I have a hi-lift, and I have for many years. And I have never once needed it on the trail. I have been on big runs and I have been on small runs, to simple places and scary places too.. I have never once needed one on the trail. I did see a guy rush in with his to change a tire for a guy in a stock jeep (white knight syndrome), and completely butcher that poor guys stock side steps. It was funny for those of us that didn't own the stock jeep or the Hi-lift... and when I suggested that we were on pretty level terrain and the Hi-lift was not the right tool for the job I was laffed off by no less than 5 folks that were sad because they wanted to use their Hi-lift but the other douche was faster... So, TL:DR... I carry my HI-Lift on most runs... But it is a tool of LAST resort, not a tool of first choice. Much like the winch. There are times when it is the right tool... THOSE TIMES ARE ABOUT 1 in 3Million.... For all the other times, a shovel is the right choice.. A shovel and a simple scissor jack are usually the best solution. But try to tell that to a group of 20 year olds with Hi-Lifts... be laffed off as the old guy while they wank the snot out of some guys truck, and then brag about how easy it was (to cause him a cool thousand or more to change a tire). Carry the right tools, and use the right tools for the job... Your Hi-lift is almost never the right tool. But, on the day when it is the right tool, use it. Those days are rare. And don't bust up someone elses rig because you have a hard on to use your hi-lift, thats called being a twit. Rolling your freeway commute with your hi-lift is also called being a twit. Its a tool, not a fashion thing. On the freeway, that is a 50 pound projectile of death, and no, those silly little screws aren't going to keep it on your hood if you get in a freeway speed accident. Physics, they still teach it, go learn.
Kurt Van Wagenen: You're much better off having it that way round. I've only once needed one, and that was a couple of nights ago in real steep terrain, by myself, and 'nearly' had no way of lifting my truck to change the flat tyre. I'm certainly going to invest in one in the near future, that's for sure!
Thank you for your "opinion" Kurt...that's all it is, an opinion. I'd rather have it and not need it....and btw...it's mounted on my hood and I take even when going grocery shopping.
Thanks for tje essay old dude, they are very useful and used often whwre i live in the muddy moutain range of toolangi great for just lifting the wheel to pack out under.
I've used mine for pulling all sorts of things out of the ground; from posts to poles to road delineators. Just securely bolt a heavy chain onto both the jack and the item and get er done.
I just completed my first Jeep build on my 2016 JK. Did a 2.5 Teraflex suspension lift with a Rock Hard rear bumper and tire carrier. I mounted my Hi-Lift on the rear bumper and Im glad I watched your video. I started practicing with it and your instructions are spot on. Thank You...Todd from Cape Cod...#Thinblueline
I have had one for 20 years. Sometimes I don't use it for six months but when I need it (with it's necessary can of lube)it is right there and always works. So many uses. I don't go in the woods without it.
Being the experienced owner of a Hi Lift. The previous owner of the house died so I got it. The jack is not in use and stands up right but I can't get the handle to come up. It is locked in down position . I want to store properly.
I have one mounted to my hood also, it almost never gets used because the Jeep rarely gets stuck, but when I did need it, it was the most important tool I had.
I don't think it's a good idea to have the jack on the hood like that. If you get in an accident, it could fly through the windshield. Pretty sure you know what'd happen next.
I have a hi lift but I prefer a bottle jack. Not only does it tend to be safer but takes up way less space. The only reason I would need a hi lift jack where I couldn't use a bottle jack, is in a situation where I could just use a winch. Just my opinion though. Still nice to have one
I have three Hi-Lift jacks and I use them all the time. I also have a collection of other rigging equipment too and I like to weld and make things out of steel. I have all kinds of attachments for my hi-lift jacks and machines the hi-lift jacks can be bolted to, like my engine lifting gantry for example. I have beams with sliding support blocks on them for sliding under cars and then lifting cars up (safely), with my hi-lift jacks. I use my jacks with chains for bending steel, straightening bent steel that's not supposed to be bent, clamping things, pulling things things and pushing things. In my opinion the Hi-Lift jack is one of the greatest and most versatile tools ever made. My advice to anyone with a hi-lift jack though is the same with any rigging equipment, always think things over well before applying force and consider every possibility and take steps to prevent any unwanted movements in any direction other than intended. Use straps or chains and so on the secure the object being lifted so it will only go that way you want and no other direction. They can be used on their own okay sometimes, but they are a lot better when you have plenty of other rigging stuff to go with them.
I do not have a hi-lift jack on my Jeep, however I did install a 10,000 pound winch. As of late I have been considering a farm jack. Enjoyed the presentation. I only have one minor disagreement . I Feel the base should pivot, because of the versatility of the farm jack. For instance while pulling stumps it would have to be leaned forward and a tripod formed,that's when it would be best to Pivot on its base. I can also think of other instances where the pivot can come in handy. Stay safe on the trails.
Hi from the UK. Ref the Hi Lift Jack. I have be off roader for 40 years. I carry a HLJ. I have probably only used it in anger a dozen times but nothing else would have sufficed in ode situations. I now have mounted in the rear of my Land Rover Discovery 3. BTW , great channel. Regards Non Stick Nick
Always carried one while in Alaska. It really save my butt more than once. One time I even used my spare tire and rim to jack my rig up. Water was up to the bumper and it was super sot below.
i dont have one amymore and pretty much never used it as a jack. i use a bottle jack for that as my suspension droops too far to pick the truck up by the rockers (way around that is to chain your axle to the frame i know) however... that being said it is definetly one of the most useful things you can have with you ive used it to straighten roofs back out, as a come along etc
I have had a Hi Lift since 1976 (same one) and have never used it (yet) for recovery of my vehicle. I have used my "Come Along" and winch and snatch blocks; but, so far, not the Hi Lift. I do use it around my property to raise equipment for jack stands and such. If starting out, buy a sturdy chain bridal, some proffed chain, and a Come Along. Then a winch, then the Hi Lift. Just my opine.
