Help to picking out floor jack for changing flats

[2005_4Runner_Help]

I need to find a jack for my 4Runner. Last night in trying to change a flat, I tried two different jacks to get enough clearance to change the front driver side tire. Neither worked and I had to call a towing service to come out. The whole experience cost me $100. When the wrecker came out he had to use a wood block just to get the clearance.

I need a jack that will work, every time. More importantly, something that can lift the weight and have the right amount of clearance. I'm not a knowledge "car guy", but I hate spending money. More than spending money, car trouble is my biggest pet peeve.

Do you have any suggestions?

 

[thewizard]

Stay away from the Crapsman (aka Craftsman) as the seals tend to fail. I bought a 3ton high lift harbor freight special for 40 bucks on sale and have no problem lifting the truck. I do have a problem lifting the jack itself as it probably weighs over 80lbs...

 

[blaniac22]

I need to find a jack for my 4Runner. Last night in trying to change a flat, I tried two different jacks to get enough clearance to change the front driver side tire. Neither worked and I had to call a towing service to come out. The whole experience cost me $100. When the wrecker came out he had to use a wood block just to get the clearance.

I need a jack that will work, every time. More importantly, something that can lift the weight and have the right amount of clearance. I'm not a knowledge "car guy", but I hate spending money. More than spending money, car trouble is my biggest pet peeve.

Do you have any suggestions?

Ok, I'll ask.

Don't you have a jack that came with the truck? In the compartment on the left side of the cargo area when you open the rear door?

No, it's not the ideal solution when working in the garage, but it works in a pinch. Unless your 4R is lifted or something, why didn't you use that?

 

[Zuke]

Wood blocks have never failed me.

 

[jow]

I have a small Bottle jack in the same compartment as the jack that came with the 07 V6 2WD. Most important and I must do this myself. Try your jacks at home before you need them on the road. I also pack a 4-way lug wrench under one of my seats and a cheater extension pipe with my Wife’s smaller 4-way (in her trunk). My 4-way was trapped above my spare on my last SUV and my bottle jack was bolted under the hood. There is plenty room on the V6’s passenger’s side but I h/n taken the time to examine the use noise free.

Floor jacks are handy but I would have trouble trusting the small ones and the good ones seem excessive for routine traveling. jow

 

[2005_4Runner_Help]

Ok, I'll ask.

Don't you have a jack that came with the truck? In the compartment on the left side of the cargo area when you open the rear door?

No, it's not the ideal solution when working in the garage, but it works in a pinch. Unless your 4R is lifted or something, why didn't you use that?

I know... It no longer exists.

 

[2005_4Runner_Help]

Stay away from the Crapsman (aka Craftsman) as the seals tend to fail. I bought a 3ton high lift harbor freight special for 40 bucks on sale and have no problem lifting the truck. I do have a problem lifting the jack itself as it probably weighs over 80lbs...

That confirms what a friend told me... I leaving right now to check that place out. Thanks.

 

[MrTom]

You haven't said if your truck is lifted or not and there is no indication of where you live.
I use the Powerbuilt 3 Ton Jack & Jack stand from Tractor Supply.
Lifts like a bottle jack and locks like a jack stand
The base is about 11"x11" so it is stable.
Lift Capacity: 6,000 lbs.
Max Lift Height: 21 in.
Will probably get another one to have two jack stands.
If a TS is not near you, you can order online.
Powerbuilt® 3 Ton Jack & Jack Stand - 1160455 | Tractor Supply Company

..

 

[KidVermicious]

I use a hilift, but that won't be practical unless you also have hard bumpers or rock rails, or pack a wheel mate and jackstand.

I'd recommend an exhaust jack. That Powerjack looks like a neat tool, but 11 inches is not low enough to get under an a-arm and 21 is too low to reach my frame and then lift it. MrTom, is there room on the base to bolt on an extension?

 

[Gerdo]

I know... It no longer exists.

Go to a junk yard and buy a stock jack, handle and all.

The key to lifting a lifted vehicle is to lift at the factory points. These points (shown in the manual) are on the axle and the front lower control arms.

My rig is lifted 4" in front and 5.5" in back and my stock jack works just fine. I also have a "Hi-Lift Offroad Base" to add stability and some height IF needed.

I want to make some fillers to keep the jack from potentially sliding.

 

[MrTom]

I use a hilift, but that won't be practical unless you also have hard bumpers or rock rails, or pack a wheel mate and jackstand.

I'd recommend an exhaust jack. That Powerjack looks like a neat tool, but 11 inches is not low enough to get under an a-arm and 21 is too low to reach my frame and then lift it. MrTom, is there room on the base to bolt on an extension?

I like it because of the jackstand conversion feature. Not sure how you would add an extension to it. If you look at the picture in the link, that top extension with the hole in it comes is the height adjustment and comes out. Guess you could fabricate a new piece to the height needed. Might be best to look up a TS store, give them a call and ask them what they think. I got mine in Las Cruces,NM. Probably closest one to SLC would be in Montana.
You are correct in that it will not fit under the front A-Arm but it does lift from the extension where the body is attached to the frame. Once dug a bit in the sand under the A-arm to fit the jack.
Also have Gerdo's setup with a wood block filler as mentioned for a front lift if needed.

..

 

[MrTom]

Stay away from the Crapsman (aka Craftsman) as the seals tend to fail. I bought a 3ton high lift harbor freight special for 40 bucks on sale and have no problem lifting the truck. I do have a problem lifting the jack itself as it probably weighs over 80lbs...

3ton high lift harbor freight That confirms what a friend told me... I leaving right now to check that place out. Thanks.

Unless you have slider/rock rails there is no place to use a hi-lift jack on the 4Gen runner.
Farm Jacks - 48" 3-1/2 Ton Farm Jack

 

[thewizard]

Unless you have slider/rock rails there is no place to use a hi-lift jack on the 4Gen runner.
Farm Jacks - 48" 3-1/2 Ton Farm Jack

That jack is not a floor jack, does not weigh 80+lbs nor is hydraulic although I would prefer to use that but like you mentioned I do not have rails for it. I should have been a lot clearer as the "high lift" I was referring to was 23+ inches of rise unlike most hydraulic floor jacks that go under 20inches.

 

[blaniac22]

Go to a junk yard and buy a stock jack, handle and all.

Agreed, this will probably be the least expensive route....or get an aftermarket bottlejack as recommended by others.

IMO, that should be the first priority because a floor jack is impractical to carry around, and you may not always get a flat in your driveway.