Newbie offroader...Read this.

[BlueTJCO]

Originally Posted by BigBill

Thanks for the information. I spoke with the lead off-road instructor at Lynch Hummer and he too is not a huge proponent of the hi-lift jack and went so far as to say that it should be used as a last ditch effort.

I ended up leaving the jack at home as I didn't have a safe way of attaching it to my vehicle and it never was an issue of not having it. Several of the guys on my trip (which was awesome) had them anyway.

I agree that if you forget something, generally you will be in a situation someday when you really need the item you forgot! Hopefully at that point I will have a way to safely secure the jack to my vehicle.

Bill

I've seen a hi-lift jack save countless asses while out on the trail. Take it with you. You will need it someday.....

[fourfourto]

Does anyone know if those inflatable jack bags work,do they go up high enough when needed offroad.
It seams it would be easy wedging them in a tight spot.

[Desert Dan]

The Hi-Lift Jack is a great tool but it can be dangerous.

[H2Finally]

Make sure you lube/WD-40 the Hi-Lift jack before every use/trip. One time mine seized up on me in the "up" position. I called Hi-Lift for help and they told me to take a hammer to "tap" it.. which swung the handle up with enough force to break my jaw if my face was 2 inch closer.. which is the reason why it can be dangerous, and why you should ALWAYS stick a big rock (or at least the spare) under the truck BEFORE going under it -- if you're using the Hi-Lift to suspend the truck.

Still, I would never consider off-roading without it. At Rubicon, I blew a bead while my truck is downhill & sideways, wedged between big rocks, in pitch darkness, and freezing temperature, with both of my kids sleeping in the back seat. Without the Hi-Lift (and H2Rocks ), I don't think any other recovery device could get me out as quickly, safely and without any damage to my rig.

[fourfourto]

I found this video on the air lift.
http://www.air-jack.com/disco3_demovid.html

[SR1355]

Originally Posted by stagger_lee

Do you use the highlift straps with the hooks or just jack to hook? Good idea. Did it feel pretty safe?

It felt pretty solid for the most part. I just use hooks and jack, no strap. I wish H3 had all four tow hooks instead of three. I've also used rocky road rails but they sure flex and I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach...

Cris B winch mount also works for getting both front tires of the ground, need to match sure you have it balanced correctly. With all of these lifts I would never get under truck without some form of blocking, whether jack stands, rocks, or logs....

BeBs has H20 bumpers on her rig which I'm sure she can use to jack truck up from.

[stagger_lee]

SR1355 Yeah I figured bebes bumpers would work, they look bulletproof. Im not surprised about the rocky road rails. I wonder if the GM rails are any better? With 4 points of contact to the frame I imagine they would be a bit stronger.

H2Finally Same thing happened to me a while back. I used to have a 85 4runner had both rear wheels up in the air jacking from the center of the bumper, would not come down. Tapped with a hammer and almost took my head off. I lost respect, or gained respect rather for the high lift at that point. I read your story about the Rubicon. Pretty impressive. Big suck sluice huh?

fourfourto SOLD!! Excellent video representation. Thanks!

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by stagger_lee

SR1355 Yeah I figured bebes bumpers would work, they look bulletproof.

They're solid enough to support the vehicle, but you'll still need the hook/strap attachment for the hi-lift. There aren't any flat areas on those bumpers except the area around the rear hitch.