Recovery Gear - basic and advanced

italynstylion

Well-Known Member
Anyone have a suggestion for a good high-lift jack? It's about time I got one but I'm picky about things that hold up thousands of pounds and ensure I don't die when working on a vehicle. Yes I have jack stands at home but this would mainly be for trail use. However, it would be nice to use at home to get the Taco up on the stands.
 

Oswego

n00b
Anyone have a suggestion for a good high-lift jack? It's about time I got one but I'm picky about things that hold up thousands of pounds and ensure I don't die when working on a vehicle. Yes I have jack stands at home but this would mainly be for trail use. However, it would be nice to use at home to get the Taco up on the stands.
HI Lift brand

^^^this, with a 60" bar. 48" bars are worthless when the going get's tough IMO. Also regardless of what brand you buy they do not call them widow makers for nothing. if not used correctly they are dangerous. Ive dropped more than a few trucks being unsafe/doing stupied crap.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
I would rather use a short strap to take up all the slack in the axle travel and use less hi lift travel. The higher it gets the higher the risk.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
x2 on the 60" version. Also watch Bill Burkes youtube videos on how to prep your HiLift before you use it.
 

italynstylion

Well-Known Member
x2 on the 60" version. Also watch Bill Burkes youtube videos on how to prep your HiLift before you use it.
Thanks for the suggestion on this. And thanks Aaron for the brand suggestion. I'd already watched a video on Hi-Lift safety so I get the basics. I can definitely see how it would be dangerous. I always am VERY careful when jacking up the truck or car. Far more careful than makes sense but I don't accept compromises when my life is on the line.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
then you used one that wasn't properly maintained. Watch Bill Burkes videos.
 

TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER
2x on the Bill Burke videos or take a class with that hippy!

I am thinking Hi-Lifts have probably caused more damage than all ARs together.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
Yeah I learned a few things watching those videos. amazing what 3 minutes with a Dremel tool will do that helps a HiLift operate properly.. and after its been sitting in the bed of your rig for a year and you go to use it.. hell piss on it.. lube the damn thing a bit. I've had a HiLift get me once.. got lucky.. it hit me in the side of the head. :) Knocked my sunglasses about 40 feet! It was my own fault, hot as Hell outside, sweating my ass off.. lowering a rig and the handle slipped out of my hand. Should have had gloves on.
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
If you take care of them there is a less cause of them killing/maiming you.. but they are still scary.
 

balakay

BabyMax
My Hi Lift stay stored inside. When not in use. But I've never actually used it to lift a truck yet. Only thing it's ever been used for is pulling t-posts.
 

TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER
Great for breaking beads or using as a come-along too! Try using a bottle jack as a come-along! lol
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
For all you that own one (stored indoor or outdoor), seriously, watch the videos and do the simple tricks to make it work better. And yes, it works great at breaking beads, I showed a fellow member here that trick a while ago.
 

TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER
If any of you think about taking a course by him, it is fun in my book. I took a 3-4 or 5 day course years ago with him. Fun entertainment, good wheeling and met some good folks. :)
 
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