It is good to see other people opinion on this high lift, i had never used on my jeep but i used 1 time to save my friends oil pan from a rock and it was priceless when you realy use it to save the day.
Farmer's call this a handy man jack... no such thing as a farm jack that could be any jack 20 tons or more... yes I've been a farmer for 40 years... this is the most important jack to have farming or jeeping... all three of my jeeps are equiped with a BRAND NAME HIGH LIFT JACK... great info and content here... but his demonstration was verry poor... never stand directly behind this jack going up or down cause if they kick out it will kill you... and always remember while going to select to go down raise the handle all the way up flat to the jack... the handles will fly up possibly breaking your arm or as i saw in person a man got his jaw broke when he selected to go down and that handle flew up... if in the up position it cant go anywhere... like the man said read all the directions... i dont care what anyone says this jack is a must have for me on the farm and even in my jeeps... this piece to me is just as important as a wench...
Always have a Hi-Lift on my rigs. The Jack Daddy requires you to be able to move the vehicle either forward or reverse to pull up onto the jack. I have been stuck in quick sand where you could not pull forward or backwards. The hi-lift was the only tool that would get me out.
I can't believe all these reviews on all these High lift Jacks are of brand new jacks! I farm so do some reviews after the jacks rolled around in the back of a pickup for 15 years and I'll guarantee you it takes a half quart of an oil douche and you still have to pull the pins with your fingers because the small pins bent or for sure the springs weak, but oh yea when the paints still bright they click right up and right down so any gear head will go right out and buy one. And no farmer wants to buy a new one when his still works if you know how to work it.
I've had a hi lift for a few years. Never used it once on my jeep but have it in case I need it. I've used it around the farm and house for various tasks. They are very handy but you definitely need to be careful with them.
I use Tri-Flow on my Hi Lift. I also store my jack under my backseat in my Jeep. I also added the recline kit to my backseat so it gives me about 2 inch raise so I can get things under my seat.
The base is loose for a reason. With your 'set screw', the Jeep is always going to have to be on completely level ground or you are going to be putting a lot of lateral stress on that jack. Also, WD-40 is not a proper lubricant, it's a solvent. You want to use oil, or even better, grease. If anything WD-40 will displace the lubricants that should be there.
I found this Hi Lift like yours in my home left from previous home owner your video packed with information tell me how. If the jack is not in use. And the jack is up right HOW do you bring the handle up right to match. Mine is in a locked position so I can't move the handle up so you can store it?
if you know anything about the geometry of a triangle, you'll know that base needs a little swivel to it, since it cannot roll forward like a floor jack. I feel this video was quite uninformative on safety in using this specific type of jack. Everywhere from saying you don't want a cheap jack to buckle while you're under the Jeep, to not mentioning putting the handle upright when switching the direction, to standing immediately behind the jack, and then finishing the video without ever actually using the jack.
For all of you guys who like to comment instead of reading instructions. You are not supposed to use oil. It will just collect dirt and cause it to fail. From the Hi Lift manual. "Using the jack without proper lubrication will result in poor performance and damage to the jack. The jack is not self-lubricating, inspect the jack before use and lubricate when necessary. After cleaning, lubricate the jack using light penetrating oil, or a silicon or Teflon spray at the following points:"
Considering I don't have a winch I think it's a great tool to have. And if you put the jack at the connection brackets of the stock steps it does work OK. Using a lift-mate and carrying a jack stand is a better option. Someone said below that the lift-mate is too expensive? It a lot cheeper than new bumpers and rock rails. Someday maybe but until then.....
I bought a harbor freight farm jack because the scissor jack that came with the truck buckled when I went to change the tire luckily I haven't removed all the bolts and I am very proud of my farm jack although it does live outside in the elements on a custom fabricated mount it's always there when I need it. If it was up to me I'd say that everyone who works with their truck/SUV should invest in a farm jack like you said it is a very versatile tool to winch lift or spread with and I've done a lot with it best tool ever invented but it is just that a tool it's not to be taken as the safest thing ever made it's like a hammer it's nice to have when you have to hammer something but if you use it wrong it can hurt you and with a 2.5 ton vehicle being supported if you use the jack wrong it can kill you I've seen people who had their hands or face in the traveling path of the handle and hospitalized them for months use great caution when using a farm jack don't be dumb and in a hurry always inspect the jack at least twice a week
When I was a kid these were the standard jack that came with your brand new car. If you buy a pickup truck you can put it behind the seat and you won't have to worry about blocking your "windshield juice".
I think it is important. But if your Jeep is flipped over, how do you get the jack off the hood? If you do have the jack and the Jeep is wheels up, how would you use this tool to flip the Jeep back on its wheels assuming that no one is around with a winch? I guess I will look around for those other videos. I am going to get one of these jacks for my pick 'em up truck. They can come in handy if you come across someone else who is in trouble.
it's a good tool I use it to spread frames on dodge trucks to make the cross members come out easy. I have had it long before I was into wheeling but I may put it in my rig . why not it may help me or someone else. as a tool there nice to have when you need it plus it's mechanical
I think it's funny to see these stock JKs ridding around with a high lift mounted to their jeep but they still have the factory plastic bumpers and side steps. Where did they think that they were going to lift their jeep from?
I did that till i busted the front bumper and got a stubby. i used the "lift mate" and lifted from the wheel. IMO its a lot easier to lift there than fron a bumper or rocker bc i dont have to deal with the drooping of the long arms. yes i could use a strap to tie the axle to the frame but the lift mate made it too easy to go back to doing that.
