Popped a Bead. Couldn't change tire because of A-arm Skid.

[GogDog]

So, last week on a snow run with a 4x4 group, I popped a bead when sliding into a rut.

I have a full size spare so no problem (and didn't want to do the brake fluid method of reseating a bead). However....using my bottle jack I quickly realized that my A-arm skid plates are now covering the normal jack point for the front driver.

Excuse the bad picture/dirt ->

Luckily, someone in the group had a hi-lift jack so we just jacked up the truck using my rock sliders.

However....can someone recommend a different jack point when lifting the front or would I really need to remove the skid plate to do it?

 

[unsub1]

I've used a floor jack and 2x4 to jack mine directly on the A-arm slider a few times recently to rotate my tires and install/torque my wheel spacers. No issues.

 

[GogDog]

I've used a floor jack and 2x4 to jack mine directly on the A-arm slider a few times recently to rotate my tires and install/torque my wheel spacers. No issues.

Are you using the 2x4 on the bottom (near the wheel) or top of the skid?

 

[unsub1]

Are you using the 2x4 on the bottom (near the wheel) or top of the skid?

Near the wheel.

 

[unsub1]

But I guess I'm also putting my slider up on a floor-jack too, now that I think of it. In your situation I would probably just go for it though, personally.

 

[YellowSnow]

But I guess I'm also putting my slider up on a floor-jack too, now that I think of it. In your situation I would probably just go for it though, personally.

Why not use a jack pad, floor jack and your sliders?

 

[GogDog]

Why not use a jack pad, floor jack and your sliders?

Well, currently I don't have a floor jack, but you mean...bring a floor jack in the trunk when going out on the trail every time?

 

[MossJenks]

Well, currently I don't have a floor jack, but you mean...bring a floor jack in the trunk when going out on the trail every time?

I'd just jack right on that skid plate. If it can't handle a jack, how's it going to handle getting bashed against a rock? Don't know anything about that one but likely it doesn't have a lot of clearance to the arm It should just flex a bit and make contact.

People do bring floor jacks on the trail, but you can also get heavy duty long-extension bottle jacks. Or a Hi-Lift obviously.

 

[YellowSnow]

Well, currently I don't have a floor jack, but you mean...bring a floor jack in the trunk when going out on the trail every time?

How exactly do you plan on changing out your tire without a jack? You could use the ARB tire repair kit, but then you would need air.

 

[GogDog]

I'd just jack right on that skid plate. If it can't handle a jack, how's it going to handle getting bashed against a rock? Don't know anything about that one but likely it doesn't have a lot of clearance to the arm It should just flex a bit and make contact.

People do bring floor jacks on the trail, but you can also get heavy duty long-extension bottle jacks. Or a Hi-Lift obviously.

Thanks. Yeah, I'll probably just go the 2x4 route and use my bottle jack and jack directly under the a-arm skid.

 

[YellowSnow]

I don’t trust my oem bottle jack at all....has anyone used it to change out a tire on a lifted rig?

 

[nb rob]

I don’t trust my oem bottle jack at all....has anyone used it to change out a tire on a lifted rig?

surprisingly, it's not a bottle jack, it's just shaped line one. You should try it before you need it. It raises much higher than you might expect - 19". There are 2 tiers inside

here's a thread that shows the jack extended. The top pad will also screw out to extend even further

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2714513-post45.html

 

[tacoyota]

Jack off of the frame. Usually also a good idea to carry a block of wood for situation like this.

 

[YellowSnow]

surprisingly, it's not a bottle jack, it's just shaped line one. You should try it before you need it. It raises much higher than you might expect - 19". There are 2 tiers inside

here's a thread that shows the jack extended. The top pad will also screw out to extend even further

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2714513-post45.html

I’m not worried about the height...but the instability. Especially off road on uneven surfaces.

 

[STX4Runner]

I’m not worried about the height...but the instability. Especially off road on uneven surfaces.

Bring a few pieces of wood then. 2x10 or 2x12 and you're fine.

 

[sn_85]

I’m not worried about the height...but the instability. Especially off road on uneven surfaces.

I'd trust it over a floor jack. And well carrying a floor jack with you every time you off-road is probably pretty inconvenient. You might need a larger one especially for lifted vehicles. If you're on a rocky, ledge-y, and off-camber trail maneuvering a floor jack is going to be even more difficult. I'd go with a Hi-Lift or a Safe-Jack with a base if uneven surfaces is a concern.

 

[jpaws]

I haven't used it yet, but I bought a bushwacker x jack for this exact reason.

 

[GogDog]

Bring a few pieces of wood then. 2x10 or 2x12 and you're fine.

Yeah...I was meaning to buy some for a long time and actually could have used some on the run. It was a wake up call reminder!

 

[Jetboy]

Bottle jack works just fine in a number of places. It makes no difference whether you're stock or lifted. (not counting long travel here). The suspension doesn't change when you put a 3" lift on. You have to lift it the same height off the ground as a stock one.

Also RTFM... Toyota 4Runner: If you have a flat tire - Steps to take in an emergency - Owners Manual

Also - I would remove the A-arm skids because they're pointless. But not for changing a tire.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Jacking on the a-arm is just bad practice to begin with. Thats not how its designed and it'll probably slip off at some point. It should be tall enough to reach the frame or lower crossmember where your skids bolt to.