension repair or used as a clamp to squeeze things together. Its a damn good pry bar as well. It's a come a long that helped me install my tranny and pull a carrier.

I'm quite the tool... I mean, its quite the tool! :D

[mushroom7b]

During the late 70's, my underrated genius of a father managed to crush his foot by jacking up a trailer with the 'ol reliable Hi Lift jack, steadying it with his foot next to it, the aforementioned trailer was an eensie weensie bit(5-6 tons) too heavy, the walking pins broke, the load fell down on his foot, and Hopalong was born...

[Kyron]

Also can be used as a bottle opener

[Skii4x4]

Also can be used as a bottle opener

I didnt know another Toyota lurked on here. Now with you me and nick there are three of us on here.

Back to the subject I have used my jack for helping people avoiding body damage by using the jack horizontally. I have used it to put a truck on a different line, jack it up really high and give it a good push in the right direction. It is the most useful tool that I own.

As for dangerous, just get out of the way when its falling, it happens. The worst injury I have gotten from it is busting a knuckle but hell I have done that countless times with just a wrench. Like any tool it takes common sense and knowing how to use it properly.

I think this is my longest post ever :eek:

[LOST TJ]

Back to the subject I have used my jack for helping people avoiding body damage by using the jack horizontally. I have used it to put a truck on a different line, jack it up really high and give it a good push in the right direction. It is the most useful tool that I own.


I think all of that was just on my rig. :eek: :D

[Skii4x4]

Your rig has seen my highlift about as much as mine has :)

[LOST TJ]

Your rig has seen my highlift about as much as mine has :)

Thanks for the help buddy. :)