Hi-Lift Jacks

[theo]

Dan, mine has worked that way since I got it 20 years ago. I inherited it from my wife's dad, who had it for quite a few years before that. He kept imacculate care of his stuff; everything I ever used of his has been that way. I believe his Hi-Lift is the same.

The next time I'm in the farm supply store down the road from me I'll test a brand new Hi-Lift to see if it acts the same.

cheers to your lovely for her good taste!

 

[Safado]

[quote author=zebrabeefj40 link=board=14;threadid=11843;start=msg109352#msg109352 date=1077596849]
I use a ratchet strap around the axle and frame so I don't need to lift the truck so high with the Hi-Lift. Little more stable that way.

[/quote]

So you saying just make a loop and bring it out the wheel well and jack the axle using the strap, or the hook/loop? Seems like that angle would pull the jack into the body, although I can see the logic and have never tried it. Wouldn't that get in the way of removing the tire? Maybe I'm just not seeing this right....Please mo splane!

Spencer

 

[s79bj40]

it actually says in the instructions for the brand that i have that its meant to behave in this manner, free dropping with no load but will jack down a notch at a time with a load over a few kg. forgotten how much exactly, but it does help to read the manual sometimes.

 

[Junk]

Safado, the rachet strap goes from axle to frame so you don't get droop when you lift the truck. That way you don't have to go as high.

s79 - yes, when there is no load, but I'm not sure S.A. is talking about no load. Sounded as if he was saying with load so I just want to make sure no one gets killed here.

 

[BMAN]

http://www.hi-lift.com/Instruction pages/page images/Copy of pg10 operating%


Pulled this straight from the HI-LIFT website. Hope it helps.


**edit: I think that link is buggered up. Go to www.hi-lift.com click on the "hi-lift jacks" button then scroll down and click the "instructions" button. PAge 10 has the information we all seek. YES Freefall without load (150 lbs or more) is normal operation for these jacks. Like stated before Hope this helps and please be careful.

 

[Klunky Chris]

[quote author=s79bj40 link=board=14;threadid=11843;start=msg110583#msg110583 date=1077763359]
...... but it does help to read the manual sometimes.
[/quote]

you mean the *packing material*?!?

NEVER!!!!!

any real man will fiddle with things mechanical (or electronic) until they either figure them out or are killed trying!!

 

[s79bj40]

i dont actually read the manuals, i have them read to me by gf or random bystander at the exact point i either brake the part or myself while buggerizing around with it. What i meant to say was it helps to have someone else around to read you the manual before you stuff every-bloody-thing. (and then try to pretend it was boken b4 you got to it)

 

[Junk]

s79, Since you don't read instructions, then just be sure that you know the new rachet strapon is for the truck and not for.....

 

[s79bj40]

oh
i suppose i'll have to take your word for it that it can't be used for both
but thanks for the report, its nice to hear of real world experience.

 

[Trevor]

I'm joining this thread a little late, but here's my .02:

Try to store the jack inside the cab. I left mine mounted on the bumper for six months and when I used it, it would lift fine, but it didn't go down. My front end was stuck four feet in the air. I ended up kicking it to the side to get my Cruiser back on all four. I now store it behind the front seats in my FJ40.

My HiLift is about two years old and has always dropped to the ground with no load. With a load on it, it works fine (if it's clean).

Like everyone else, I HATE my HiLift, but it is necessary. If possible, I prefer to use the OEM jack.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Ya, these things are always scary to use, but very helpful.

I remember the first time I used one was during a summer job where I worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources on the north shore of Lake Superior. I had a pick-up which I promptly got stuck on a bed of hard sand (looked hard - actually still with a lot of water in). Drove the truck on and sank like a stone.

My boss showed me the 'proper' recovery of jack-it-up-and-push-it-over to get the truck out. It worked, but I wouldn't recommend it!

Cheers, Hugh

 

[Photoman]

Here is a couple of pics of the damage to my cruiser from a Hi-lift (a.k.a. suicide) jack. I made the plate for the bottom to fit the jack very tightly and now it's a lot less tippy. One foot square. Also really helps one in soft muddy ground.

Bill

 

[78 One owner]

[quote author=TOZOVR link=board=14;threadid=11843;start=msg108244#msg108244 date=1077382862]When you get it, clean all the flashing off the ladder with a light file. Keep it lubed with silecone spray or ATF. If you're gonna mount it outside the truck for a long period of time, try to keep it covered. I usually have mine in the Rig bolted down, but on some rides I need the room so it will get mounted outside. Just be sure it's clean and lubed before Use.

Like I said, when used with respect, they are great and useful tools.
[/quote]

No offence but I suggest an alternative to keeping your jack lubricated. Keep it clean! If it's clean it won't collect dirt etc.. This way it can be left outside indefinately. Lube it when you use it. If you have nothing else to use, PISS ON IT! Seriously! Any liquid will work: oil, shampoo, Beer ,piss , etc..