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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
I haven't used a hi-lift on the jk but on the TJ I always either lifted off the bumpers or the rock rails under the doors. Just pay attn to the jack kicking and whacking the body.
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.
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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