I just picked up one. Now I need to learn how to use it and where to put it on my 95 YJ and any gagets I might need for it and where to get those items
i know wd40 is a great tool to have, and i use a lot, but i have found items i store outdoors tend to rust more quickly with wd40 than other lubes such as 3 in1, motor oil or air tool oil. nice jack, btw, its next on my list for my jeep
Your spot on there, WD-40 is a Silicone based lubricant and Silicone is Acidic and does/will cause "RUST", The Silicone used on Auto Windows is A "Non-Acidic" based Silicone for that same reason, 3 in 1 or light weight motor oil would be best. Diesel would be better than WD-40.
You are not supposed to use oil with these. Oil will collect dirt. Gumming up the works can either prevent use or cause a failure. There is at least one video of a guy who was smacked because he had to keep pushing the pins in. There is a ridiculous amount of play in most of the parts except for the pins.
i got mine red white and blue last year because hi-lift was donating a portion to hope for warriors and i thought that was awesome :) i have not used it yet but I've only done 2 trails, got my rubi in july
Hell yes it's important.... I've had to back pull a few times with no good three point rigging locations for the front winch....was nose down against a creek bank a couple of times, and had no way to get at my big fancy winch! Lol...
G Gregory I have been thinking of sneaking a 5,000lb atv winch behind my rear bumper just for that scenario, I figured doubling the line would be enough for that occasion. Plus it would skid a little firewood at camp 😀
I have 3 Hi-Lifts 1 generic for the Dirty jobs and the Genuine 48" All Cast jack that does most things and I also have the 60" Extreme Version, It's a work of Art but Geeze it is heavy, It is nice with the easy off based plate and I really like the new 7000lb Top Clamp, The two most important things you can buy is a Genuine Hi-Lift and 10ft of Chain, If your Truck is Lifted then buy the 60" version because even with standard suspension on a 4x4 you can run out of Lift with the 48" Jack in some cases. A Hi-Lift is the first bit of kit a person should buy because it is the one thing that can solve a lot of Rough Trail problems, wouldn't trade mine for the world. Oh and just be careful with that jack mounted on the Hood or the Bullbar because in an Accident that jack can go flying off down the road or become part of your Face, Stay safe out there and thanks for the great Video.
Dan The Bike Hooligan WD-40 IS, ABSOLUTELY a lubricant! It's a light, thin, water displacing lubricant. It's not the greatest at just lubricating, but that's because it was formulated with other uses in mind too. It CAN act as a solvent, but as solvents go, it's not a very strong one! We've been using it (forever!!) at the machine shop I work at, mostly to stop steel from rusting, or "lubricating" screw threads for an easier fit. From my experience, it works to loosen rusty screws and bolts, making it easier to UN thread them, but I don't think it works that way so much as a SOLVENT, I think it just makes the unthreading easier because of it's LUBRICATING qualities which makes the threads more slippery. There are better lubricants on the market than WD-40 (certainly, depending on the application) bit there are FAR better and stronger SOLVENTS than WD-40 !!
Please tell me why I need one of these? I've got a 2" lift on 33's don't think I need one for changing a tire. Have a wench on the front so I think I got that covered. Always wondered about lifting points with those jacks. Unless you have some sturdy rock sliders. Then you got to protect the side of your jeep from the jack. No I think I may get a ground anchor. The jacks are cool but I think they are rarely actually used.
Often copied, and imitated, but only one True Hi-lift. I welded a homemade mount on my trailers with an integrated lock 🔐 to carry along.. As a teenager, I had a GMC Jimmy with 44 inch Gumbo Mudders. I had a friend walk up to the HI-lift handle and it was not completely engaged and locked. He touched it and the handle flew up, knocked him out. Lucky he didn't get a broken jaw or bite of his tongue. Course, we thought it was funny. Thanks for your video. Great tool. line a Swiss Army Knife. 👍😀
Pet Peeve of mine ....WD 40 is NOT a real lubricant! It is more a solvent moisture displacer that actually DISPLACES real lubricants like oils and grease! One of the most misunderstood products that people tend to do more harm than good with in my opinion...it is NOT "oil" ...want to lubricate something? Maybe clean it with WD but THEN use oil or grease ....WD40 has got a racket! People squirt at things that need lubricant getting rid of the lube that was there meaning you become addicted to keep squirting the wd ....where as IF one would simply use REAL lubricant? It would be DONE maybe for years depending on the application
I have one... but I dont use it offroading. I use it all the time at home though. I am terrified of it even on flat ground, so offroading is a no-go for me. Its too big and bulky to haul around too.
of the other car LOL. It will only hit the owner if you get rear ended hard as fuck, and even then, those mounts are strong as hell if you get the right ones. But any frontal collision, the jack will want to keep going forward, not backwards.
Is a Hi-Lift jack important enough to mount on our rigs? I say, absolutely. Before I mounted mine, I'd cruise the mall and get maybe 3 or 4 "thumbs up". But now, since that piece-o-steel is hanging off the front end, I'm getting at least 15 mall thumbs. Logic therefore suggests hat a Hi-Lift makes you 4-5 times more "Mall Cool". Thanks - Lumpy
@@danmantyla3315 so big deal he got it powder-coated orange. Christ, I painted mine yellow, because I built my Jeep and used all Smittybilt parts and their color is yellow. So now the farm jack is yellow and yes I take her off-road and I've earned over 4 Badges of Honor on some tough trails. The lesser the facts, the stronger the opinion. And your opinion is strong.
Used to have the 48" that i threw under the back seat, now i have the 60" and it goes on the hood. why? bc there isn't another damn place to put it. its too long to go inside and interferes with the tailgate opening if done horizontally. If i did it vertically i wouldn't be able to park in the garage anymore. Far from mall crawling status as well, event tho you'll have to show your manly hood and say im a mall crawler all bc i drive a jku, park in the garage AND mount my HiLift on my hood lol
Important if you are in need of recovery but man never modify a jack.. The base moves to maintain a flat base when the vertical angle changes on the jack frame. You will stress it on each lift and it will break one day!
