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Lift Points on Stock JKU: Floor jack or Hi-Lift?

19K views 20 replies 16 participants last post by  Edbert 
#1 ·
Morning all!

I have a question for you guys out there.

I have a stock JKU, and want to plasti-dip my wheels. The factory jack is not in great shape, so I am looking at replacing it.

My question is, do I go floor jack, (keep in mind I have a gravel driveway, but have access to fairly level pavement at the side of my house), or do I splurge on a hi-lift jack?

Having asked that, if I go hi-lift (I'm not planning on lifting my JKU anytime soon), where are the lift points?

I will of course be using axle stands, but which would be better for me at this point in time?

I like the idea of having the hi-lift if I get into to some future trail running but is it overkill?

Thanks in advance for the input.
 
#2 ·
Get a replacement factory jack and put it back in your jeep. It's not practical to tote around a hi lift or a floor jack all the time. You need a good jack in your jeep incase you get a flat on the highway or something.

There are no good jack points for a hi lift on a stock jeep. I've seen people stick the hi lift on the hitch, but I personally don't like that idea. It's really easy for it to slide off. If you want to use a hi lift, you need to ADD jack points in the form of a good set of sliders and steel front/rear bumpers. The hi lift is good to have around when you're off road, and though they don't often get used, when you need it you'll wish you had it. I was just in a situation a few months ago where I couldn't winch and the hi lift saved my tail.

A good floor jack is hard to beat in the "home workshop." Needless to say, each type of jack has it's purpose, and I have all three.

If the extent of your mechanical endeavors is going to be taking off a wheel to plastidip it, and maybe an occasional trail ride, the factory scissor jack is probably all you need.
 
#3 ·
For maintenance purposes I would never use the factory jack or a "high lift" one. I recommend a floor jack instead, they are intended for garage/shop use and much easier to use, more efficient, and safe.

That said, if your work requires you to be under the Jeep please use a jack-stand. Arguably do the same for tire rotation and brake maintenance, even if your body is not at risk of serious damage your Jeep is.
 
#4 ·
I don't think you can go with just one of the three. If you can only get one, I'd get the scissor jack for the factory location.
Hi Lift is a nice to have option, but I'd get a floor jack next to help with in-the-driveway work. Floor jacks a nice for when you have to support/lift the axles for shock or spring replacements, installing lifts etc.
Also, make sure your jack stands are tall enough! I have some from HG that were tall enough for stock, but with new tires and a lift, they aren't tall enough anymore!
 
#7 ·
Having just removed mine to shorten them, I wouldn't. They are just held onto the body with 9 small diameter bolts, and there's no frame connection at all. They work fine for steps, but that's it, and certainly aren't robust enough to use as a jack point.

Mark
 
#12 ·
Well I bought my Hi Lift back in 1973, used it many times over the years mostly as a bumper type jack and they are much better than old style bumper jacks, but then I forget most of you probably never had vehicles that came with bumper jacks. I think they pretty much quit coming with cars when the bumpers turned to trim pieces instead of real bumpers. Oh yeah, the Hi Lift cost $39 back in 1973. cheers...
 
#17 ·
I use this to lift my Jeep ;)

Of course it is a bit hard to bring with you.....I use a Hi-Lift on the trail.
 

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#19 ·
The stock jack works fine for changing a tire. Suspension lift won't change where your axles sit until you add the larger tires ;) even on 33" tires it's no problem.

Joe
 
#20 ·
Thanks for the advice, everyone!

Ended up going with a floor jack and stands.

Did the job, and now the Jeep looks fantastic with the blacked out rims.

Love Plasti-dip.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Automotive tire
 
#21 ·
Thanks for the advice, everyone!
Ended up going with a floor jack and stands.
Good work!

To summarize...
Factory jack (and replacements) are for road-side emergencies.
High-lift jacks are for trail riding situations where a winch may not be enough.
Floor-jacks are for planned maintenance and are superior to either of the above for such activities.
 
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