Scissor Jack...no good!

[marty1000]

Hi.
I recently found out that the supplied scissor jack, (with block), is almost useless for jacking the front of the vehicle.
I had a front flat so used the scissor jack.
The jacking instructions specifically said not to jack under the wishbone arms but to jack on the front cross member.
Because of the suspension stroke, to get the wheel off the ground a fraction of an inch, the scissor jack has to be at maximum height and so very unstable because it has become very slender.
What's the best replacement jack to give the lowest height to get underneath the cross-member when a tire is flat but then to jack it high enough to get the wheel of the ground to be able to remove it?

 

[CoronaRaptor]

I would carry a block of wood in the box so it's not so unstable or get a proper jack.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

The harbor freight 2 ton aluminum jack is common amongst raptor owners. There are better brands but for the money this one works. You can also add a 6" extension to it

 

[dkfc13]

I know the HF jacks are very popular around here but floor jacks generally do not have a mechanical lock-out.

Floor jacks are designed to lift a vehicle and you should use a jack stand to support the truck while doing work. If the floor jack blows a seal, your truck will end up falling if not supported. If you keep your jack in the bed of your truck, exposure to the elements and heat fluations will damage the seal faster.

If you go the hyd floor jack route, I suggest having a mechanical support. If not, you might want to stick with a mechanical jack.

 

[t_j]

I know the HF jacks are very popular around here but floor jacks generally do not have a mechanical lock-out.

Floor jacks are designed to lift a vehicle and you should use a jack stand to support the truck while doing work. If the floor jack blows a seal, your truck will end up falling if not supported. If you keep your jack in the bed of your truck, exposure to the elements and heat fluations will damage the seal faster.

If you go the hyd floor jack route, I suggest having a mechanical support. If not, you might want to stick with a mechanical jack.

This is why the wheel always ends up under the truck if its not on a jack stand (normally only for a very small job, tire change, torquing a bolt, etc). Gives you a little added protection in the worst case. I would never get under the truck with it on a jack though.

 

[dkfc13]

This is why the wheel always ends up under the truck if its not on a jack stand (normally only for a very small job, tire change, torquing a bolt, etc). Gives you a little added protection in the worst case. I would never get under the truck with it on a jack though.

Good points @t_j. Safety reminders are always a good idea even for the most experienced users.

I think its worth pointing out because many of us have chased a lug nut under a vehicle when changing a tire or been burried to our axles in mud or sand when we here a "snap" and need to investigate. compromises are sometimes made to get ourselves out of a jam.

Unfortunatly when off-roading, not all jobs are small like changing a tire on the roadside (what the stock jack is somewhat equipped to handle). Understanding the the limitations of our equipment and making sure we have the right equipmet for the job is key.

keep in mind too that 2" max is the general guideline for lifting a tire off the ground for changing. This is to prevent vehicle tippping.

 

[SuperRaptor]

After getting a flat last weekend and using the stock jack...it blows.