hey guys,
getting ready to jump into quite a few projects on my 97XJ and am in need of a new floor jack. any recommendations/advice as i start looking for one would be much appreciated. thanks......

 

Yes I do have, buy the best one you budget will allow as there nothing worse than a cheap azz floor jack that leaks down. Then buy one heaver than you think you will ever need like at least 2 1/2-3 ton one.


One of the better ones I own out of 4 came from NAPA there brand bought during a tool sale 10-12 yrs. ago. Has been used on everything from lawn tractors to 1 ton trucks. At the time as I recall it was only $150 or so, still works flawlessly. Consider it a lifetime investment as most of the better ones can be rebuilt. For a general purpose floor jack I would not suggest an all aluminum low clearance type fine for race cars (at track) not so for most others.

 

100$ gets you a Craftsman 3-ton floor jack that lifts up to 19 1/4 inches(i believe that was the best i found for money), 2 jack stands and creeper. I've had and used a lot for almost 4 years now never a problem. Heavy though , but awesome...

 

I've been happy with my HF jack:
http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ump-61282.html

Its $100, but it goes on sale very often, and I don't think I paid more than $60 for mine.

 

I have a really old HF jack (non aluminum standard profile) that has been in service for like 8 years now (one of the orange Pittsburgh branded ones)

I prefer the ones with the most lift height for a Jeep, but I end up needing to use a block of wood if I need to jack on the framerails anyways so 4" difference in extension height isn't going to make or break anything (imo)

I DO suggest you get some beefy 6-ton jackstands though. I feel really safe with those compared to the smaller 3-ton jack stands, especially if I am hammering on stuff or laying under the truck with its wheels off.

 

I have two Banner fast lift service jacks 3.5t. Ive used them for all kinds of stuff.
No probs for over 5years. Goes down to 5.5" all the way to 21-22". Reaches lift point fast, holds forever where you put it, no loss of pressure.
The release of pressure when you turn the handle is smooth and you can drop rigs so slow its not funny.. (No sudden drops or too fast)

 

I own this one. You have to buy it with the coupon so you get it for $60. Have had it for a couple years. Will lift the whole rear of my Jeep and I think if the diff was centered under the Jeep in front might lift up the whole front in one shot too. But... One thing I did do was go buy a 2"x12" 8' plank at Home Depot. Had them cut 4 12" pieces and 2 24" pieces. I put the jack on a 24" piece whenever I use it and the 12" pieces are for my jack stands. Gives me a little more height and my driveway is kinda crappy so it makes for a more secure platform. Thing I like about it is that it is light. I don't have a real garage to just drag it out of. This I can lift and carry around. Does what I need it to do.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-Ton-...OTgzMyJ9%0D%0A

 

I own this one and it's been excellent. Make sure it's on sale and use the 20% coupon.

 

I have a 3 ton low profile Pittsburgh Harbor Freight jack that was...I don't remember if I got it on sale, but it's normally $100 which is still a bargain. When not in use, it makes a great parking aid in my garage because I can bump it with the front of the car, see the handle move, and the foam around the handle protects my car's bumper.

 

I also have a HF low profile jack. Have never had any issues with it. Either look for it to be on sale, or grab a 20% coupon from any magazine known to man.

 

And buy some good jack stands if you don't have them.

 

always a great idea to have at least 4 matching stands

 

I have a craftsman jack (don't remember rating) and a harbor freight jack with harbor freight jack stands. The craftsman jack leaks like crazy and is too heavy and small for much good. The harbor freight jack is light (aluminum version) and high reach.

 

I second the Napa jack. the craftsman ones I've owned and worked with don't seem to hold up. I have nothing against harbor freight stuff, i have plenty of HF tools and 4 HF 6 ton jackstands. in total there are 4 jacks and 12 stands hanging around, along with 3 sets of ramps.

my next home will definitely get a garage with a lift. I'm getting too old and lazy to be rolling around on the floor all the time.

 

I also have the HF jack, but as with any other hydraulic jack you should never use it to support weight. The jack lifts it, then you put jackstands under what it is you're lifting, and the jack comes back down.

You don't want that 5 cent hydraulic seal going bad while you're under the jeep with nothing other than that between you and a nice obituary.