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Where To Place The Jack?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Hellion, Sep 26, 2017.

  1. Sep 26, 2017
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    I have a 3-ton floor jack and say, I want to lift both front or both rear wheels off the ground. What do I put the jack saddle under?

    As for roadside tire changes, the Haynes manual states: "From the side of the vehicle, place the jack under either front or rear spring hanger, depending on the wheel to be lifted."
    I understand that, and it makes sense but the famous hi-lift jack is basically a glorified bumper jack is it not? It cannot lift from the same location and manner, can it?

    Let this thread address any and all forms of jacking and different types of jacks. I looked but couldn't find a comprehensive thread about jack placement, or where to place a jack so it wouldn't harm or potentially harm the frame, axles or differentials and where the factory specified locations might be. Thanks in advance.
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2017
  2. Sep 26, 2017
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    With a floor jack, simply lift underneath of the differential. Yes, one side will go higher than the other, but you can put your jack stands under the springs or the end of the axle at the same height and when you let the back down it will sit level.ALWAYS USE JACK STANDS!
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2017
    Hellion likes this.
  3. Sep 26, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    what daug said . but to change a tire . place jack under spring pads
     
  4. Sep 26, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    x2 on both of the above
     
  5. Sep 26, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Also +1 on above.

    Basically you aren't going to damage the frame, axles or springs by lifting the Jeep with a jack. Spring plates, axle tubes, axle pumpkin, frame rail, bumper, all are ok. Be very careful lifting with the hi-lift. I would only use it in the field, when there is no one under or around the Jeep. Considering the weight, size, and safety, I'd probably not own another high-lift. The floor jack under the differential pumpkin is much much safer. IMO the bottle-shaped screw jack under the spring pad is best for tire changing. The scissors jack used in later years is simple and used with the lug wrench, but sloooow. I prefer the screw jack. Pickup trucks often come with them.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  6. Sep 26, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    A hi-lift will have to go at a bumper, and it will lift the frame and body a lot more since it has to "stretch" the springs until the wheel is lifted.

    But it will work. Off road, it may be the only kind that can get access. And yes, use with caution.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  7. Sep 26, 2017
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Pasadena, Md.
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    I put a short piece of 4x4 on a floor jack. Keep the 4x4 as close to the pumpkin as possible and it will lift both wheels at the same time. Then put stands under the axle or spring pads.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  8. Sep 27, 2017
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Hi lifts are great for emergency field use, but I've had my jeep tip off it on flat cement in my shop. As stated above, use caution with these things anywhere you do use them.
     
  9. Sep 27, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    The Hi-Lift, when used with experience and due caution is a helpful tool. I use other equipment in the garage, but on the trail, it's the Hi-Lift. To facilitate it's proper use, when I built my bumpers, each of the four corners were made for a Hi-Lift. When most build a tube bumper they will put a partial chamfer on the end. I did that with some added features. There is an inverted pocket and serrated plate. The upturned end of the jack arm goes up into the pocket and the tube sides hold the other axis, effectively captivating it. If the ground is way off level there is a second attachment method. That small vertical slot... I keep about 8" of chain shackled to the jack lift arm to secure in the slot. And in this case would also use ratchet straps to stabilize the jack base.

    [​IMG]
     
    Bowbender, Hellion, sterlclan and 2 others like this.
  10. Sep 27, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    ^ That's slick.
     
  11. Sep 29, 2017
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    I've used a square piece of 2x4 small enough to fit in the jack cradle/cup but not a stout piece of 4x4. I'll have to remember that ...but it goes to show you need to have something in the jack saddle/cradle/cup to lift with sometimes.

    Thinking about getting a padded saddle that is flat, something like this:
    [​IMG]
    There's also something available called a hockey puck for use in the saddle. Anyone ever used one of those?

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2017
  12. Oct 1, 2017
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
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    A little trick I learned from some fellow wheelers. I carry a short length of stout chain with a hook on the end(s). If you have a lot of suspension travel and you need to lift from a bumper, you loop the chain around the axle and over the top of the frame. Get it as tight as you can and when you lift the frame/bumper with the High Lift the axle will come up with it and you won't have to let the suspension flex out all the way to lift the tire. My chain is about 10' but if I were to make a chain just for this it would be half that length.
     
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  13. Oct 1, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Great idea - just as long as you aren't stuck where you need a mask and snorkel to get to it.
     
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