By L_Tilly on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:17 am: Edit

Hi, all.

I'm going to pick up a floor jack this weekend to do some work on my Disco. My rig's still stock now, but I will be putting in OME HDs all around within a month, and may eventually go up (a little) on the tire size, so I need to make sure it has enough height to handle the extra inches.

Does anyone know what kind of numbers I should be looking for? Most of the ones I'm finding w/ quick online searches talk about 20 - 21 inch lift. If that's measured from the ground then is that really enough for a raised (2") Disco? Of course, if it's measured from the resting height of the arm, that's a bit better (adds about 6"). Are there any recomendations out there in Discowebland (silly question)?

As always, thanx for helping me spend my $$!!!

L_Tilly [email protected]
96 Disco "Beowulf" - NH, USA

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:30 am: Edit

As long as you get any good - heavy duty version, you should be OK. Don't go for the cheap Pep Boys special or alternately spend the money on a Snap-On. Sears is a good place to look as they normally have a good range in price/construction. and you'll immediately be able to see the difference.
As far as lift goes - all are around the same (within a few inches) and all do the job. Pick up a set of axle stands while you're at it also. You shouldn't need it because you'll just be lifting the trucks frame and then letting the axle drop to change springs, etc. Also, you can always use 4x4 blocks on the jack itself should you ever need more lift height.

Have fun - buying tools is almost as much fun as buying Disco goodies!

By Jose A Cabrera (Jcabrera) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:32 am: Edit

I would personally get a High Lift or Jack-All. Specially if you intend to upgrade your suspension and eventually take your rig off-road. Good Luck! And the are not that expensive. You should be about to buy them for under $70

By Ron on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:38 am: Edit

I actually like the el cheapo wal-mart ones I have. Have served me well and was under $20 a pop. I don't think you could lift the frame enough with a floor jack unless it was huge so I would get a hilift. I have two hi lifts, two el cheapo floor jacks, and a couple of bottle jacks. Never needed anything else, although a pit of full lift would be nice

Ditto on the jack stands. Don't skimp there though. and get the tallest ones you can find.

Ron

By RVR OVR (Tom) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:40 am: Edit

If you are part of a Sams club I got a real nice 4-ton there for 59.99. Works like a champ and has an SUV extension so you don't have to pump it as much.

By L_Tilly on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:52 am: Edit

I already have a HiLift, but no jack points on a stock Disco. The plastic "sliders" bend, the stock bumper is no better, and I'm pretty sure if I try to lift by the wheel well rim I'm going to be in for a major dent. I got the HiLift for winching purposes at this point. Naturally, if anyone knows a safe way to use a HiLift on a stock rig, PLEASE speak up!! It'll save me $50+ that can be better spent elsewhere at this stage of the game.

PS: I already have solid jack stands.

L_Tilly [email protected]
96 Disco "Beowulf" - NH, USA

By Wes Legaspi (Wes) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:56 am: Edit

what is the recommended HiLift model to get? sizewise?

By Jose A Cabrera (Jcabrera) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 09:59 am: Edit

I see.... I really don't know how to use a highlight on a stock bumper. You can try a chain with a hook? but don't quote me on this.

By MTB on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:01 am: Edit

I'm with Ron on that one pick up 21" floor jack & 6ton jackstands cheep and works great.

Michael B

By Ron on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:02 am: Edit

You can use the hilift in the rear 2in reciever.

Ron

Get the 60in red.

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:15 am: Edit

Don't try the chain thing with a HiLift on a stock bumper - it will still bend!

Also - be careful when using a HiLift on the receiver - it gets VERY VERY tippy!

Ron - when I said lift by the frame with a floor jack, I meant ahead of the rear wheels with a block. (again - only if needed)

By Ron on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:33 am: Edit

Tippy,

Ah no biggy. I see bill. Lift it with the hilift and then stick the jack stands in there.

Ron

"Captain safety"

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:59 am: Edit

Good luck on that, man. You couldn't pay me to get under a vehicle that's supported only by a highlift, ESPECIALLY if its in that receiver. Even to scoot under there to put jackstands under the frame. NO WAY. Dangerous!

If you want to put jackstands under the frame, use a floor jack under the pumpkin, and then slide the jackstands in there.

A high-lift is a very powerful tool, but it can kill you in short order if you aren't careful.

Alex

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 11:01 am: Edit

I bought the Sears Craftsman SUV floor jack. I believe that it is a 3-1/2 ton with 21 inch high lift. It has a small cup which can be good and bad. I also bought 2 3-1/2 ton jack stands and it was all under $100.00.. I wouldn't use the Hi-lift unless you have sliders and better bumpers. You can put the Hi-lift in the hitch but, I wouldn't crawl under the truck with it like that. I have a Hi-lift as well but, I use that as more of a hand winch in case of trouble. Once I get sliders then I can also use it as a jack if needed to help get unstuck.

