POLL: Hi lift mounting location

[CSL]

In my constant effort to balance the weight of my camping gear loaded T4R. (heavily loaded rear, see my thread about the WEAK OME 890's). I am considering moving my hi-lift from my roof rack to the front of the vehicle. Also I want the roof rack space (where the jack is now) to mount fishing rods for the family.

Here are the only 4 locations I could come up with. I would really appreciate some feedback. Keep in mind, it is NOT about looks, it is about function. This is my toy vehicle only, not DD. It will only be mounted when I hit the trails. Thanks.

Location critic only, obviously I will fab some brackets and loose the bungee cords once the decision is made.

HOOD: (critic: jacking up my stock hood, but I don't plan on this rig ever going back to stock)

UPPER BUMPER: (critic: may obstruct my view a bit)

MIDDLE BUMPER: (critic: slightly in front of the top of my head lamps)

LOWER BUMPER: (critic: I will need to raise my aux. lights for this one)

Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I like the middle bumper position.

If you decide to put it on the hood let's swap hoods.

 

[Summit]

I'd vote roof or rear hatch for safety and looks.

 

[Stick Figure]

i had to vote not to do it ... everywhere on the bumper risks visibility or light output. The other thing that comes to mind is if you have an accident, you could damage the jack (which you may need if the accident is off road), or it may pretty easily become a projectile if it is a higher speed accident on the street on the way to the off road fun.

As far as the hood, i don't see how you could really mount it safely. i would think you would need a lot of reinforcement to keep it from denting in the hood in at the mounting points after bouncing around on the trail. again, if its not secure enough guess what could potentially be coming at you and your passenger in an accident.

 

[Ulfr]

I'm sorry to say this, but DO NOT MOUNT IT ON THE FRONT OF THE BUMPER, OR ON THE HOOD. No pun intended.

Put it somewhere you can reach it when everything's fubar.

If you crash in the front, it might damage the jack or it might damage someone's head (or something else) Bend it on a tree or something alike... And a broken Jack is a useless one...

If you put your front end down through Ice (which I'm not sure if you'll ever lend in) or down in mudpit or something else...
You wont be able to reach it. Let me know this, I have trial & error for this matter! >.<

For my parts, mount on your roof rack, or on the side of the roof rack. It's pretty safe, in a crash or even after a rollover it might survive, if you get stuck (as long as the whole truck isn't underwater/under mud! but it'd be pretty useless to think 'bout usin' jack in those situations, or might it?)


I have mine on the roof rack, after I drowned my truck goin' through water/snow mixup and my winch and jack were underwater, (had it on the rear bumper) and it was royal pita gettin' the jack from there. In freezin' cold.

You can see the jack's location on the roofrack on the right side of the truck (left on the picture)

Here you can view the whole gallery if interested...

Good luck!

 

[CSL]

Thanks for the opions guys

I realize the front bumper area is not the best choice for all the reasons you guys mention, but I really want to even out the weight. I already have it on the side of the roof rack and I agree that it is always accessible there. I don't do deep water crossings, but I could see myself getting into a deep snow drift one day. I can see how if the front was not accessible to use my winch and I had to use straps and the jack to "winch" myself backwards it could be a pain to get the jack from the front.

Hmmm... I need to keep thinking about this one, especially because I dont' want to drill my ARB or my hood and then change my mind.

The roof rack is just such hot real-estate, but it's like an inner-city lot with little space. I need it to carry the camping gear that doesn't fit in the cargo area, shovel, axe, fishing rods, jack, and I would someday like one of those retractable canopies that mounts on one side (would be way easier than setting up the rain tarp when camping)

Maybe I will weld up some taller sides on the DIY rack/basket. This way I could mount the hi-lift above the shovel/axe on the same side and then build fishing rod holders above a canopy on the other side. Of course that doesn't fix my weight distribution problem...

EDIT: forgot to say, Ulfr, your photos are nuts. Your one crazy icelandic, ice driving maniac. Thanks for sharing. My daughters eyes got huge when she saw the shot of you in the frozen water.

 

[Ulfr]

Re: Thanks for the opions guys

I realize the front bumper area is not the best choice for all the reasons you guys mention, but I really want to even out the weight. I already have it on the side of the roof rack and I agree that it is always accessible there. I don't do deep water crossings, but I could see myself getting into a deep snow drift one day. I can see how if the front was not accessible to use my winch and I had to use straps and the jack to "winch" myself backwards it could be a pain to get the jack from the front.

Hmmm... I need to keep thinking about this one, especially because I dont' want to drill my ARB or my hood and then change my mind.

The roof rack is just such hot real-estate, but it's like an inner-city lot with little space. I need it to carry the camping gear that doesn't fit in the cargo area, shovel, axe, fishing rods, jack, and I would someday like one of those retractable canopies that mounts on one side (would be way easier than setting up the rain tarp when camping)

Maybe I will weld up some taller sides on the DIY rack/basket. This way I could mount the hi-lift above the shovel/axe on the same side and then build fishing rod holders above a canopy on the other side. Of course that doesn't fix my weight distribution problem...

EDIT: forgot to say, Ulfr, your photos are nuts. Your one crazy icelandic, ice driving maniac. Thanks for sharing. My daughters eyes got huge when she saw the shot of you in the frozen water.

Well, about the weight distribution problem. I think the *only* way to fix that is either to look into what you really need for a camping trip and leave all that isn't necessary at home, or move your rear axle further backwards. That way you'll get more load on the front axle.
Both of these ways were my choice cause I carry spareparts, tools and emergency gear that total weight is some 200-400lbs. Which is alot for the rear. Then you add 200l of fuel and you've got one hell of a weight on the rear. And this is before all the food, tent, water and other stuff you need in a camp is put in... Heh. The truck gross weight is 'bout 2,6 to 3 tons on a trip...

I moved my rear axle 8" backwards. Not necessary possible for you, but well. It's the only way I can see it.
But if your only problem is the coils not handling it, get a set from HZJ80, IIRC the front coils are more massive.(if you don't have them already that is). Or airbags.

In my case, my truck always sat on the rear axle when drivin' in snow, which was very bad, especially when goin' up very steep hills.

Of course, if you have no choice havin' the hilift in the rear, I'd put it on top of the arb bumper. Just keep the brackets strong.

But I'd be careful drivin' around with it on road. I don't think it's very fun gettin' this thing through the rear window if you'd rear end some small car. =) (not my biggest fear tho')
I'm more concerned 'bout if you get yourself stuck in the front and with no ways to reach it.

Mounting it on the front of the roof rack would help abit wit the weight distribution. And try to keep all the heavier stuff more over the rear axle and the lighter stuff behind it. In the trunk that is.
But maybe you already do that. =)


Btw, your welcome 'bout the pic! Nice to know that your daughter enjoyed it.
I'm always ready for showin' off
But I do agree, we are abit fruity people over here... hehe

 

[BlairB]

I am going to say upper bumper or keep it on the roof rack.

I just do not like the hood idea, not sure why...

Middle is a decent option, but again blocking light is not ideal and I am not sure if I like the jack being one of the most forward points on the vehicle.

A problem with low is the jack is a lot more likely to get dirt and mud stuck in the mechanism and you definitely want the hi lift in good working order if you should need it.

 

[kregg]

Have you checked out Sonoran Steel's Hi-Lift brackets?

http://sonoransteel.com/store_4runner_cargo_mount_jack.html

I dont know how much room you have in the back of your truck, but they seem to be the best location. Secure, somewhat out of the way, and easy to get to...

Other than that, rack it...