OK, so I am going to take the dive and start trying to do some basic maintenance. I wanted to purchase a lift and stand set (or separate), but I am having trouble deciding/determining what is a good value. Any thoughts? There are the usual auto parts stores around here. There's also Sears, etc.

Thanks for the help.

 

Harborfreight.
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Btw, you might want to consider 6 ton jacks instead of 3.

GL.

 

Nice. Thanks!

To clarify, you meant 6-ton jack stands, correct? What size floor jack would be sufficient?

 

sears get a jack thats gonna be with ya for a while

 

Yeah, jack stand (3 ton would be fine if you NEVER gonna lift the Jeep).
I think a min of 1.5 ton jack should work.

Oh, if you are at Sears, look out for some Craftsman tool set, they usually have sales. My first investment was a 154 set for $99, that should get started.

GL.

 

+1 Sears. Don't economize on things that hold a 1.5 ton vehicle while you are under it.

 

3 ton stands

 

go as big as you can afford.

i use 6 ton stands and a 3.5 ton floor jack.

 

^^^^x2

 

Harbor freight is a fantastic resource for stuff like this. There is no technology involved, just steel and hydraulics. You could probably get 4 really heavy duty stands and a monstrous floor jack from HF for less than you'd pay for either at Sears.
Buying American is great and I believe in it when it makes sense or isn't presented that way simply to justify the add on costs. Sears would have to prove to me it makes its stands and floor jacks in the US before I could justify the inflated prices they charge. Hand tools... ok. The quality seems to still be pretty good (far better than Chinese crap) but while the free replacement is nice (depending on the item) I'd rather not have it fail in the first place if I'm paying a premium.
Also, for hand tools... don't forget to check pawn shops. You can often find hi end tools (Snap on, Blue point, etc) there for super cheap.

 

some craftsman tool are china now. just saying

 

Cherokees are roughly 3000lbs with or with out a lift so I would say that 3k jack stands will be enough

 

2 ton jack stands are $19 bucks for a pair at walmart, harbor freight has a 2.5-3 ton steel floor jack that's like $69 buck with a 20% coupon they are always offering. The jack has dual pistons so it takes about 2-3 pumps to lift the entire back half of jeep of the ground. Works great and is affordable. Any issues you can take it back for replacement.

 

Thanks for all the help on this!! I found a HF dealer near by. Going to check it out next weekend. Will swing by Sears as well.

Thanks again.

 

i have 6 ton stands just for the size, my small stands dont even come close to touching my jeep fully extended, i got mine from harbor freight close to 10 years ago and still going strong