Bottle Jack or Full on Trolley Jack for Maintenance

[honda99ex]

So my two vehicles (2012 and 2014 vintage) are needing more and more maintenance. I've thus far gotten by with a set of rhino ramps and the factory jack. I like the height of the 4runner OEM jack only that I can use my drill to set it but it doesn't have enough torque to get it up further once loaded so hand cranking for days and days.

I have a set of jack stands already. I guess the other criteria is that both my current vehicles are SUVs so jack lift height is more important than low profile. With the bottle jack I've always propped it on wood to get some needed height. Also my driveway has a slight incline/decline to it, not sure if it makes a difference. Like a 5 degree, max 10 degree slope.

What's better for me and what brand recs? only really using it for tire rotations, fluid changes where I have to either get the car elevated or level, etc.

Thanks

 

[BrianSD_42]

If possible I'd suggest you get a 2 or 3 ton floor jack from Costco.

 

[96RedRunner]

If you go floor jack route look at the max height limit, would be bad to get it home then not be tall enough for the job.

 

[Dillusion]

I'd suggest a 3 ton as well.

I just dont trust the bottle jack for anything other than emergency tire changes. And especially not on an incline.

 

[fourwd1]

Floor jack that has plenty of height.

 

[honda99ex]

Floor jack that has plenty of height.

If you go floor jack route look at the max height limit, would be bad to get it home then not be tall enough for the job.

So far I've seen 20" Max. Lift as best. Usually 18 and change for the majority. Anything higher than that?

Man looking at jacks is like shopping for tires. There's always a few bad reviews for every single one where the jack failed or just quit.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Harbor Freight has a FJ that lifts ~24 inches for reasonable money. This is a crazy heavy, large jack but will do the job.

Daytona™ Long Reach Low Profile Heavy Duty Car Jack

I have no experience with it but for the money (and using a 20% coupon), it should work just fine for what most DIYers need.


Eddie

So far I've seen 20" Max. Lift as best. Usually 18 and change for the majority. Anything higher than that?

Man looking at jacks is like shopping for tires. There's always a few bad reviews for every single one where the jack failed or just quit.

 

[honda99ex]

Harbor Freight has a FJ that lifts ~24 inches for reasonable money. This is a crazy heavy, large jack but will do the job.

Daytona™ Long Reach Low Profile Heavy Duty Car Jack

I have no experience with it but for the money (and using a 20% coupon), it should work just fine for what most DIYers need.


Eddie

103 lbs!!!! I think most normal coupons at HF excludes Jacks. I will have to be on the lookout for the super coupons.

 

[96RedRunner]

It doesn't have to be low profile. My standard 3 ton FJ fits under my Audi just barely at 7.5" ride height.
If you feel/know 20" will work for you go for it. I would have to research to decide brand to buy nowdays
mine is 20+ yrs old, I'd start at HF.

 

[Twan]

2 Ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack "The Beast" ORJ2B4X - Pro Eagle

I have that one and I really like it. No issues getting my lifted 3rd gen off the ground.

 

[honda99ex]

2 Ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack "The Beast" ORJ2B4X - Pro Eagle

I have that one and I really like it. No issues getting my lifted 3rd gen off the ground.

Dang that thing is no joke. Is it long enough to lift by the rear diff / whatever the front equivalent is? Or are you lifting by the frame rails?

 

[Fern]

Low Profile Heavy Duty Car Jack

I use this HB FJ. Lifts up to 19.5" and I'll throw a couple scrape pieces of 4x6 or 4x4 scrap lumber to get it to 30" for my buggy. They have a coupon to get it for $80 floating around.

 

[Twan]

Dang that thing is no joke. Is it long enough to lift by the rear diff / whatever the front equivalent is? Or are you lifting by the frame rails?

I use the 8" extension that comes with it and lift by the frame rails. I have yet to find a situation where it's too short, but I can also use my hi-lift on my sliders if I need to go even higher.

 

[TK-422]

I like the HF 3 ton Aluminum racing jack. It cost more but it's only 64Lbs shipping weight so it's much easier to carry around.

It has a 19.5" lift height so I usually keep a chunk of 4x4 around.


No matter what jack always use jack stands.

 

[96RedRunner]

2 Ton Big Wheel Off Road Jack "The Beast" ORJ2B4X - Pro Eagle
I have that one and I really like it. No issues getting my lifted 3rd gen off the ground.

I remember when those came out, thought it more a marketing thing.
Question I had then still do, what are the wheels made of.
Steel center urethane outer ?

 

[Twan]

I remember when those came out, thought it more a marketing thing.
Question I had then still do, what are the wheels made of.
Steel center urethane outer ?

Off the top of my head, couldn't tell you. I'll have to go take a look tonight when I get home. Mine has the gray wheels, which appear to be some sort of composite material with the rubber tread around the outside.

 

[96RedRunner]

Mine has the gray wheels, which appear to be some sort of composite material with the rubber tread around the outside.

That is what I assumed they were back then looking at pic.
I guess I'm old school I want steel rollers on my jack when couple tons are above me.