Or a shovel. Or or or... Hi-lift is the weapon of last resort, not first. There are a ton of tools that can solve your problem more safely if you're well equipped. In a pinch, a hi-lift is a nice to have. But much like a winch, its mostly a tool you think you need.
Do you also consider the hood on this jeep a deadly projectile? Because these mounts are arguably stronger than the original hood mounts. They're not going anywhere.
If you're sooper smart you can attach it to your front bumper, so when you jam into a ditch it's totally buried. I agree about the hood mount, the hood hinges were never made to handle the mass of the jack, and its going to go bye bye in any sharp hit.
+wesley buff -- Take a long hard look at those little hinges... The mount isn't the problem.. The mount attaches to the little hinges that were never designed to handle the hood plus the jack... It's definitely going somewhere in a crash at highway speed. And that somewhere is probably the car in front of you. I wouldn't do it. But I also don't drive around on pavement with my Hi-lift.
+Kurt Van Wagenen -- Now you're absolutely right about that, it certainly is a mall crawler thing. That's how you end up with a jack that has seized pins, is in poor condition and wont operate when needed ... but it did look sooper cool for the 10 years you never used it. I have been looking at the possibilities of mounting a rescue Hi Lift on my 83 CJ, as I could actually use one for its purpose in the fire service and found that my latches would be more than capable of holding every bit of a 33 pound, 5 ounces during the worst of accidents. Not only that, but I have seen the aftermath of these wrecks and seen that they don't move for myself involving 60+ mph collisions.
these thing are great but they can also bite you HARD. they have been known to break legs and knock people on their asses. they can tip over and or kick out at you with alot of force. just be careful and stay out of its way.
Khorsathedark I have seen a hi lift with the wheel strap adapters pull tires out of some deep mud and then you need something like max tracks to keep them from sinking back in.
Be careful one guy had his neighbor call the cops cause they saw him mounting what looked like machine gun on his 4x4. It didn't help he ha painted his hi lift jack all black.
How low is the nose of the jack body? Wondering if this will get under my sports car so I don't have to buy a "low profile" Jack and just use one jack to rule them all.
@@Tazzspaz Um...no...but, you need to know a lot more to know what will happen in the event of an accident...it is your opinion of the HLJ becoming a projectile. In less you give me testing results and statistics (otherwise known as facts), your opinion will remain as that...your opinion.
I have a hi-lift, and I have for many years. And I have never once needed it on the trail.
I have been on big runs and I have been on small runs, to simple places and scary places too.. I have never once needed one on the trail.
I did see a guy rush in with his to change a tire for a guy in a stock jeep (white knight syndrome), and completely butcher that poor guys stock side steps. It was funny for those of us that didn't own the stock jeep or the Hi-lift... and when I suggested that we were on pretty level terrain and the Hi-lift was not the right tool for the job I was laffed off by no less than 5 folks that were sad because they wanted to use their Hi-lift but the other douche was faster...
So, TL:DR... I carry my HI-Lift on most runs... But it is a tool of LAST resort, not a tool of first choice. Much like the winch. There are times when it is the right tool... THOSE TIMES ARE ABOUT 1 in 3Million.... For all the other times, a shovel is the right choice.. A shovel and a simple scissor jack are usually the best solution.
But try to tell that to a group of 20 year olds with Hi-Lifts... be laffed off as the old guy while they wank the snot out of some guys truck, and then brag about how easy it was (to cause him a cool thousand or more to change a tire).
Carry the right tools, and use the right tools for the job... Your Hi-lift is almost never the right tool. But, on the day when it is the right tool, use it. Those days are rare.
And don't bust up someone elses rig because you have a hard on to use your hi-lift, thats called being a twit. Rolling your freeway commute with your hi-lift is also called being a twit. Its a tool, not a fashion thing. On the freeway, that is a 50 pound projectile of death, and no, those silly little screws aren't going to keep it on your hood if you get in a freeway speed accident. Physics, they still teach it, go learn.
Kurt Van Wagenen Thank you!
Kurt Van Wagenen: You're much better off having it that way round. I've only once needed one, and that was a couple of nights ago in real steep terrain, by myself, and 'nearly' had no way of lifting my truck to change the flat tyre. I'm certainly going to invest in one in the near future, that's for sure!
I've used mine a LOT, sometimes I find excuses to use it.
Thank you for your "opinion" Kurt...that's all it is, an opinion. I'd rather have it and not need it....and btw...it's mounted on my hood and I take even when going grocery shopping.
Thanks for tje essay old dude, they are very useful and used often whwre i live in the muddy moutain range of toolangi great for just lifting the wheel to pack out under.
I've used mine for pulling all sorts of things out of the ground; from posts to poles to road delineators. Just securely bolt a heavy chain onto both the jack and the item and get er done.
I just completed my first Jeep build on my 2016 JK. Did a 2.5 Teraflex suspension lift with a Rock Hard rear bumper and tire carrier. I mounted my Hi-Lift on the rear bumper and Im glad I watched your video. I started practicing with it and your instructions are spot on. Thank You...Todd from Cape Cod...#Thinblueline
The most important thing about a hi-lift jack is to mount it on your hood or roof where people can see that you own one.
Not a whole lot of other places to mount it.
A dry lube will keep it well lubricated without attracting as much dirt as an oil will.
Graphite spray is great no oily residue.
Will this high lift defeat the "sad ham"
I have had one for 20 years. Sometimes I don't use it for six months but when I need it (with it's necessary can of lube)it is right there and always works. So many uses. I don't go in the woods without it.