By Mike B. on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 04:38 pm: Edit

I have the same Sears Craftsman SUV floor jack. That cup sucks and it won't hold pressure for more than a couple of hours, so jack stands are a must. Other than that, it is a pretty good floor jack. Very convenient!

Eric: Anything that we can do about that cup? I usually mount a block of wood on top, but it's not much better.

I use my high lift jack, but not on the front and not when I'm working under it. The curved bumper adapter will not work on the front either. The stock bumper is way to weak.

Thanks,
Mike Bauer

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 05:52 pm: Edit

I'm not sure if there is anything that can be done about that. Didn't really look to see if it is something that can be taken off and swapped for a different one. I haven't noticed mine not holding pressure though. Then again I've only used it for about a half an hour at a time. The small cup doesn't really bother me too much since I only use it on the axles it is easier to fit in between things.


small cup doesn't really bother me too much... hmmm, that just doesn't sound like some thing a guy should say

By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 06:27 pm: Edit

For some purposes (not you immediate one) you can drive up four car ramps with much ease. Then you can change oil / diff oil, etc in relative comfort and safety. Mind you don't go off the edge!

By Mike B. on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 07:29 pm: Edit

You can change the oil using only two ramps (under the front wheels). It drains better too!

Thanks,
Mike B.

By Bill Leek on Saturday, August 25, 2001 - 02:30 am: Edit

Regarding jack stands, is there a recommended rating one should look for? I see some with 3-ton rating, some with 6-ton rating. What is necessary if I want to use 4 stands to work under my Discovery, for instance when I rotate tires or change shocks? Would four 3-ton stands be safe or should I get four 6-ton stands?

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Saturday, August 25, 2001 - 04:13 am: Edit

You just want to make sure that you get at least 3&1/2 ton stands or better. 3&1/2 tons = 7000lbs where as 6 tons = 12000lbs. Disco is only about 5000lbs. Also want to look for how high the stands will extend. I would get the best ones you can find for the stands. I have the 3&1/2 tons stands but I also plan on getting two 6 ton or higher ones as well. Then if I have to use all four I would put the 6 tons under the front and the 3&1/2 tons under the rear.

By L_Tilly on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 05:40 am: Edit

I already had jack-stands so I swung by Sears Friday evening and picked up one of their 3.5 ton SUV floor jacks, only 49.99 (I LOVE living in a no-sales-tax state!). Works great.

As an FYI to the mendtion about doing oil-changes, I have never had to ramp or jack my Disco to be able to work under it. Still stock suspension on it, and I easily do oil, trans, transfer, diff, and swivel fluid changes. I'll admit it may be a little snug at a couple points, but not enough to justify the work of raising the rig.

Our appartment has a gravel parking area and since my rig is almost always parked in the same place (neighbors are VERY territorial) I'm considering digging a shallow trench to give me a little more breathing room without ramping. Ha! Let's see you "spoiled rich garage owners" do that!

L_Tilly [email protected]
96 Disco "Beowulf" - NH, USA

By Perrone Ford on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 06:35 am: Edit

"Ha! Let's see you "spoiled rich garage owners" do that! "


Why? We all have 3 TON hydraulic lifts in the garage... right?

Seriously, working under my truck is SO much easier now that I am on larger tires and have a lift. When I have to do pre-buy inspections for friends and club members, especially on the air-suspension rangies, I just have them pull up on my 4 ramps. Its a PAIN trying to slide under the cats and cross members on those low trucks.

Digging out a hole seems a good idea. Dig it out enough and it can double as a suspension testing area!

By L_Tilly on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 06:48 am: Edit

"Digging out a hole seems a good idea. Dig it out enough and it can double as a suspension testing area! "

OH MAN!!! My landlord would just LOVE that!!! While I'm at it, maybe I should build some hills to test my approach and departure angles. That would go over real well.

L_Tilly [email protected]
96 Disco "Beowulf" - NH, USA

By James S. (Shack) on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 11:02 am: Edit

If you haven't bought it yet....

I almost purchased a 6 ton floor jack at Sear ($119), when a guy told me to check out Sam's club. They had a 7 ton, professional floor jack for $60, I didn't have a membership, but I bought one with the savings. Then I bought some 6 ton jack stands at pepboys.

Works great too!

James

By Ron on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 11:06 am: Edit

I will not buy a LR that does not pass the "gut test". Basically if I cannot squeeze under it I won't drive it.

Ron