Hey I just got a Hi-lift from my girlfriend for my birthday. I got the all cast one.

So I was messing with it and everything makes sense....except when I got to switch it to the lowering mode. It sure is tough to move that lever down. It seems to work best if I whack it with a rubber mallet. Is it always this hard to move that lever?

Also it seems freaky that the arm drops all the way down when you release that lever. I know it isn't supposed to when there is a load on it, but still kinda wierd.

Thanks -Seth

 

When it has a load on it will lower just fine. Yes, it is spooky when it drops after the load is gone. It works fine when the load is there.

 

I've had the opportunity to make good use of my Hi-Lift and, when I first bought it I too was a bit freaked out and questioned how well it would work.

The jack is designed to drop to the ground when there is no load to expedite storing the unit.

As far as the direction pin being difficult to move, I have the same problem and I just kick it up or down to make the change. I haven't seen a Hi-Lift where this didn't require a good deal of force to make happen.

 

allen, is there a thread about your truck....the pic looks very interesting!

 

Ok cool. Up is no problem I can do that with my hand, but down requires a good kick or whack.

The instructions should mention that. Thanks

 

I use my boot SON!!

Any progress on a rear bumper?

 

Yeah just kick the thing to go down, I had the same issue (just got mine recently).

Also always keep your hands on the handle when you have a load on it. There is quite a kickback when going down, feels like it will give you a good whack if you dont hold on to it.

 

Phalanx- I'm still saving to do the whole rear end. I'm thinking end of march. God only knows when I'll get it back.....Protrux is always so busy. I saw your rig over there the other day...what's up with it?

When I have them build my bumper, I'll probably have them build a spot for the hi lift too..

 

yes, it's all normal.

 

for all of you... how do you lift a truk that doesnt have sliders?? i tried using the bumper brackets .. but all it does when i pull the lever is pull the hilift towards the truck.. ?

 

I lean the hi-lift back (away from the vehicle) a bit before I jack it up. The higher the truck gets, the more the jack is pulled towards the vehicle. Once you do it a few times you'll get a feel for it.

As for mounting points... without sliders or bumpers, I'm not sure what the best jacking point is. I've seen add-on parts that let you lift from the wheel, but if you need to do something that requires you take the wheel off, I'm not sure how helpful that would be. You'd have to jack it up the support it with jack stands, the release the hilift and remove the wheel.

 

IMHO:

The stock jack is much safer, faster, and easier to use to change a tire. Think about it - you only have to lift the rig a few inches under the axle compared to starting at a couple feet (my sliders and bumpers are all over mid thigh high)

A hi-lift jack is not suited to changing tires- it is a recovery device. Use it as a winch to pull yourself or to lift your rig over or off an obstical. I've used mine to roll my truck back on it's wheels-

They can be dangerous when used to lift a rig - especially a long travel suspention setup. If you must use a hi-lift to change a tire, use a piece of chain and a shackle to tie the axle or A-arm to the frame. That limits the amount of droop - substantially reducing the height you have to lift the rig. They are very dangerous if you don't have a stout bumper or sliders to use as a lifting point. I've seen to many stock bumpers bend like tin when using a hi-lift. I've also had my own vehicle fall off a hi-lift when changing a tire. One of my habits is to always put the spare under the axle (if possible) or under the frame prior to lifting a vehicle with a hi-lift. After taking off the damaged tire, it always goes under the axle (if possible) prior to putting on the spare.

 

Good ideas Crawler. I got the Hi-lift cuz I know it is an essential recovery tool, but I would be elated if I never had to use it on my rig.

 

i stick to the bottle jack i got for free for tires and hi lift for everything else. If you have a good point and the ground is flat just chaulk the tires and go for it with a hi lift.

 

It's ALIVE!!! Rise, old thread, rise!!!!

 

Indeed it has aged, maybe like cheese? Taco you are all over these old threads!!

Anyway, I finally picked up a 48" hi lift extreme the other day. Needed some greaseless lubricant sprayed on the pins and whatnot, but works pretty darn sweet. I think I'll pick up one of WabFab's slider adaptors and maybe even a tire sling.

 

my bad...I was doing a search and i forgot that it was old. o well.

 

No worries... I just thought it was funny...


Some of these oldies do age...like a fine fromage...

"...So I curtailed my Walpoling activities and sallied forth to discuss the procurement of some cheesy convestables..."
"Come again, sir?"
"I'd like to buy some cheese..."

 

Keep those fingers, heads and arms clear! I use a hi-lift regularly but they scare me. I always smack the release knob with a wrench and always keep my head and arms clear of the jack handle when moving it.....

 

I have had and used a hi-lift for many years, and it still scares the crap out of me. If you want to be more safe, build a base for the thing. It also helps when jacking in mud.

Never get comfortable around a HiLift, though. A buddy of mine broke his jaw because he didn't keep control of the handle when he was letting it down. I've also seen back windows busted out from the handles flying up, and trucks flopped when the load shifts and the jack falls over. Just be careful, it ain't a toy.