Being the experienced owner of a Hi Lift. The previous owner of the house died so I got it. The jack is not in use and stands up right but I can't get the handle to come up. It is locked in down position . I want to store properly.
I have one mounted to my hood also, it almost never gets used because the Jeep rarely gets stuck, but when I did need it, it was the most important tool I had.
I don't think it's a good idea to have the jack on the hood like that.
If you get in an accident, it could fly through the windshield. Pretty sure you know what'd happen next.
i've always thought that too, also they are heavy and harder than shit to lift off the hood without scratching it. Looks nice there though.
I have a hi lift but I prefer a bottle jack. Not only does it tend to be safer but takes up way less space. The only reason I would need a hi lift jack where I couldn't use a bottle jack, is in a situation where I could just use a winch. Just my opinion though. Still nice to have one
you clearly don't go off-roading because in most cases a bottle jack won't do shit
NEVER EVER drill holes into your HiLift jack. the base plate should be loose if its fixed it will break under weight.
Let's see your mechanical engineering degree.
I have three Hi-Lift jacks and I use them all the time. I also have a collection of other rigging equipment too and I like to weld and make things out of steel. I have all kinds of attachments for my hi-lift jacks and machines the hi-lift jacks can be bolted to, like my engine lifting gantry for example. I have beams with sliding support blocks on them for sliding under cars and then lifting cars up (safely), with my hi-lift jacks. I use my jacks with chains for bending steel, straightening bent steel that's not supposed to be bent, clamping things, pulling things things and pushing things. In my opinion the Hi-Lift jack is one of the greatest and most versatile tools ever made.
My advice to anyone with a hi-lift jack though is the same with any rigging equipment, always think things over well before applying force and consider every possibility and take steps to prevent any unwanted movements in any direction other than intended. Use straps or chains and so on the secure the object being lifted so it will only go that way you want and no other direction. They can be used on their own okay sometimes, but they are a lot better when you have plenty of other rigging stuff to go with them.
I do not have a hi-lift jack on my Jeep, however I did install a 10,000 pound winch. As of late I have been considering a farm jack. Enjoyed the presentation. I only have one minor disagreement . I Feel the base should pivot, because of the versatility of the farm jack. For instance while pulling stumps it would have to be leaned forward and a tripod formed,that's when it would be best to Pivot on its base. I can also think of other instances where the pivot can come in handy. Stay safe on the trails.
Hi from the UK. Ref the Hi Lift Jack. I have be off roader for 40 years. I carry a HLJ. I have probably only used it in anger a dozen times but nothing else would have sufficed in ode situations. I now have mounted in the rear of my Land Rover Discovery 3. BTW , great channel. Regards Non Stick Nick
Always carried one while in Alaska. It really save my butt more than once. One time I even used my spare tire and rim to jack my rig up. Water was up to the bumper and it was super sot below.
i dont have one amymore and pretty much never used it as a jack. i use a bottle jack for that as my suspension droops too far to pick the truck up by the rockers (way around that is to chain your axle to the frame i know)
however... that being said it is definetly one of the most useful things you can have with you ive used it to straighten roofs back out, as a come along etc
I have had a Hi Lift since 1976 (same one) and have never used it (yet) for recovery of my vehicle. I have used my "Come Along" and winch and snatch blocks; but, so far, not the Hi Lift. I do use it around my property to raise equipment for jack stands and such. If starting out, buy a sturdy chain bridal, some proffed chain, and a Come Along. Then a winch, then the Hi Lift. Just my opine.
It is good to see other people opinion on this high lift, i had never used on my jeep but i used 1 time to save my friends oil pan from a rock and it was priceless when you realy use it to save the day.
Farmer's call this a handy man jack... no such thing as a farm jack that could be any jack 20 tons or more... yes I've been a farmer for 40 years... this is the most important jack to have farming or jeeping... all three of my jeeps are equiped with a BRAND NAME HIGH LIFT JACK... great info and content here... but his demonstration was verry poor... never stand directly behind this jack going up or down cause if they kick out it will kill you... and always remember while going to select to go down raise the handle all the way up flat to the jack... the handles will fly up possibly breaking your arm or as i saw in person a man got his jaw broke when he selected to go down and that handle flew up... if in the up position it cant go anywhere... like the man said read all the directions... i dont care what anyone says this jack is a must have for me on the farm and even in my jeeps... this piece to me is just as important as a wench...
I've always called it a Handyman jack.
Always have a Hi-Lift on my rigs. The Jack Daddy requires you to be able to move the vehicle either forward or reverse to pull up onto the jack. I have been stuck in quick sand where you could not pull forward or backwards. The hi-lift was the only tool that would get me out.
I can't believe all these reviews on all these High lift Jacks are of brand new jacks! I farm so do some reviews after the jacks rolled around in the back of a pickup for 15 years and I'll guarantee you it takes a half quart of an oil douche and you still have to pull the pins with your fingers because the small pins bent or for sure the springs weak, but oh yea when the paints still bright they click right up and right down so any gear head will go right out and buy one. And no farmer wants to buy a new one when his still works if you know how to work it.
Yes a HiLift is important, but so is the scissor jack. I carry and use both
I've had a hi lift for a few years. Never used it once on my jeep but have it in case I need it. I've used it around the farm and house for various tasks. They are very handy but you definitely need to be careful with them.
I use Tri-Flow on my Hi Lift. I also store my jack under my backseat in my Jeep. I also added the recline kit to my backseat so it gives me about 2 inch raise so I can get things under my seat.
don't have 1 yet, but it is on the list for summer trails. thanks for the quick tutorial on them
The base is loose for a reason. With your 'set screw', the Jeep is always going to have to be on completely level ground or you are going to be putting a lot of lateral stress on that jack. Also, WD-40 is not a proper lubricant, it's a solvent. You want to use oil, or even better, grease. If anything WD-40 will displace the lubricants that should be there.
