FERAL 4R
New member
Got them almost 3 years ago. Still use them now.
Lifted T4Rs & Jacks/Hi-Lifts
- Thread starter mrvandelay
- Start date
Got them almost 3 years ago. Still use them now.
Snooperstyle
Member
Perhaps a stupid question here, but does it matter if you leave these bottle jacks upright when storing or not? Perhaps that is a reason they leak?
limamike
New member
Have you tried using the X-Jack to get "unstuck" from an obstacle? I've only seen demo videos of it and I don't know anyone with any real world experience with them. I'd be interested to hear your feedback because I was going back and forth between a hi-lift and an x-jack. I decided to go with the hi-lift since I don't have a winch, but I like the simplicity and safety of the x-jack over the hi-lift.
Intruder
New member
I haven't used mine for a recovery yet but I did test it out on my truck in a gravel pit. Having used a Hi-lift before as well I'd say the main advantages of the X-jack are that it's easier to use on a soft or uneven surface since the base has more surface area and deforms around rocks/gravel. There are definitely situations where a Hi-lift will be better and overall the Hi-lift is faster to take out and stow away again after use, plus you can always use the Hi-lift as a winch. I own both and only got the X-jack because when my RTT is mounted I don't have room to carry the Hi-lift.
The Hi-lift is also a tool that requires some knowledge and respect to use safely so I'd also say the X-jack is a bit safer provided you don't over inflate it and flop your truck.
1engineer
Moderator
A Hi-Lift is a wonderful jack, one that I have used quite a lot dating back into the 1970's. For those youngsters reading this no, the Hi-Lift is not new. With that said, a Hi-Lift jack is also inherently dangerous to use due to it's simplicity and ease of use. You have to know what you are doing or bad things can happen. This is why they are not included as OEM jacks anymore like they were 30-40 years ago.
Corbet
Member
I've been involved with one recovery using an X-Jack. We placed the jack under the center of a FJC then used a winch to move the rear end sideways. Deflated and repeated a few times. Basically the rear drivers had dropped off a ledge and placed the FJC in a position where a flop was possible. Finally we stacked some rocks so it could drive out. A Hi-Lift could have been used too but the X-Jack is a safer option IMO for most lifting applications. If I had to own just one though, I'd take the Hi-Lift for versatility. But as others have said knowledge is key when using one.
On another note, this picture also shows why its good to have a snatch block with your recovery kit. In the bottom right of the photo you can see the winch rope as it is coming off the truck I'm standing in front of. We used a snatch block to redirect the winch pull. There was no way of moving a truck into position to do so. The trail was kind of a small knife ridge for lack of better description. We placed a tree saver strap around a large rock and shackled the snatch block there. At this moment we were not pulling on it but stacking rocks under the driver's rear tire.
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Snooperstyle
Member
This is slightly off topic, but today I removed my rockers temporarily, and now that I don't have XREAS anymore, it seems like there might be enough room to mount a hi-lift jack behind the rocker panel...of course once I get my SW sliders, their cross-beams might ruin this idea...but there is a lot of room under there.
I am just not into putting the hi-lift inside of the vehicle or on the roof rack. I use those two areas way too much and it would get in the way. When on the trail, I would likely relocate it to the roof, but for every day, and to help balance out the driver side tilt, I think it would be cool to have one under the right side somehow...has anyone ever done something like that?
I am just not into putting the hi-lift inside of the vehicle or on the roof rack. I use those two areas way too much and it would get in the way. When on the trail, I would likely relocate it to the roof, but for every day, and to help balance out the driver side tilt, I think it would be cool to have one under the right side somehow...has anyone ever done something like that?
Qjake
New member
I like how you guys improvised a cable dampener using the jack bag! Very Nice:thumb3:
I've used a Hi-Lift only once, took 4 guys to hold my Runner from tipping while the tire was changed, Reminded me of changing a tire on my old 72 ford when I was a kid. Yes they are great jacks but If used incorrectly they can also be very dangerous.
I've used a Hi-Lift only once, took 4 guys to hold my Runner from tipping while the tire was changed, Reminded me of changing a tire on my old 72 ford when I was a kid. Yes they are great jacks but If used incorrectly they can also be very dangerous.
Corbet
Member
I would not want it there permanently as road grim would bugger it up pretty quick. If you just placed it there on wheeling days that might be good. However access could prove difficult if not impossible depending on the situation. Personally I'd plan on mounting it somewhere else. Roof is easy, effective, & cheap. Take it off if you don't want to be in expo mode every day.
Yes, the actual dampener was out of frame on the rope between the truck and snatch block. So we used the X-Jack bag as a 2nd.
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