| bcblues | 02-05-2006 04:35 PM |
Best Aluminum Jack for STi
�
�
I am ready to purchase an aluminum jack to replace by old, rotten floor jack. I would like to get one that has the reach to get under the jacking points to lift the entire back or front at once, for quick tire changes at autocross events. I have tried several different models, of which I don't recall the brand, and many reach under the car far enough, but once im place, you can't jack the handle to raise the car!
Any suggestions for aluminum jacks that are decently priced and will serve my needs?
FWIW, my car is riding on Espelir GT springs, so it rides a bit lower than stock.
Any suggestions for aluminum jacks that are decently priced and will serve my needs?
FWIW, my car is riding on Espelir GT springs, so it rides a bit lower than stock.
| Zornorph | 02-05-2006 07:02 PM |
I just got the all-aluminum jack from jegs, $129 + $10 shipping. Four pumps to max height, construction seems very nice - only 35 pounds or so.
[IMG]http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/55580033.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/55580033.jpg[/IMG]
| Ed_T | 02-05-2006 08:39 PM |
A walmart had three alum jacks 1.5 tons, about 65.00 each, I bot two. All other wally's did not carry them I checked locally three others. 16 lbs ea I believe.
Ea. Mass.
Ea. Mass.
| GEARHEAD23 | 02-05-2006 09:32 PM |
[url]http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039[/url]
| bcblues | 02-05-2006 10:30 PM |
gearhead: I was looking at the Harbor Freight jack. The price is definitely right! But I wonder if it can actually fit to lift half the car at a time? Do you have one? Can it?
| bcblues | 02-05-2006 10:32 PM |
Zornorf: That looks like the Harbor Frieght one. I wonder exactly what the difference is....
| Storm | 02-05-2006 10:38 PM |
We have no trouble lifting our RS with the Harborfreight jack. They have a longer reach model for a bit more...but the workings are the same. Our cohorts use one on their Z06.
I wouldn't want to test the limits on uneven terrain without jackstands though.
Jay Storm
I wouldn't want to test the limits on uneven terrain without jackstands though.
Jay Storm
| Zornorph | 02-05-2006 10:40 PM |
Lift on the jegs is 17 3/4" and it has two pump cylinders for more speed. (works good, that's what I know)
| Audiomotive | 02-05-2006 10:40 PM |
I've seen the Harbor Freight one break while holding a car up. I'm using a Craftsman aluminum jack [url]http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950239000[/url]. It's a bit pricey bu going strong for 2+ years of medium duty use.
Dre
Dre
| TheShadowWRX | 02-05-2006 10:41 PM |
Do you think the Harbor Freight one would fit under a lowered WRX with eibach springs and Do-Luck sideskirts? Or as bcblues wants to now, can it jack up the whole front of the car?
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
| afpdl | 02-05-2006 10:49 PM |
If you go in from the side of the car the rideheight of the car isnt as big of an issue and you can still get too wheels up in the air at once.
| ralliharri | 02-05-2006 11:27 PM |
I have the one in the pic in post #2 but the Pep Boys brand, Big red I think, but looks exactly like the one in pic except the second handle is rubber covered to protect the paint. It's on sale right now for $80, it raises both wheels on a lowered car with not too many pumps. Only problem I've had is the little rubber pad on the lifting point came loose.
| Imprezivblue | 02-05-2006 11:35 PM |
I've got the harbor freight one. Bought the 2 year warranty. Seal blew out once but it's really not that big of a deal. Brought it back, had it replaced no questions asked.
| PossumK | 02-05-2006 11:48 PM |
The Harbor Freight jack by US General and the Pep Boys jack on sale for $80, a Torin T815005L (don't go by the Torin website, the info and pictures are messed up for many products), are almost the same. They definitely looked like they came from the same factory with slight variations, and both operated similarly, raising the jack the same amount with equal pumps. The Torin is 2 pounds heavier than the US General jack - 23.5 pounds without the handle vs. 21.5 pounds without the handle. I had both of these last week and returned the US General model yesterday.
The US General jack is designed with the screw that holds the jacking handle on top of the handle holder. This prevented the jack from fitting under the front skidplate of my WRX at a front ride height of about 13 7/8" from the wheel center to the fender. The only way to get the jack under was to drive onto some wood blocks first.
The Torin, on the other hand, has the jack handle-holding screw on the bottom side of the jack, so the jack will fit under the skidplate to reach the jacking plate. There was just enough room to move the handle, albeit many times, to raise the jack when my car was at a front ride height of 14" from the wheel center to the fender. I'm still going to use wood blocks with this jack because I already made them. :p
Another point to consider is that the US General jack comes with a 30 day guarantee, and the Torin jack comes with a 1 year warranty.
The US General jack is designed with the screw that holds the jacking handle on top of the handle holder. This prevented the jack from fitting under the front skidplate of my WRX at a front ride height of about 13 7/8" from the wheel center to the fender. The only way to get the jack under was to drive onto some wood blocks first.
