Recovery of 100 series

[NWForester]

I am beginning a more serious setup of the 100 series for trail use. We are starting with the basics such as tools, spare parts, and recovery tools.

I have been spending some time sniffing around the general tech forum looking for Hi-lift jack information, but every discussion I found revolved around the ubiquitous 40 series.

Which brings me here...

Who has used a Hi-lift on our trucks and what can you say about the different sizes available and likely lift points. I can't foresee needing anything more than a 48" jack, but I have absolutely zero experience.

I should add that I am getting ready to put on an aftermarket front bumper and will add a rear with swing out shortly thereafter.

Additionally for those with sliders, have you found that you can lift the truck using them as is, or do they need to modified?

Thanks for your help.

 

[paflytyer]

I have lifted my truck with a 48" Hi-Lift Xtreme more than once...... from the sliders and bumpers.

The Hi-Lift is a great tool to have, but I would prefer to use the bottle jack any time and every time if I could. Hi-Lifts make me nervous.

 

[Topmounter]

I had my rig drop off the bottle jack once and invested in an Arb X-Jack. Of course I haven't needed it yet, but it lays flat and doesn't take up much space.

 

[NWForester]

Losing a vehicle off a jack is never a good thing.

I had no idea ARB had an inflatable jack. Real cool.

 

[REDrum]

An icon on every off road vehicle....

A 100 has pretty decent OEM recovery points so no worries there, but really no OEM lift points for a hi-lift. Someone makes (or used to) a slider cradle for hi-lift. I've used others but I never threw down on one. A hi lift jack can be a miracle tool, but also can be quite lethal in the hands of someone who is not trained with its safe use. (BTW, I thought I was using one safely for a very longtime, then was corrected...) I own two 60" versions (do to big lift and tires) and only go to for very specific uses: tire change and "casting" a truck. They can be used for self recovery but you also need some good no/low stretch rope/line, chain, and a lot of patience (more so with a 4 footer). If financial means allow I would encourage a modestly priced winch instead. By far my favorite recovery tool, right now, is a kinetic rope (AKA bubba rope): simple safe and quick. So long as run with someone else, and you both don't get stuck, its a remarkable tool.

 

[NWForester]

A winch is definitely on the list.

 

[stonepa]

A 48" jack is a nice to have but you must have the right mounting points on a bumper or slider. It will help you move the vehicle if you get hung up, can be used as a come along if you get stuck, can be used to move logs on the trail if you don't have a chainsaw. Basically - lots of uses. However, tall jacks are VERY dangerous and you need to know what you are doing.

Hi Lift is the best in my experience. You only need one in a group of trucks so if your buddy has one you are all set.

Number 1 must have - common sense and training in recovery techniques. Many of the folks I see on the trail wouldn't need any of this stuff if they had learned how to drive. Same with recovery gear. Get trained by someone who knows how to use them. I have seen too many people using their toys in a needlessly dangerous way (think standing over a fully loaded steel winch cable).

 

[NWForester]

Thanks for your input gents.