Im looking to pick up a new jack. What is a good jack that will last a while, lift a car high enough for jack stands, and can work on lowered cars?
Sorry. Had to.
But seriously, I highly recommend that Jack. :tup:
Beat me to it. Just get like an 8,000lb jack. Don’t get a little sissy skinny one.
Just get the 2 1/2 ton Harbor Freight aluminum one. The convienence of it’s weight and portability is worth the sacrifice in quality. I still have a 50lb all steel Craftsman for back up, but hate lugging it around.
It’ll break one day, but after reading reviews I would rather buy 3 of those than 1 aluminum Craftsman.
3" min height
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
I think I got mine on sale for $65
yea my aluminum craftsman has issues lifting my car
I picked up this one when they had them on sale for $30.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4172
I’ve had it for about 5 years and never had a problem with it, other than the fact that it’s 70lbs. I would definitely look for something lighter if you plan to ever take it with you. I only use it in my garage/driveway so wheeling it around isn’t a big deal. It will lift the entire front end of my Expedition with no problem.
I use this one from HArbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
I think this is the one fairgentleman z is referring to as well. Best bang for the buck, works great on lowered cars, and it is lightweight.
^have the same one, never had any problems with it yet.
I have the aluminum Craftsman jack and I’ve had two fail on me. Luckily they were still under warrantee but that kind of performance for a $100 jack is pretty bad. So while I can’t tell you what to get, I can tell you what to stay away from.
stay away from the aluminum craftsman it sucks
not bad… but single barrel FTW
I have this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950136000P?sbf=Brand&sbv=Craftsman&vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment
When I got it, I got it in a package deal where it came with 2 nice jack stands and a nice creeper for $99. I find it to be a really nice and well built jack, it seems like it would be ok for a lowered car. It works on my Mustang fine, and i think thats fairly low, and it worked on my GTO just fine, which was even lower. the only issue i really have with it is that I stripped out the screw hole that holds the 2 pieces of the handle together. I store my jack with the handle in 2 pieces and take it apart all the time. a pin and cotter pin solved that problem though. I also dont mind the weight, i dont have any problems at all carrying it around.
napa low profile ones. Mike has them at innovative, they look very nice :tup: not like the cheap ass harbor freight ones (scary jacks imho). Buy a good one and have it for many years.
Jeller
The Napa low pro jacks are good, but they weigh a TON and cost $$$$$ (almost double unless you catch them on sale).
for super low cars, I have built steps out of 3/4 inch mdf. it just gradually increases height so it doesnt catch the kit or front bumper while driving on to it. Works great for me with a regular jack. I too have the 30-40 dollar 2.5 ton jack from HF and its great, it is heavy but like JayS, i never plan to take it anywhere with me.
Aluminum Craftsman > Harbour Freight Junk
I’ve had mine for years and love it. It was ~$90.
I have both. the aluminum craftsman and the cheap HF one…
for autox-heading to the track. the HF one works great.
but for around the house/garage i use the Craftsman one.
i’ve broken 2 harbor freight jacks. mike’s broken one that i know of.
get the napa one, it rules. I think it’s called the FURIOUS JACK or something.