Harbor Freight Jack Stands - Failure/Recall

[paddy1337]

You lift up your truck to change the oil? I haven't had any issues changing the oil by just crawling underneath to change it. Less steps I have to do and less danger as I still have all 4 tires on the ground.

I've had my HF 6 ton stands for about 3 years or so but they're going back immediately. Now I just need to find a suitable replacement.

Admittedly, this was the first time I've done the oil on the 4R, and the extra space was useful for figuring out the Rube Goldberg contraption that is a oil change on this vehicle.

I have stock skids, it didn't appear to me I could get it off without getting the truck up a bit; definitely not easily.

 

[sn_85]

Admittedly, this was the first time I've done the oil on the 4R, and the extra space was useful for figuring out the Rube Goldberg contraption that is a oil change on this vehicle.

I have stock skids, it didn't appear to me I could get it off without getting the truck up a bit; definitely not easily.

Hmm. I'm not sure if the Limited's come with front skids so it might actually be a bit easier for you to do. You might have to take down the little plastic guard but that should be only a few bolts. Even if you had the front skid that might be 4 bolts. Yeah the oil filter housing can be a little confusing to use at first but after you do it once it's not bad. You can definitely change the oil without jacking up the vehicle though.

 

[paddy1337]

Hmm. I'm not sure if the Limited's come with front skids so it might actually be a bit easier for you to do. You might have to take down the little plastic guard but that should be only a few bolts. Even if you had the front skid that might be 4 bolts. Yeah the oil filter housing can be a little confusing to use at first but after you do it once it's not bad. You can definitely change the oil without jacking up the vehicle though.

How long has your truck been modded? You may remember, the OEM skid plate swings down; from what I experienced it appears to need to be swung pretty far to come off, maybe not a full 90degrees, but pretty far. Combine that with stock sized tires and no lift. It'd be worse with a creeper.

I won't argue what's possible, but it sounds miserable to me on a stock truck. You're right about the complexity; next time will be waayyy easier now that i understand it.

I'm going to check the weight capacity on my ramps and use them next time.

 

[sn_85]

How long has your truck been modded? You may remember, the OEM skid plate swings down; from what I experienced it appears to need to be swung pretty far to come off, maybe not a full 90degrees, but pretty far. Combine that with stock sized tires and no lift. It'd be worse with a creeper.

I won't argue what's possible, but it sounds miserable to me on a stock truck. You're right about the complexity; next time will be waayyy easier now that i understand it.

I'm going to check the weight capacity on my ramps and use them next time.

I don't remember the last time my truck wasn't modded lol. But yes I probably had the stock skids for about 15k before I get aftermarket ones. I would look into one of the TRD Pro skids if you want to keep stock appearance since you can easily drop those down with 4 bolts and make oil changes easier.

 

[jrandom]

...You may remember, the OEM skid plate swings down; from what I experienced it appears to need to be swung pretty far to come off, maybe not a full 90degrees, but pretty far.

Your solution is here:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1079773-post2.html

:

 

[Mutant138]

Your solution is here:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1079773-post2.html

:

Damn idk why I didn’t trim those down the last three changes. I always end up going ape shit under my truck and just rip it off while belting out obscenities. I’m sure my neighbors think I’m a psychopath.

 

[mcat707]

Just came across this YT video on the HF 3ton jack stands. Good explanation on the failure. Video is lengthy but you can skip to the meat and potatoes at 09:45

YouTube

Picture shows recalled version on top and revised on bottom

 

[BobsTrail]

Good comparison, hard to believe they would make it like that.

I gave up and ordered a set of Strongway stands from Northern Tool with the locking pin. The pin goes in OK on one of them, not on the other.

May be time to move up to a Bendpak 2 post lift for safety.

 

[jrandom]

May be time to move up to a Bendpak 2 post lift for safety.

If I had a garage... I was really surprised how inexpensive these are for a quality lift, like jack stands the price vary wildy but have seen solid lifts for a few thousand bucks.

 

[mcat707]

If had the garage space, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a Bendpak. I have CA Lottery dreams of buying a 20 car garage with a bunch of car lifts.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Geesuz glad you weren’t injured.

I use these, not as convenient as the slot lock type but much more safe in that regard.
Esco 3-ton performance

3 Ton Performance Jack Stand Kit – ESCO

Note: most jack stands rate tonnage by the pair, (Esco doesn’t) so most “6 ton” are actually 3 ton each.

EDIT:added image

These 3 Ton Esco stands are worth checking out. Yeah they’re pricey but man are they nice.
Bought a set of 4 from National Tool about 4-5 years ago when they were on sale and I also had $50 gift card.
They have heavy rubber pad on top so no marking your undercarriage and the feet are flat so no digging into the ground or ruining garage floor if it’s coated or covered in tile, etc.
Put them to use today when lifting the rear end to do brakes and rebuild the bellcranks after coating my frame with POR-15.
They are really stable and nicely constructed.

After doing some research I think I will buy a pair of these ESCO jack stands. I saw these being used not only on this forum but also on some sports car forums and I have read many recommendations in reviews. I like the way they use a pin to fix the stand's height. Having a jack stand collapse like they did on one of the forums members is pretty scary. Amazon seems to have a "good" price on them.