Review of Hi-Lift X-TREME Jack

[Ol'Blue]

T4R-

I thought I would post some thoughts and a product review for you all on something I picked up.

We have all talked about gear to carry no matter what Gen we all run/drive. I had previously received a "Farm Jack, POS made in China". Well I"m sure you can tell just by that statement how well it worked. In the end it went back to where it came from after the first real use on our last trip. At least it helped someone out. Not that it worked correctly at that time, but we got it and got the Chevy down the road again.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/so-cal/150189-kraze-blues-trip.html


Anyhow, after this thing was not up to par for a simple tire change I decided to contact the seller of this product and they agreed to take it back(after a few emails and my telling them I knew what I was really doing with it). The cool thing they gave me a strait credit off the difference of the X-Tream, he also threw in some 3/4in shackles for the headache of driving in So-Cal traffic to return and make the swap, :guitar2: on!

Now on to the good stuff. The X-Treme! First off it is a beat! It is weighs in at over 30lbs. You can tell the quality right off the bat as soon as you pick it up vs the "Farm Jack POS from China" DO NOT EVER BUY ONE OF THOSE!

There is an added feature you get with this and that is the Winch-Clamp-Spreader Attachment . It is heavy duty and you can only get it with this jack. At this point I have played around with it in the driveway and it works so smooth. I didn't have to fight it like the last one to get it to engage to go up or down. The parts in it are great. Got to love "Made in the USA".

I have no question this will last for years to come. I'm temped to go out on the trail and get stuck just so I can winch it out for the true test. If you are looking for Hi-Lift I"m telling you invest in this and never worry it will not let you down. I will update after first major use for further reviews. Well worth the money!

Hi-Lift X-Treme Jack - top of the line all-cast jack will winch, clamp, or spread up to 5,000 lbs. | Hi Lift Jack Company

Blue

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Nice review Blue. A few things to add. I've had the Hi-Lift Xtreme for a few years now and have used it off road on several occasions. It's worked as intended but you really need to know this jack and be proficient with it because it can be really dangerous when things go wrong. Make sure you have lifting points for it on your truck or the proper accessories for attachments. Trying to lift a 4runner with a Hi-Lift can be problematic if you don't have sliders. I carry a slider adapter, a wheel adapter and a bumper adapter in my recovery gear bag. Some after market bumper makers like CBI and 4X4Labs are cutting slots in their bumpers for Hi-Lifts.

The metal base that it comes with can slip on smooth surfaces such as asphalt or rocks on the trail. Even more so when its wet. I replaced that with an SBE base that has twice the foot print area and a rubber tread bottom. Also, I know this is just basic safety but always put something non compressible like wood or even a spare tire under the vehicle when it's on the Hi-lift (or any jack for that matter). Gloves and a can of WD40 are also nice to have.

The Hi-Lift Xtreme is a great tool to have. High quality and a necessity on the trail.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Thanks Dawg.

I was playing with this thing today as you were talking about getting better at it and came to a conclusion. My truck has so much flex in the back I'm not getting the tire off the ground when that thing is 3/4 the way up. The back tire was still on the ground but the front tire even when lifting off the slider in the back is a good foot and a half off the ground( I have the Allpro's with the kick outs so there is plenty to jack from). It was to the point it was slipping and that was in the drive way. Down she went.

So I'm looking into getting a bigger foot for it at some point.

Safe Jack Stabilizer - Lift Jack Stabilizer - 48in

I do like this one I ran across. I like that idea of the cable to keep it in check but they really like that thing for a 109.00 bucks.

Can you post a link where you got the one you have.

Thanks

Blue

 

[blk-4runner]

SBE - Hi-Lift Base

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Thanks Dawg.

I was playing with this thing today as you were talking about getting better at it and came to a conclusion. My truck has so much flex in the back I'm not getting the tire off the ground when that thing is 3/4 the way up. The back tire was still on the ground but the front tire even when lifting off the slider in the back is a good foot and a half off the ground( I have the Allpro's with the kick outs so there is plenty to jack from). It was to the point it was slipping and that was in the drive way. Down she went.

So I'm looking into getting a bigger foot for it at some point.

Safe Jack Stabilizer - Lift Jack Stabilizer - 48in

I do like this one I ran across. I like that idea of the cable to keep it in check but they really like that thing for a 109.00 bucks.

Can you post a link where you got the one you have.

Thanks

Blue

Good idea practicing and getting the hang of it prior to actually having to use it in the field. Edited post for link to base and slider adapter. If they show out of stock just email them or give them a call. The stabilizer you linked looks pretty good. Nice wide base for floatation on sand and soft dirt. Like you said, kinda steep on price though.

 

[Ol'Blue]

For that price I will build one myself. I can do that just off the pictures.