I found this Hi Lift like yours in my home left from previous home owner your video packed with information tell me how. If the jack is not in use. And the jack is up right HOW do you bring the handle up right to match. Mine is in a locked position so I can't move the handle up so you can store it?
if you know anything about the geometry of a triangle, you'll know that base needs a little swivel to it, since it cannot roll forward like a floor jack.
I feel this video was quite uninformative on safety in using this specific type of jack. Everywhere from saying you don't want a cheap jack to buckle while you're under the Jeep, to not mentioning putting the handle upright when switching the direction, to standing immediately behind the jack, and then finishing the video without ever actually using the jack.
Geoffrey Evert 🔺 Illuminati confirmed!! sorry..all these comments have gotten me into troll mode.
For all of you guys who like to comment instead of reading instructions. You are not supposed to use oil. It will just collect dirt and cause it to fail. From the Hi Lift manual. "Using the jack without proper lubrication will result in poor performance and damage to the jack. The jack is not self-lubricating, inspect the jack before use and lubricate when necessary. After cleaning, lubricate the jack using light penetrating oil, or a silicon or Teflon spray at the following points:"
Considering I don't have a winch I think it's a great tool to have. And if you put the jack at the connection brackets of the stock steps it does work OK. Using a lift-mate and carrying a jack stand is a better option. Someone said below that the lift-mate is too expensive? It a lot cheeper than new bumpers and rock rails. Someday maybe but until then.....
which suicide Jack is best suicide Jack?
I got me an Amurica made high lift myself! And love it!
I once used my hi-lift jack to remove my transmission to fix my clutch on the rubicon trail.
Anyone remember those sheet-metal ones that came in the kit in old 60's cars? I wonder how good those could be. They are super cheap
I love my hi-lift jack. I have the X-Treme. I use my jack to pull stumps. It's great. Thanks.
I bought a harbor freight farm jack because the scissor jack that came with the truck buckled when I went to change the tire luckily I haven't removed all the bolts and I am very proud of my farm jack although it does live outside in the elements on a custom fabricated mount it's always there when I need it. If it was up to me I'd say that everyone who works with their truck/SUV should invest in a farm jack like you said it is a very versatile tool to winch lift or spread with and I've done a lot with it best tool ever invented but it is just that a tool it's not to be taken as the safest thing ever made it's like a hammer it's nice to have when you have to hammer something but if you use it wrong it can hurt you and with a 2.5 ton vehicle being supported if you use the jack wrong it can kill you I've seen people who had their hands or face in the traveling path of the handle and hospitalized them for months use great caution when using a farm jack don't be dumb and in a hurry always inspect the jack at least twice a week
The jack has never popped out on me but the foot plate could be make a little more sturdier
When I was a kid these were the standard jack that came with your brand new car. If you buy a pickup truck you can put it behind the seat and you won't have to worry about blocking your "windshield juice".
I think it is important. But if your Jeep is flipped over, how do you get the jack off the hood? If you do have the jack and the Jeep is wheels up, how would you use this tool to flip the Jeep back on its wheels assuming that no one is around with a winch? I guess I will look around for those other videos. I am going to get one of these jacks for my pick 'em up truck. They can come in handy if you come across someone else who is in trouble.
松田もしくろす The main purpose of a jack is to lift your jeep up to do work under it, if your jeep is flipped over, you don't need a jack to get under it
Usually that area on the hood is still accessible, unless your roof is completely crushed.
And yes if you dont have a lubricant for you jack wd40 will do the job!
it's a good tool I use it to spread frames on dodge trucks to make the cross members come out easy. I have had it long before I was into wheeling but I may put it in my rig . why not it may help me or someone else. as a tool there nice to have when you need it plus it's mechanical
I think it's funny to see these stock JKs ridding around with a high lift mounted to their jeep but they still have the factory plastic bumpers and side steps. Where did they think that they were going to lift their jeep from?
I did that till i busted the front bumper and got a stubby. i used the "lift mate" and lifted from the wheel. IMO its a lot easier to lift there than fron a bumper or rocker bc i dont have to deal with the drooping of the long arms. yes i could use a strap to tie the axle to the frame but the lift mate made it too easy to go back to doing that.
Yeah but the lift mate cost more than the jack!
That's a good idea.
Mr Sir - DRings, lift mate to lift via wheels, etc. some people own a hi jack because it can be used in place of a winch. Don't be so quick to judge.
You took the words right out of my mouth!
I use the condom rule.
better to have it and not need it,
then need it and not have it.😉
cr wallis yeah but then condoms break, thats wht I don't use them! 😂😂😂
cr wallis agreed, however you should not drill holes in your condoms. Just a PSA
The way I do it, they just can't get pregnant!
I just picked up one. Now I need to learn how to use it and where to put it on my 95 YJ and any gagets I might need for it and where to get those items
i know wd40 is a great tool to have, and i use a lot, but i have found items i store outdoors tend to rust more quickly with wd40 than other lubes such as 3 in1, motor oil or air tool oil. nice jack, btw, its next on my list for my jeep
Your spot on there, WD-40 is a Silicone based lubricant and Silicone is Acidic and does/will cause "RUST", The Silicone used on Auto Windows is A "Non-Acidic" based Silicone for that same reason, 3 in 1 or light weight motor oil would be best. Diesel would be better than WD-40.