The Torin, on the other hand, has the jack handle-holding screw on the bottom side of the jack, so the jack will fit under the skidplate to reach the jacking plate. There was just enough room to move the handle, albeit many times, to raise the jack when my car was at a front ride height of 14" from the wheel center to the fender. I'm still going to use wood blocks with this jack because I already made them. :p
Another point to consider is that the US General jack comes with a 30 day guarantee, and the Torin jack comes with a 1 year warranty.
| silver arrow | 02-06-2006 11:44 AM |
good info
| bcblues | 02-06-2006 01:24 PM |
Has anybody had any experience with [URL=http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-Nascar-Style-Billet-Aluminum-RACE-JACK-23-lb_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQitemZ4609204445QQrdZ1]THIS JACK[/URL] ? It looks to be a quality piece and at a fair price....
| PossumK | 02-06-2006 03:38 PM |
Looks just like the US General and Torin jack, though closer to the US General jack from the appearance: the same jacking plate, jack handle-holder, fasteners/rubber parts, similar weight, etc. Again, you can see a few slight differences like the "open centers / milled side lightening holes," but it also looks like it came from the same factory. I don't know if the other special features listed in large font, such as the hydraulics parts and seals, are any different from the other jacks.
| zoomfactor | 02-06-2006 04:42 PM |
Just an FYI for you guys...look for one that has a stop at the base of the handle to prevent it from falling forward. My A-piller has a nice crease from the jack handle.
| Patrick Olsen | 02-06-2006 06:33 PM |
[QUOTE=afpdl]If you go in from the side of the car the rideheight of the car isnt as big of an issue and you can still get too wheels up in the air at once.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. It's nice to be able to jack up the front or rear of the car, but if you're just getting this to allow for quick tire swaps, then jack from the side and don't worry about ride height limitations.
Exactly. It's nice to be able to jack up the front or rear of the car, but if you're just getting this to allow for quick tire swaps, then jack from the side and don't worry about ride height limitations.
| bcblues | 02-06-2006 06:35 PM |
What do you use for a jacking point from the side of the car?
| CGM_WRX | 02-06-2006 07:33 PM |
One more vote for the Crafstman jack. I had used my buddies several times and decided to buy one. Regular price was $199.00, it was on sale at the store for $179.00, it rang up $119.00. I didn't complain and the salesman said it was the right price. :banana:
| Butt Dyno | 02-06-2006 08:12 PM |
[QUOTE=Audiomotive]I'm using a Craftsman aluminum jack [url]http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950239000[/url]. It's a bit pricey bu going strong for 2+ years of medium duty use.
Dre[/QUOTE]
Same jack here.. you can lift both sides up just fine, and the rear just fine, but I still haven't found a jack that can get to the front jack plate while the car's on the ground. I just drive the car onto ramps, then slide the jack underneath, then lift the car up, remove the ramps and put the jack stands on. Inelegant, but it works.
john
Dre[/QUOTE]
Same jack here.. you can lift both sides up just fine, and the rear just fine, but I still haven't found a jack that can get to the front jack plate while the car's on the ground. I just drive the car onto ramps, then slide the jack underneath, then lift the car up, remove the ramps and put the jack stands on. Inelegant, but it works.
john
| BIGSKYWRX | 02-06-2006 10:15 PM |
+3 (is it?) for the Craftsman- seems really well built (not super light though). Got 1.5 years on mine thus far and lots and lots of use.
I like to use this for lifting from the side to swap tires- lifts both ends w/ ease
[IMG]http://www.protechproducts.net/side-lift-jack-pad.jpg[/IMG]
I like to use this for lifting from the side to swap tires- lifts both ends w/ ease
[IMG]http://www.protechproducts.net/side-lift-jack-pad.jpg[/IMG]
| afpdl | 02-06-2006 11:24 PM |
[QUOTE=bcblues]What do you use for a jacking point from the side of the car?[/QUOTE]
You can use the little thing pictured above, make your own adpater or just go further inboard to the part of the chassis attached to the subframe(which is what I have been doing for the last 2 years with no issues).
You can use the little thing pictured above, make your own adpater or just go further inboard to the part of the chassis attached to the subframe(which is what I have been doing for the last 2 years with no issues).
| Patrick Olsen | 02-07-2006 07:22 AM |
[QUOTE=BIGSKYWRX]I like to use this for lifting from the side to swap tires- lifts both ends w/ ease
[IMG]http://www.protechproducts.net/side-lift-jack-pad.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Where's you get that? I've been looking for one of those. Of course, I've been jacking my car up by the rocker sill for 5 years now, so it's all smashed flat and that little adaptor won't help me at this point... :rolleyes:
Pat
[IMG]http://www.protechproducts.net/side-lift-jack-pad.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Where's you get that? I've been looking for one of those. Of course, I've been jacking my car up by the rocker sill for 5 years now, so it's all smashed flat and that little adaptor won't help me at this point... :rolleyes:
Pat
| crystalhelix | 02-07-2006 08:57 AM |
[QUOTE=Zornorph]I just got the all-aluminum jack from jegs, $129 + $10 shipping. Four pumps to max height, construction seems very nice - only 35 pounds or so.
