What Jack to Get?

[PyrPatriot]

I need a jack to change wheels/tires fairly quickly. I have a stock JT and for now just need to be able to swap out stock size tires for similar sized M/T wheels/tires and snow tires.

How high will I need to have the jack be able to go?

Floor jack or bottle? I dont really have a garage to work in, so it would be more like a somewhat flat parking space. A bottle jack would fit, albeit less stable. And only goes up to 16” I think

HF has a 3 ton floor jack with a maximum height of 23 1/8” for $200

Costco has a 5 ton for $110 but it only goes to 18”.

TS has this nice 2-in-1 but it’s lift height is 11-20”
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/powerbuilt-3-ton-all-in-one-jack-1160455

Is being able to lift higher more important than the convenience of a bottle jack?

Jacks need to be something I can at the very least order to a Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, Auto Zone, etc to pick up and inspect (ok to order to store)

ETA: what about for folks who can't have multiple jacks. Like apartment dwellers on the 3rd floor? Is it worth getting a heavy floor jack and lugging it down the stairs?

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[ShadowsPapa]

I rarely use bottle jacks these days - except to keep in the trailer tool box because they take so little space. I love the small floor jacks. You can raise the entire end of a vehicle and do two wheels at once. Or in my case, two floor jacks, raise the whole car, set 4 stands under it and have the whole thing up in the air (until I get a lift, anyway)
I have enough jacks and stands I can have two vehicles on stands at one time. But I have the space for that.
You can get decent floor jacks you can carry and I've found some of them actually last several years. I have one that I've had since about 1980 and it still works fine. When it goes, it's a cheap jack made years ago there won't be any fixing it but it won't owe me anything either.
I don't think bottle jacks are convenient other than taking little space. They can sink in dirt, they can tip and tilt and they put the force on one small spot - and they are SLOW. Give me even a small cheap floor jack any day. Stable, faster, won't tip so easily, puts pressure in better, safer spots. A bottle jack can slip right off an axle - a floor jack won't unless you get dumb with it. You are raising a vehicle on something the size of a silver dollar or smaller with a bottle jack.

 

[PyrPatriot]

How high does a jack need to go to lift the the JT to change tires?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

How high does a jack need to go to lift the the JT to change tires?

Take tire radius (half the diamater) and subtract an inch or so (axle tube) and you get approximate height if you lift by the axle, which is what I prefer.
You can lift under the differential housing, the "pumpkin" area and need even less lift.
So for a 33" tire, you'd need less than 16.5" to get the tire off the ground lifting by the axle tube. Probably 15" - I've not measured the O.D. of the axle tubes, or the link/control arm connection points, etc.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Take tire radius (half the diamater) and subtract an inch or so (axle tube) and you get approximate height if you lift by the axle, which is what I prefer.
You can lift under the differential housing, the "pumpkin" area and need even less lift.
So for a 33" tire, you'd need less than 16.5" to get the tire off the ground lifting by the axle tube. Probably 15" - I've not measured the O.D. of the axle tubes, or the link/control arm connection points, etc.

So a 16” lift should get both front/rear tires off the ground then

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I like to jack under the pumpkin/center, the spots like shock mount areas, or link mount areas (because they are lower) or the axle tube.

 

[Proximo]

So a 16” lift should get both front/rear tires off the ground then

Yes 16" is fine for now. Think about your future projects though, 35's+ and lift kit if you want to do yourself. Gotta get her up high for enough axle droop to get the springs out. I vote for the 3ton

 

[PyrPatriot]

Yes 16" is fine for now. Think about your future projects though, 35's+ and lift kit if you want to do yourself. Gotta get her up high for enough axle droop to get the springs out. I vote for the 3ton

No lift kit, possibly ever depending on what FCA responds with to my letter inquiries (effect of lift on max tow abilities).

But 35s are definitely something I will have in about 5 years

 

[Proximo]

No lift kit, possibly ever depending on what FCA responds with to my letter inquiries (effect of lift on max tow abilities).

But 35s are definitely something I will have in about 5 years

I only did a level (didn't touch the rears). I like the look and wanted to clear 35's for turning radius and articulation. Plenty of room for em on my Max now. Level kit is an easy driveway project with a floor jack and jack stands. 3ton stability also important when rotating tires and such. Easy for me to spend your money though

 

[PyrPatriot]

I only did a level (didn't touch the rears). I like the look and wanted to clear 35's for turning radius and articulation. Plenty of room for em on my Max now. Level kit is an easy driveway project with a floor jack and jack stands. 3ton stability also important when rotating tires and such. Easy for me to spend your money though

I like the rake for how the jeep balances out when there will be 1500lbs in the bed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

No lift kit, possibly ever depending on what FCA responds with to my letter inquiries (effect of lift on max tow abilities).

But 35s are definitely something I will have in about 5 years

Cut a couple of 4x4s about 6" long to lay under a jack to boost it up a bit if you need more height ...............

 

[mazeppa]

I have floor jacks, bottle jacks, and jack stands, there is no perfect do-al- jack, like any tool each has a specific usage depending on location and application.


I'v seen these on Amazon they look handy and considered purchasing a couple but maybe the quality is suspect.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ULZGFU/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

 

[madduck]

https://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-Bottle-Jack-Axle-Cradle_p_66.html

i got one of these. i plan on welding piece of round tubing a lil bigger than the diameter of pad on top of the jack to keep it in place.

edit: duh...the rest of the story. i have a bottle jack i carry around. i'll have to look up the name, but it's a made in the U.S. jack that got excellent reviews.

 

[smlobx]

I have floor jacks, bottle jacks, and jack stands, there is no perfect do-al- jack, like any tool each has a specific usage depending on location and application.


I'v seen these on Amazon they look handy and considered purchasing a couple but maybe the quality is suspect.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ULZGFU/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Full disclosure..I have a full shop with a 2 post lift BUT I also have the one listed above for when I Overland with my truck camper as it allows me to comfortably and safely get under the truck if needed because it is also a jack stand.

 

[LidLess07X]

I have several of the Harbor Freight floor jacks and they are really nice. If space and weight aren't a concern, get the 3 ton. If you need to save space and weight get the 2 ton and a couple hunks of pressure treated 4"X4". I don't trust bottle jacks.

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