You are not supposed to use oil with these. Oil will collect dirt. Gumming up the works can either prevent use or cause a failure. There is at least one video of a guy who was smacked because he had to keep pushing the pins in. There is a ridiculous amount of play in most of the parts except for the pins.
i got mine red white and blue last year because hi-lift was donating a portion to hope for warriors and i thought that was awesome :) i have not used it yet but I've only done 2 trails, got my rubi in july
Hell yes it's important.... I've had to back pull a few times with no good three point rigging locations for the front winch....was nose down against a creek bank a couple of times, and had no way to get at my big fancy winch! Lol...
G Gregory I have been thinking of sneaking a 5,000lb atv winch behind my rear bumper just for that scenario, I figured doubling the line would be enough for that occasion. Plus it would skid a little firewood at camp 😀
Thanks for the vid! Off to buy the extreme. Is the 48" the most common one that everyone buys?
Yes it’s needed it’s a simple machine and don’t break down and if it do it can be fixed with spear parts
I have 3 Hi-Lifts 1 generic for the Dirty jobs and the Genuine 48" All Cast jack that does most things and I also have the 60" Extreme Version, It's a work of Art but Geeze it is heavy, It is nice with the easy off based plate and I really like the new 7000lb Top Clamp, The two most important things you can buy is a Genuine Hi-Lift and 10ft of Chain, If your Truck is Lifted then buy the 60" version because even with standard suspension on a 4x4 you can run out of Lift with the 48" Jack in some cases. A Hi-Lift is the first bit of kit a person should buy because it is the one thing that can solve a lot of Rough Trail problems, wouldn't trade mine for the world. Oh and just be careful with that jack mounted on the Hood or the Bullbar because in an Accident that jack can go flying off down the road or become part of your Face, Stay safe out there and thanks for the great Video.
Mine has been more handy around the house repairing and remolding than with the Jeep over the years.
I have a jeep, I don’t off-road but would it still be a good tool to have?
I have one ....also mounted to my hood. it's one of those great to have it and not need it...rather than need it and not have it in my opinion.
awesome new vid!!
Use something that actually is a lubricant. WD-40 is a solvent not a lubricant
no, it is a water displacing lubricant, havent you ever used it?
Dan The Bike Hooligan WD-40 IS, ABSOLUTELY a lubricant! It's a light, thin, water displacing lubricant. It's not the greatest at just lubricating, but that's because it was formulated with other uses in mind too. It CAN act as a solvent, but as solvents go, it's not a very strong one! We've been using it (forever!!) at the machine shop I work at, mostly to stop steel from rusting, or "lubricating" screw threads for an easier fit. From my experience, it works to loosen rusty screws and bolts, making it easier to UN thread them, but I don't think it works that way so much as a SOLVENT, I think it just makes the unthreading easier because of it's LUBRICATING qualities which makes the threads more slippery. There are better lubricants on the market than WD-40 (certainly, depending on the application) bit there are FAR better and stronger SOLVENTS than WD-40 !!
@@MikeS-um1nm it's like duck tape, hundreds of ways to use it! Great hand cleaner too! It's in every tool box, tractor & truck on my farm!
Great video!!!!
Please tell me why I need one of these? I've got a 2" lift on 33's don't think I need one for changing a tire. Have a wench on the front so I think I got that covered. Always wondered about lifting points with those jacks. Unless you have some sturdy rock sliders. Then you got to protect the side of your jeep from the jack. No I think I may get a ground anchor. The jacks are cool but I think they are rarely actually used.
Often copied, and imitated, but only one True Hi-lift. I welded a homemade mount on my trailers with an integrated lock 🔐 to carry along..
As a teenager, I had a GMC Jimmy with 44 inch Gumbo Mudders. I had a friend walk up to the HI-lift handle and it was not completely engaged and locked. He touched it and the handle flew up, knocked him out. Lucky he didn't get a broken jaw or bite of his tongue. Course, we thought it was funny.
Thanks for your video. Great tool. line a Swiss Army Knife. 👍😀
What lock you use when mounted?
Jim Schwimmer
I have two of them I don't use them on our Jeep but I use the around the shop and for our trailers and box trailers Therrrr great
Pet Peeve of mine ....WD 40 is NOT a real lubricant! It is more a solvent moisture displacer that actually DISPLACES real lubricants like oils and grease! One of the most misunderstood products that people tend to do more harm than good with in my opinion...it is NOT "oil" ...want to lubricate something? Maybe clean it with WD but THEN use oil or grease ....WD40 has got a racket! People squirt at things that need lubricant getting rid of the lube that was there meaning you become addicted to keep squirting the wd ....where as IF one would simply use REAL lubricant? It would be DONE maybe for years depending on the application
then tell me, why does it lubricate?
Use a bicycle inner tube in the base. You want the movement down there rather than on the vehicle.
I have one... but I dont use it offroading. I use it all the time at home though. I am terrified of it even on flat ground, so offroading is a no-go for me. Its too big and bulky to haul around too.
Flip the jack over and it won't interfere with the windscreen washer
I have the same mount with no interference
Insane place to mount a Hi-Lift. One hard front collision, and that Jack will fly straight through the windscreen.
of the other car LOL. It will only hit the owner if you get rear ended hard as fuck, and even then, those mounts are strong as hell if you get the right ones. But any frontal collision, the jack will want to keep going forward, not backwards.
Is a Hi-Lift jack important enough to mount on our rigs? I say, absolutely. Before I mounted mine, I'd cruise the mall and get maybe 3 or 4 "thumbs up". But now, since that piece-o-steel is hanging off the front end, I'm getting at least 15 mall thumbs. Logic therefore suggests hat a Hi-Lift makes you 4-5 times more "Mall Cool". Thanks - Lumpy
Mall crawler, politics, and wd40 for "lubricant." Is this really bleepin jeep?
how about you go look up notarubicon here on YT. this guy wheels this jeep. what make you call him a mall crawler?
well he just got it powder coated orange to match his Rubicon so he had to show it off!