[IMG]http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/55580033.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
This looks exactly like the jack I got from pep-boys. I lucked out and they had it labelled wrong, got it for $70. Wish that could happen again. It sqeaks a little bit and I think if you left the car on it for a few days the car would be on the ground when you came back because the seals are starting to go, otherwise it works well. :lol:
[IMG]http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/55580033.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
This looks exactly like the jack I got from pep-boys. I lucked out and they had it labelled wrong, got it for $70. Wish that could happen again. It sqeaks a little bit and I think if you left the car on it for a few days the car would be on the ground when you came back because the seals are starting to go, otherwise it works well. :lol:
| BIGSKYWRX | 02-07-2006 09:50 AM |
[QUOTE=Patrick Olsen]Where's you get that? I've been looking for one of those. Of course, I've been jacking my car up by the rocker sill for 5 years now, so it's all smashed flat and that little adaptor won't help me at this point... :rolleyes:
Pat[/QUOTE]
Maybe when you get a new car :lol: Protech is where I got mine
Pat[/QUOTE]
Maybe when you get a new car :lol: Protech is where I got mine
| InfamousDX | 02-07-2006 01:00 PM |
I dont' like the harbor freight one... it buckled once at max height... luckily I wasn't under the car and it only buckled an inch or so. After that I bought a craftsman and have had peace of mind.
| bcblues | 02-07-2006 01:14 PM |
Infamous... could you elaborate a bit??
| bcblues | 02-07-2006 01:17 PM |
BigSky... Up here in the frozen tundra of America's Outback (right next door to you in North Dakota ;) ) Hockey is pretty popular. Hockey pucks with a groove cut in works pretty well. Although I have seen more 2x4 stock with a groove used to that same effect. Not a nice, shiney yellow piece, though. Now if it only were pink, and had an STi logo......
| Patrick Olsen | 02-07-2006 05:11 PM |
Oooh, I like the hockey puck idea. I'll have to remember that when I buy a new car. :)
Pat
Pat
| CTKAG | 02-08-2006 10:32 AM |
I've had the Craftsman jack for several years now - works great. It's not as light as a true race jack like a Brunhoezel - but then it costs 1/4 of that! I have to drive the car up on a pair of 2x4's in order to jack up from the center crossmember. No issues at all lifting from the sides - which is the way I usually do it. As with any of the jacks, you really need some sort of plate to put down if trying to lift on soft ground.
-Keith-
-Keith-
| Foxy | 02-08-2006 12:45 PM |
[QUOTE=bcblues] Not a nice, shiney yellow piece, though. Now if it only were pink, and had an STi logo......[/QUOTE]
But then it'd cost twice as much! :)
But then it'd cost twice as much! :)
| bcblues | 02-09-2006 07:50 PM |
But would add 20 hp and "street cred". ;)
| 2xtreme | 02-10-2006 02:16 PM |
BIGSKYWRX,
Where did you find that yellow adapter? Did you make that or is that something you can buy? Almost looks like an off the shelf item you'd find at sears. What jack does it work with?
Where did you find that yellow adapter? Did you make that or is that something you can buy? Almost looks like an off the shelf item you'd find at sears. What jack does it work with?
| PossumK | 02-10-2006 03:05 PM |
[QUOTE=2xtreme]BIGSKYWRX,
Where did you find that yellow adapter? Did you make that or is that something you can buy? Almost looks like an off the shelf item you'd find at sears. What jack does it work with?[/QUOTE]
Post #27: Protech
[url]http://www.protechproducts.net/[/url]
They're kind of expensive though. I like the DIY approach using a hockey puck or other rubbery object.
Where did you find that yellow adapter? Did you make that or is that something you can buy? Almost looks like an off the shelf item you'd find at sears. What jack does it work with?[/QUOTE]
Post #27: Protech
[url]http://www.protechproducts.net/[/url]
They're kind of expensive though. I like the DIY approach using a hockey puck or other rubbery object.
| BIGSKYWRX | 02-11-2006 10:39 AM |
yup ^ work w/ any floor jack (as would a hockey puck ;) )
| DetroitWRX | 02-12-2006 10:31 AM |
When using a Harbor Freight alum. jack the hat on the jack broke. It's also made from alum and that is not good. It snapped very loud when it was right next to my head and the piece hit me in the head. I though the car was going to fall on me. It was the typical in a hurray at the track and can't find my stands. After that I never used it again. It also had slow leak let down problems over the two years I used it. I'm back to lugging my Craftsman steel jack around and feel much safer. I don't even use the alum jack stands anymore. Getting then crap scared out of you makes lugging a extra 50lbs around seam very well worth it.
| jpbpro | 02-12-2006 10:48 AM |
[IMG]http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/mmyer/roush.jpg[/IMG]
I use this one. I don't know that its aluminum, but it works.
I use this one. I don't know that its aluminum, but it works.
| Honest Bob | 02-12-2006 11:34 AM |
I've got the harbor frieght one. You guys are making me scared to use it though. :(
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét