Ok, I see the importance of the Hi Lift jack but can I even use one on a stock 4Runner?
I see pics of jacking from arbs or sliders... doesn't seem like I could even use one if I wanted to.
I would like to have a good jack to change a tire or move the truck in a stuck- is there an adapter or any suggestions for those of us running stock bumpers?

Thanks

 

Look here for a stock bumper adapter. They are available at most shops that carry Hi-Lifts.

 

IMHO

A hy-lift jack has one purpose, and one purpose only. It is a RECOVERY TOOL. Jacking a vehicle w/ a Hy-lift to change tires is an accident waiting to happen, and it will happen soon or later. Buy yourself a bottle jack or other type of jack capable of lifting your rig to change a tire.

Been there done that, it's a real drag to watch your rig fall over, and know you can't do a damn thing about it.

I carry a 20 ton bottle jack and the stock jack. Both of these are much safer than a bumper jack. In most off road situations, you've got a flat in rough terrain, and stabilizing a Hy-lift can be a dicey proposition.

If you MUST use a Hy-lift to change a tire, use a piece of chain to secure the axle to the frame to prevent the axle from drooping. This will decrease the height required to lift your rig to change out the tire.

As with any jack, it is never to be trusted to support the vehicle. I ALWAYS remove the flat tire and slide it under the rig to provide space if the jack was to slide out or colapse.

later

 

Good advice. Thanks

 

Hey crawler#976,

What's the maximum lift height of your 20 ton bottle jack? I've been debating getting a Hi-Lift or bottle jack. Thanks.

 

I run 35" tires- so I need a fairly tall jack. It's about 9-3/4" compressed and extends to about 17-1/2" w/ the adjustable screw all the way out. With a flat tire, it *JUST* fits under the axle. It is SLOW, but it'll lift the height I require. More often than not, I still use the stock jack. It's fast and handy--

 

I'm w/ crawler#976. Hi-lifts scare me and will only use one as a last resort. I also use a stock bottle jack along w/ a couple pieces of 2x4 when removing a tire. They're light and a lot easier to move than the floor jack in my garage.

 

Or, you can carry:

3 ton floor jack
2 ton OEM bottle jack w/ extension
2 ton jackstands (1 pair)
4 wooden 1x6x18 boards for jacking in sand or snow.

like Matt carries...

 

If your rig is stock, then there is no real practical use for a Hi-Lift.

Bottle jacks are safre and work better as was said earlier.

I have used my Hi-lift on the trail and would have it no other way.

 

I had the hi-lift bumper adaptor for my second gen. It didn't work on those paper thin bumpers.

While a bottle jack may be the best way to change a tire and hi-lift is FAR more versatile on the trail and IMHO, is a trail equipment must. I don't have any concerns about hi-lifting my rig (and I have to go to the top of the 60" jack to get a tire off the ground) as long as you always leave 3 tires on the ground.

 

Yup, I'm ordering my hi-lift today, but I'm not getting the bumper attachment thing for a reason. Have you ever felt the stock bumpers on a 4runner. They are cheap as heck! Plus the rear bumper on my 3rd gen isn't even connected to the frame. It's bolted to the body!! The front is bolt to the frame, but only in two locations and it's very flimsy on the sides and would most definitely bend upward if someone tried to fack at the side part.

Chris

 

i agree that the hi lift can be some what percarious in certan situations but with some common sense and care i believe you can use it safely i personally have never had my vehicle fall but i can certainly see how it could i find the off road base helps tremedously with the stability of the hi lift jack and i have carried one for the last 20 years and i cant count the number of times it has bailed me out i will say i believe it to be one of the most versatile ones out there. you might find this article useful http://www.4x4now.com/bb0997.htm
good luck!