Using Hi-Lift on stock Tacoma

I have hauled a high lift jack for tens of thousands of miles in several different trucks and have only used it once. Its big, has sharp edges, heavy and takes up limited space in the truck bed when camping even if a nifty mounting is used.

In addition, I can see NO WAY to use it on a stock Tacoma without inflicting damage......unless inserted into hitch receiver in back. In front there is no way to lift at the tow hooks without creasing the bumper skin badly.......do I have this right?

Even that hook-on-wheel attachment for hi lift has the jack perilously close to wheel well.

So my plan is to retire the hi-lift and replace it with the X Jack. .....its one of those air pillow jacks.

Opinions and feedback are welcome.



BB

 

Most people who use Hi Lifts on Tacomas have sliders. They make perfect lift points on the truck.

 

Yep - if you don't have sliders and/or bumper with lift points, there's not much point in carrying a high lift jack.

 

You're going to need some sliders.

 

I have this device, and it worked with my old 1998 Chevy truck steel front bumper......it will not work with stock Tacoma 2008 hooked to front tow hooks or bumper without damage.

I want to keep the Tacoma stock as it suits my limited off road needs just fine.

I have never used an air bag jack before, but they appear to work well in vids and reviews.



BB

 

That X Jack looks like its more of a hassle than a Hi-jack but I guess its better than nothing.

 

Hi lift can be used as a come along. X jack looks like I would pop it.

 

I think for the OP's purpose, the X jack might be just the ticket. It's meant to be used as a jack, so if it pops, you can claim warranty I'm sure. ARB stuff is generally good stuff.

Word of caution: Don't use the Hi-Lift on the hitch receiver. This is a dangerous maneuver that makes the truck easy to tip.

As a visual, let's say you lift the truck from the hitch. Now, push against the driver's side wheel. The jack will tip sideways towards the passenger side until it flops over and the truck lands back on its wheels.

 

As long as this thread's still going on - you CAN use high lift without sliders or bumper as long as your purpose is to get stuck rather than change a wheel. You have to get and use the "lift mate" accessory to lift by attaching the jack to a wheel.

http://www.hi-lift.com/accessories/lift-mate.html