Floor Jack Recommendations

[Blender]

Thinking about the idea of getting an aluminum Harbor Freight floor jack for the 4Runner instead of using a Hi-Lift. There are a few different models to choose from. I am wondering which one would be the best option considering cost, weight, capacity, and lift height.

1.5 Ton - 33 lbs. 3.5"-13.875" Lift Height. $79.99 - https://www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-64545.html

2 Ton - 37.5 lbs. 3.5"- 15.875" Lift Height. $139.99 - https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-64542.html

2.5 Ton - 54 lbs. 3.33"-18.625" Lift Height. $154.99 - https://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapidpump-64543.html

3 Ton - 63.3 lbs. 3.75"-19.125" Lift Height. $179.99 - https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-64544.html


Whatcha guys think? I don't need the 3 ton. It's too big for a trail jack. Is the 1.5 ton too small for what we do? Sounds like it is since the max lift height is only 13.875". The two ton seems like it is small and light enough to get a tire changed, or a CV swapped.

2.5T looks like the best all around value for capacity and lift height. Weight of it is pretty high though. some of us are non-fabricators, so off-the-shelf skid/mounting plate availability are a concern. Do all the Jacks fit where you want to store it?

I'd look over the 2.5T to see if it looks better built than the 2T. That would justify the extra weight. I'd suspect all of those jacks will need a riser for front end work anyway. Mine is only a 2T.

 

[AssBurns]

If you need more lift, make an extension to go into the hole where the lift pad fits.

My Costco special Black Jack has a 6" extension I can out on it to get extra lift.

You can see it here near the handle, where it is stored. The thing is adjustable and really damn handy.View attachment 12145

Yeah either way I'll have to buy or made some sort of extension.

Is that one steel or aluminum? Looks like steel from the pic.

2.5T looks like the best all around value for capacity and lift height. Weight of it is pretty high though. some of us are non-fabricators, so off-the-shelf skid/mounting plate availability are a concern. Do all the Jacks fit where you want to store it?

I'd look over the 2.5T to see if it looks better built than the 2T. That would justify the extra weight. I'd suspect all of those jacks will need a riser for front end work anyway. Mine is only a 2T.

The 1.5 & 2 ton are similar lengths, and the 2.5 & 3 ton are similar length and widths. I'd like to keep it small as possible since room is always a problem in a 4runner with two kids and a wife. I can make any of them work, but smaller is always better.

Luckily I have a HF a couple blocks away from my house, so I'll have to run over there and see how they look and feel before I commit to one. I borrowed a buddy's at the desert about a year ago. Don't remember the model, but I remember it worked great for a truck vehicle. It held the front corner of my 4runner for over 4 hours without moving, so I was pretty impressed.

 

[Slim-Whitey]

Mine is steel. It weighs a bunch, I don't care.

 

[Mikeson]

@assburn - whats the verdict on your end regarding the floor jack. any thoughts after going to HF

I just pulled the trigger on some 6T Steel Jack stands from HF and looking to get a tall enough floor jack to go with.
(The 4x4 block addition to my crafstmen floor jack is starting to feel more and more sketchy everytime I use it)

 

[Slim-Whitey]

I'm going to need more stands for my shop, but I'm too fuckin cheap to pay for them.
I'm going to make some cribbing tonight.

 

[AssBurns]

@assburn - whats the verdict on your end regarding the floor jack. any thoughts after going to HF

I just pulled the trigger on some 6T Steel Jack stands from HF and looking to get a tall enough floor jack to go with.
(The 4x4 block addition to my crafstmen floor jack is starting to feel more and more sketchy everytime I use it)

I got the 3 ton long reach HF daytona jack and I think it's great, especially for the cost. It gets over 24" lift height and with the long reach it helps keep the jack handle from being way under the vehicle. I recommend it for sure.

Speaking of jack stands, I need to buy another set to make some extra tall jack stands. The 6 ton stands are pretty good, but I want to be another 12-18" taller when I want the suspension to be fully drooped without having to pull the tires every time. Last night I swapped coils to my stiffer rear coils and I used a 12" 4x4 block to lift the vehicle by the frame high enough to fully droop out the rear suspension. It was a little sketch since the truck was quite a ways away from touching the jack stands.

 

[Mikeson]

I got the 3 ton long reach HF daytona jack and I think it's great, especially for the cost. It gets over 24" lift height and with the long reach it helps keep the jack handle from being way under the vehicle. I recommend it for sure.

Speaking of jack stands, I need to buy another set to make some extra tall jack stands. The 6 ton stands are pretty good, but I want to be another 12-18" taller when I want the suspension to be fully drooped without having to pull the tires every time. Last night I swapped coils to my stiffer rear coils and I used a 12" 4x4 block to lift the vehicle by the frame high enough to fully droop out the rear suspension. It was a little sketch since the truck was quite a ways away from touching the jack stands.

ok cool - thats the one im thinking of getting as well.. im gonna use their 20% off single item coupon for it.

Do u plan on wheeling with it or will it stay home? i saw it weight like 102lbs

 

[AssBurns]

ok cool - thats the one im thinking of getting as well.. im gonna use their 20% off single item coupon for it.

Do u plan on wheeling with it or will it stay home? i saw it weight like 102lbs

That one is one big heavy SOB. That one will be staying in the garage. I'll probably be getting the 1.5 or 2 ton aluminum jack for the truck at some point.

 

[horunner]

That one is one big heavy SOB. That one will be staying in the garage. I'll probably be getting the 1.5 or 2 ton aluminum jack for the truck at some point.

I had a 1.5 on a skid for dirt fold and nearly kill me. Stick with the 2t

 

[AssBurns]

I had a 1.5 on a skid for dirt fold and nearly kill me. Stick with the 2t

How did it fold? Got any pics? That's super scary. Was it under your truck?

 

[horunner]

How did it fold? Got any pics? That's super scary. Was it under your truck?

No pics, it folded toward the side the wheel was off of and dropped the truck on the lbj as well as pushing in the oil pan a bit. Could have been a lot worse