Oil is not recommended. It will just attract dirt and gum it up.
@@danmantyla3315 so big deal he got it powder-coated orange. Christ, I painted mine yellow, because I built my Jeep and used all Smittybilt parts and their color is yellow. So now the farm jack is yellow and yes I take her off-road and I've earned over 4 Badges of Honor on some tough trails. The lesser the facts, the stronger the opinion. And your opinion is strong.
powder coated high-lift+hood mount+fox remote reservoir shocks= MALL CRAWLER
Taylor Barton thats pretty funny
Except if you've watched some of the wheeling videos you've seen this jeep on the trails. :D
If he know soooooo much about wheeling and "jacking" he should know not to put it on his hood.
Taylor Barton b
Used to have the 48" that i threw under the back seat, now i have the 60" and it goes on the hood. why? bc there isn't another damn place to put it. its too long to go inside and interferes with the tailgate opening if done horizontally. If i did it vertically i wouldn't be able to park in the garage anymore. Far from mall crawling status as well, event tho you'll have to show your manly hood and say im a mall crawler all bc i drive a jku, park in the garage AND mount my HiLift on my hood lol
Love the paint job. I would have the switch from up to down painted to match the vertical pole so it stands out. Great Vid and job otherwise.
B
cool paintjob, bro...
Important if you are in need of recovery but man never modify a jack.. The base moves to maintain a flat base when the vertical angle changes on the jack frame. You will stress it on each lift and it will break one day!
i think it's important but you have to be very careful they can bite you if not used properly
I got one and (YES) its important to have.
I did a double take to make sure I clicked on a bleepinjeep video... :[
Definitely Not a mall crawler
Hi-lift is a must have.
How dangerous are they? Ive been meaning to get these for a while
Thanks! Is there a way to avoid the handle flying back up?
super important!
Opening the hood is less important than lowering the windshield.
absolutely an irreplaceable tool. but only second to a winch ;)
Or a shovel. Or or or...
Hi-lift is the weapon of last resort, not first. There are a ton of tools that can solve your problem more safely if you're well equipped. In a pinch, a hi-lift is a nice to have. But much like a winch, its mostly a tool you think you need.
Those hood mounted Hi-Lifts will become a great, deadly, projectile in a crash. Not a fan.
Do you also consider the hood on this jeep a deadly projectile? Because these mounts are arguably stronger than the original hood mounts. They're not going anywhere.
If you're sooper smart you can attach it to your front bumper, so when you jam into a ditch it's totally buried.
I agree about the hood mount, the hood hinges were never made to handle the mass of the jack, and its going to go bye bye in any sharp hit.
+wesley buff --
Take a long hard look at those little hinges... The mount isn't the problem.. The mount attaches to the little hinges that were never designed to handle the hood plus the jack... It's definitely going somewhere in a crash at highway speed. And that somewhere is probably the car in front of you. I wouldn't do it.
But I also don't drive around on pavement with my Hi-lift.
+Kurt Van Wagenen --
Now you're absolutely right about that, it certainly is a mall crawler thing. That's how you end up with a jack that has seized pins, is in poor condition and wont operate when needed ... but it did look sooper cool for the 10 years you never used it. I have been looking at the possibilities of mounting a rescue Hi Lift on my 83 CJ, as I could actually use one for its purpose in the fire service and found that my latches would be more than capable of holding every bit of a 33 pound, 5 ounces during the worst of accidents. Not only that, but I have seen the aftermath of these wrecks and seen that they don't move for myself involving 60+ mph collisions.
I made a mount that goes in the hitch receiver. Take it on and off as needed.
Cool picture of the orange Russian puppet
these thing are great but they can also bite you HARD. they have been known to break legs and knock people on their asses. they can tip over and or kick out at you with alot of force. just be careful and stay out of its way.
It is just as important to me as my max tracks.
Khorsathedark I have seen a hi lift with the wheel strap adapters pull tires out of some deep mud and then you need something like max tracks to keep them from sinking back in.
Yes it sure is the most important thing to have on a jeep. It sure was a long walk back to get help.
I dont have a jeep and im not white can i still buy one? Or use one?
Good presentation... :-)
I would so use the hell out of this as a mechanic. Think of how many calls I can get on the side. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Be careful one guy had his neighbor call the cops cause they saw him mounting what looked like machine gun on his 4x4. It didn't help he ha painted his hi lift jack all black.
very dangerous to use. So I never put one in my 4x4 truck
Not a dangerous piece of equipment if used correctly. Even a hammer if used incorrectly can cause some real damage.
I agree. I highly not recommend using one -- instead just use a pair of bottle jacks with extensions
most important tool
will this work with standard factory running boards?
Sweet mall crawler
I bought one just for showcase
How low is the nose of the jack body? Wondering if this will get under my sports car so I don't have to buy a "low profile" Jack and just use one jack to rule them all.
Yeah mounting on the hood looks really cool until you are in an accident and it goes flying.
How do you know it will go flying? Have you witnessed this happen before?
@@xbpbat21x no but I don't have to see someone get shot to know pointing a loaded weapon is a bad idea.
@@Tazzspaz Um...no...but, you need to know a lot more to know what will happen in the event of an accident...it is your opinion of the HLJ becoming a projectile. In less you give me testing results and statistics (otherwise known as facts), your opinion will remain as that...your opinion.
I LIKE IT ....... BUT I WOULDNT MOUNT IT ON MY HOOD ....CHEERZ ...
WD 40 is probably the worst thing to use for a jack that is going to be used in a high dust/dirt environment
damn the audio is choppy
Who are you? I'm going to call you Bleepin X just like Racer X from Speed Racer.
you could have just used rubber padding without compromising the structural integrity of the jack. Not smart.
anyone wana send me a handle isolator