Hi Lift Jack - 48" or 60"?

[BigBadWag]

From 4WheelParts they're the same price, but I was just wondering if you REALLY need 5 ft of jack? Wouldn't it be too long and inconvenient? A Hi Lift is going to be my next purchase, but I need to know which one y'all think I should get? :confused: -Zach

[davez26]

Here's how you choose and/or why you would need a taller jack. If you only plan on being on the street, and ocasional off-roading then go with the 48". When you start to get into deeper off-roading and more flex, then a taller jack will be ideal for you. Case in point, this weekend out at Chinaman's Gulch one of the vehicle broke in a rock pile and got high centered at the same time. We had to lift the back end of the vehicle up, but since it had a ton of flex, and was up on a rock, and the best place for the jack was in a hole, we were very close to the end of the jack once we got the vehicle lifted. Another 12" would have come in handy. A tall jack is a mother to lug around and is a bear to handle, but may be for you depending on you situation.
Lots of flex = lots of tall jack
I personally own the short one and like it a bunch.

[WINGO]

Get the 60" if you plan on being off road.

Besided the extra lift, you will gain additional winching capabilitiess if you need it.

[BigBadWag]

Where do you keep yours in/on your GW? Seems to me like it would be kinda hard to find 5 feet of space to keep the thing... :confused:

[Bob Barry]

I was able to mount my 48" version diagonally in the left rear quarter using a stud projecting from a block of wood bolted to the metal band under the side window. If there was another 12" at the end of that jack, it would probably extend to overlap the rear door opening, but just a little bit. The problem with the overlap is people banging their heads when they enter. or are sitting down.

If you have a 2-door, there would be no problem mounting the 60" version.

[64Trvlr]

If you off road then go with the 60". If not the 48" should be good.
:cool:

[River Beast]

I can't use the 48" Hi-lift... too small.. :D ...no kidding! ;)

I need the 60"....or a 72"... :D

[desert_freak]

Funny youshould bring this up, I was trying to decide myself. I almost ordered mine yesterday, but was trying to decide if I should go with 4wheel parts one with the stamped steel parts or with an all cast one????? Anyone?

I figure since I plan to go SOA on the Cherokee the 60" would be the way to go.

How about those 4wheel parts ones?

P.J.

[64Trvlr]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by desert_freak:
but was trying to decide if I should go with 4wheel parts one with the stamped steel parts or with an all cast one????? <hr></blockquote>

Go with the 60" cast steel jack. It shouldn't matter where you buy it, a Hi-Lift is a Hi-Lift.
:cool:

[Simontrips]

I got a 60 ,but it needs a better (bigger) foot at the bottom. A custom foot is a future project for the Hi lift .You can also order one I believe.

[irbob]

I've got the 48" cast Hi-Lift. It's mounted over my left wheel well at an angle. I saw one moounted vertically behind the spare tire on a swing out carrier that looked like a nice set up. Can't remember where I saw that thing. Another good place to mount it is on the roof rack.

[Hump]

You should base your decision on what the other guys have said as far as your vehicle height, and the jacks purpose (on/off road).

I would also consider mounting like you asked. For inside the vehicle mounting i'd go with the 48". I just lay mine sideways at the very back of the cargo area in the XJ. It fits snugly, and has yet to slide around. I do however carry it with me everywhere unless I am hauling something large enough that I have to take it out, so if you were to just use is for wheeling that might be different.

For outside mounting I would go with the 60". The extra length never hurts (unless you drop it on your big toe), an you should still be able to mount it horizontally to one of your bumpers and stay within the profile of your Jeep.

[gwinn]

I have a 60". I've needed it once. I'm glad I had the 60. I haven't given it a permanent home yet, so it bounces around in the back for now (PITA). It will go up on the roof rack when completed.