Hi Lift Jack Question

So I have a 2016 with 2.5 inch ADS reservoir shocks front and rear and medium Dakars in the rear. I also have RCI rock sliders.

I have been experimenting with a Hi Lift 48 inch jack. My basic problem is jacking a rear tire (front is easy). I use the rear of the slider as a Hi Lift attachment point and here is the thing: there is so much travel in the rear suspension that the front tire on the side that I am jacking is starting to leave the ground before the rear tire has cleared the ground (its clear the front tire will be in the air first).

Is this normal? Is it safe? I suppose I could always jack the front wheel first and put something under it to mitigate this some, but I am just not sure of the best course. Advice is much appreciated.

 

It's normal, it's not safe, nothing about the hi lift is terribly safe, I have one for emergency use only. Carry a bottle jack for placement under your rear axle when possible

 

Yeah, I am wondering if I am going to end up going the bottle jack route for the rear tires.

 

https://safejacks.com/products/safe-jack-bottle-jack-recovery-kit-with-bottle-jack

 

You can use a jack mate to lift a wheel a bit easier.

 

What if he’s changing a rear tire?

 

HiLifts look cool on the truck.

In reality they're dangerous.

I've had to use mine once and it slipped loose allowing the rear brake drum to hit the ground between someone's legs.

In a shitty situation they're useful, if not needed. But Jack stands and a regular jack would be safer.

 

I use my Hi Lift somewhat regularly and I've never had a bad experience with it. The only time I have, was using a friend's Hi-Lift and it was because he never oiled the thing. Hi Lifts should be sprayed down with a dry lube before every use and they won't fail. I've used mine in the snow and it worked fine.

That being said I think a floor jack is a much more convenient option, if you work on your own truck you should invest in one. Lifting the rear via the rear diff with a floor jack is the ideal method and will lift it easily, since you don't have to max out your suspension travel first. Hi Lift via the sliders means you have to get past the suspension travel before you lift, as you've experienced.

 

Last week I bought one of these bottle jacks. It’s cheap and seems to work, a little slow, not as fast as a floor jack. It has a large base, long adjustable extension and doubles as a jack stand.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerbuilt...ack-Stand-640912/173839766565?epid=1676575415

 

Does this fit in stock jack placement?

 

Torin Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack, 12 Ton Capacity

$64 BIG RED T91203B Torin Hydraulic Welded Bottle Jack, 12 Ton (24000 lb) Capacity, Red

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000234ISU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_syoYCbBRHY1JA

+

 

No it’s a lot bigger than the stock bottle jack. But you can lock it up in the bed.

 

Also worth noting I have a hi lift jack, too. But never have used it, really just for show. I’ll use a floor jack at home and a large bottle jack away if needed.

Actually, a hi lift makes a great come along if your winch shits out or don’t have one.

 

Get a really strong strap and tie off the rear axle to the frame before you lift your truck - the axle will not travel as far when you lift it.

***Make sure it is a good strap- I like to use a tow strap***

If you wrap it around the axle and frame tightly, the friction of the axle pulling on it will hold it well, especially if you use a double half hitch (clove hitch) knot. When you lower the truck, the strap will come off easily without the pulling from the axle.

 

I carry the OEM scissor and two pieces of cribbing. I jack with the jackmate then slip the scissor in straight and level as a temporary “jackstand”. It is quick and lightweight on the trail solution. And because you support the truck on the well placed jack it is fairly solid.

 

Jack stand or appropriate supports like a beer bottle under the axle after he lifts the wheel with the lift mate.

 

You use the lift mate to get the tire in the air and then you shove logs or a jack stand underneath the axle, then transfer the weight over to the jack stand.

 

You can use a chain for this too, if you have one. I had to do it on my old Suburban because it had so much axle droop

 

As long as one doesn't pinch a brake line with it!

 

You can get these pretty cheap from tractor supply and they work great. I lift my f350 using one.