Using the stock jack when replacing a flat tire. Holy hell that was terrifying.

I had to use the stock jack once. Immediately afterward I ditched that POS and replaced it with a decent bottle jack.

 

Not impossible, just most slick than expected. Thanks for posting the page the diagram was on, I had the manual on my phone but it could be the phone didn't download enough of the user manual to render the diagrams. I did lift from the point specified in the diagram but that didn't help.

Thanks, everyone for welcomes =)

 

I like using stock jack, perfect for tire changes and other repairs if you know how to use it.
Tried all those other hydraulic jacks and hi-lift, at the end I still settled with OEM jack.




The only better alternative that I am looking forward getting my hands at is Pro Eagle, but that is top $$$

ps: yes, those are not lift points, but you got to do what you got to do...

 

***
Where is the kitchen sink? I see the rest is on the ground

 

Really?

 

lol, it's a long story of why, how and wtf we were thinking when we end up with what it is... nonetheless it was fun and learning

running 2 different size tires was even more fun for the next 4 days of trails haha

 

K

 

I hear you, after I lifted the truck a couple years back I got a hilift since the stock jack was useless at that point. With the proper attachments and maintenance to the jack it works great. A lot of people are scared I feel because the first time they have used them is the first time they ever have a flat. A good practice in general is practicing this procedures so when under stress you don’t crack under pressure and make unwise decisions. Also practice makes perfect! It’s a good feeling knowing when you have the right tools changing out a bad tire can be less than a ten minute ordeal than an half an hour nightmare. Since then I’ve invested in a safe jack setup which is safer than the hilift. I keep it in my wife’s t4r and the hilift on the truck. Glad you are safe and got off the road OP!

 

I had similar concerns, especially now that I have a moderate lift. I bought a few safe jack peices and a 4runner jack (the 4runner jack fits the safe jack attachments). Tested it out and it feels solid. I will say that the safe jack parts are expensive but worth it IMO.

 

We’ve found it’s just best to mental ignore him most the time

 

"Mental ignore", that is a good tip.

Just thought since we have a new member to the forum, would be best to try and nip that bud before it bloomed.

Thanks.

 

What year 4runner? I used my wife's jack for hers (2014) and it was the same as my 2nd gen taco.

 

Next time, chock the wheels with something. Damn near anything will work. You just need to keep the truck from moving that couple inches forward or backward. That should have prevented it from slipping off.

 

FYI. Try searching for "jack tacoma" on youtube and you'll find this gem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMrBbzg18ao

 

No, he's saying that the bottle jack can't support itself.

 

I carry a quality non OEM jack in my vehicles. I've seen very few decent jacks from ANY vehicle company for decades. I still have my old Land Cruiser Jack and kit [early 70s] around and have a 12v electric scissor jack that has different top pieces to fit on multiple vehicles along with a 3/4 thick piece of plywood to put under any of my jacks to give them a flat surface to work from. Also, loosening the lug nuts [not removing, just loosening them] should be done prior to jacking and you should remove the spare if at all possible before jacking. Trying to remove rusty lug nuts while the vehicle is on a jack is a recipe for disaster. Vehicle should be in park or first/reverse and the emergency brake applied.

I'll add that I always buy and stock in the vehicle a 1/2 breaker, extension and quality correctly sized socket for each vehicle, they stay there until I sell the vehicle and then get placed into the next one with a new correctly sized socket if needed. A magnetic bowl [HVAC store sourced] is also great for keeping lug nuts clean and able to be found.

 

I love the bottle jack. They’ve been in vehicles for decades and bottle jacks are my go to for offroad tire replacement and repairs.

I’ve used the Toyota bottle jack twice now and no issues. Worked like a charm.

 

This is how my dad taught us to do it. Otherwise you might get just enough force to rock the car off the jack. He also said to have a 8x8 or bigger piece of plywood to put the jack on for greater stability especially in snow or mud or loose gravel (which is typical side of the road surface).

 

Yeah, flat tires usually happen at night, rain or snow, driver's side tire on a busy roadway, etc.

I jacked the truck up in my driveway when I got the truck, lowered the spare, etc.

The TPMS saved my tires already- the tire pressure drops and I pull over in a more convenient spot.

Haven't shredded a tire yet.

The bottle jack is good for it is, a compact emergency tool.

I put an old socket wrench and a short length of pipe in the storage, since it makes it easier with the lugs- that and a high vis vest.

Some good information in this thread, as usual....thanks again op.