question about floor jack

nebilex · #1 02-16-2013, 11:17 AM

Hi all, I was wondering if a 13" extension (2 ton) floor jack is long enough for lifting the X5? (GM Performance 2 Ton Trolley Jack Kit - Tools - Mechanics & Auto Tools - Lift Equipment & Jacks) If not, anyone know what the extension length i need to look for? I am budgeting $60 for the jack (I just came across the top link) thanks

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TwinTurboGTR · #2 02-16-2013, 11:28 AM

Its a little low. I have a 3.5 ton 21" floor jack. The problem you may run into is when you have it max height, you may not have enough room to get jack stands under it. Even if you could, when it comes time to take the stands out, the jack may not get it high enough again to get the stand out.

For some reason, with all the jacks I have had, even this recent new one... When I take the stand out and start getting the jack in place, there isn't enough pressure that can build up in the cylinder and becomes a pain to get the jack to get the truck back up. Thats why I have to place in a 4x4 to give some extra room and get the jack to bring the truck up.

X5SND · #3 02-16-2013, 11:33 AM

Take a look at the height of the jack points and you should be able to gauge the height requirement.

Did you read the reviews of that jack you posted? Not what I would call confidence inspiring.

upallnight · #4 02-16-2013, 11:45 AM

Better to get a decent set of ramps instead of the jack. I have one of those jack, got it free when someone on craigslist gave it away. I would never use it for lifting a car or truck especially the X. My life is worth more than 60 bucks.

nebilex · #5 02-16-2013, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the feedback, i did see the review and definitly took my confidence away as well. Twinturbo, i like your idea of using a 4X4 and get a jack that can extend up to 15-16" at least. I dont plan of using the jack as the only tool when lifting the car, i am getting jackstands when doing extend work.. Thanks for the input all.. Let me know if i have a jack u recommend.

JCL · #6 02-16-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

For some reason, with all the jacks I have had, even this recent new one... When I take the stand out and start getting the jack in place, there isn't enough pressure that can build up in the cylinder and becomes a pain to get the jack to get the truck back up. Thats why I have to place in a 4x4 to give some extra room and get the jack to bring the truck up.

Have you tried filling the cylinder on the jack with hydraulic fluid, and/or bleeding it? Jacks need maintenance. Sounds like the fluid is low.

TwinTurboGTR · #7 02-16-2013, 02:40 PM

Yeah you know this particular jack did it from new. If the lift is at the lowest setting and a load is placed on it, it if fine. But if I raise the lift to near its highest point, pressure starts to escape and will not build. I've rebuilt the cyl and monitored the fluid, same result. My other 2 jacks do the same thing. So I don't know.

nebilex · #8 02-16-2013, 07:11 PM

Just an update, i got a crafstman jack from sears that has a 15" extension, i tried it on the X and it lifts the tires just enough to take it off but its at its max extension which might be pushing it. I will get a 2x4 and build a small stand for it so that am it gives it a better lift. Thanks all for the feedback.

Skyline · #9 02-16-2013, 07:20 PM

I would not use that POS GM performance jack, OR the other POS Chicom Craftsman jack. On anything.

The best bet if you on a budget is to get a used AMERICAN MADE floorjack from Snap-on, Walker, Weaver, Lincoln, Hein Werner, Milwaukee or Blackhawk.
(Many of the Snap-ons are relabeled Hein Werner). Any OLD american jack is probably going to be awesome. If it doesn't go up, or stay up, not to worry; these are all rebuildable, and in general, parts like seals and pistons are readily available. Not that hard to rebuild a floorjack. You can find a beat up old Hein Werner for $50, strip it, paint it, rebuild it with anot5her $50 worth of parts, and you'll have something that could not be replaced for $500.

The absolute best NEW jacks are AC. Here are links for some others as well. Good jacks are not cheap, but the danger of using a POS jack is simply not worth it.

http://www.acjacks.com/index.html

http://www.milwaukeehydraulic.com/products.html

Castle Equipment Co Weaver Jack* Hydraulic Service Jacks* MADE IN USA

Service Jacks Products

nebilex · #10 02-18-2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyline

I would not use that POS GM performance jack, OR the other POS Chicom Craftsman jack. On anything.

Hi Sky, I agree that the Craftsman and GM etc.. are not the best Jacks but I am not using that as the only support when working on the X. The only time i am using Jacks only is if i'm changing tire otherwise, I have jack stand that I going to be using. Regardless of where it is built, using Jack on for doing a job is obviously not safe..

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