What do you all use for a tall shop jack?

[dbreid]

Like the rest of you, there are times when I need/want to raise the frame of my truck without raising the axles. This is sort of a hassle with a lifted truck, as my floor jack doesn't reach the frame...

I have done all of the normal things (cinder blocks with wood on top and the jack on that platform... Hi Lift on the front end) but I am thinking there must be an easier solution. Does anyone know of a floor jack that would have the height and the throw to get under the frame, and take all the droop out of the suspension in one shot? I hate "setting up staging" in my driveway just to unload the suspension.

Yes, I know I should get a two post lift, but that isn't practical in the garage right now.

-Dan

 

[gmc4cw]

its just to easy to use one of my 2 60 inch hi-lifts to worry about coming up with something else. if I'm lifting by the axles I use a standard craftsman floor jack, but my hi-lifts get the majority of their use in my driveway.

 

[dbreid]

Yeah, I could do that (and that is what I normally do). I just worry about it tipping, and I would prefer to jack from under the truck instead of in front of it.

 

[gmc4cw]

I just worry about it tipping.

thats why I have 2 hi-lifts. I only lift with them. I get it up and put jackstands where I need them and then completely remove the hi-lift.

 

[MattK]

What about jacking up by the axle and throwin jackstands under the frame?

 

[big83chevy4x4]

i have something very similar to this.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42820
i don't need to use any blocks, plus i can jack up the oposite side of the truck easily.

 

[dbreid]

That is more like what I was thinking of. However, I worry that the "Lift range: 5-3/4'' - 31-5/8''" is not enough to lift the truck by the frame enough to unload the springs? I'll have to go measure exactly the height.

 

[HarryH3]

I do exactly as MattK suggested. Lift the truck with a jack under an axle, place jackstands under the frame rails and then lower the jack. If you need the suspension at full droop then it helps if you remove the tires/wheels before you lower the jack.

 

[mostwanted]

you will be pretty hard pressed to find anything better than a post lift. However, I have seen some sort of a air powered jack that lifts pretty high (4-5'). Not sure who made it and if it is still made today tho.

 

[cybrfire]

I cheat a little bit,

Lift range from 1"-192"

 

[muddermilitia]

can I get one of those at my local harbor freight

 

[Mud Rat 12]

pipe stands work great, 3000lbs each and 31"-48" height

 

[mostwanted]

I cheat a little bit,

Lift range from 1"-192"

what are you using for tires on that lift? Looks like swampers!

 

[K5dreamer]

man, its a good thing you dont have good articulation on that truck.......

 

[swedester]

i have something very similar to this.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42820
i don't need to use any blocks, plus i can jack up the oposite side of the truck easily.

I´ve got one just like that too,good thing is,if you remove the lift pad,there´s a flat surface with a big hole,so you can make a special lift plate/tower just for your truck.and the opposite i just remove the lift pad when lifting lowered sport cars.buying one of those is one of my best buys ever.wish I´d done that years ago.

 

[CDA 455]

pipe stands work great, 3000lbs each and 31"-48" height

Very nice!

I need two sets.

 

[howdiy]

I just use a 2 post car lift

 

[muddermilitia]

Here you can see the jack stands I use. I picked these up at a local swap meet for like $20. They really come in handy!

 

[ThaMule]

mud rat....where did you get those pipe stands from?

 

[dbreid]

mud rat....where did you get those pipe stands from?

Me too! I need some of those!