Topic: Hi-Lift Mount Location

[chrisfranklin]

Searched though old posts here, but didn't really find much on the Hi-Lift Jack.  Was looking to pick up a cast Hi-Lift.  Have seen pictures of mount locations on different parts of Wranglers:

-front bumper
-back of roll bar
-hood

Read a little more and, apparently, a properly-oiled Hi-Lift is going to attract dust etc, so cases are sold which can also be modded to accomodate the points where mount brackets would attach to the jack.

I'd probaby just mount the thing inside on the back of my roll-bar (top up mostly. Course, wouldn't mind pulling off the stock YJ Bumperettes on the back end and just mount the jack there -  this, however, might not jive too well with vehicle code in California (dunno).  But, an outside mount is going to need a case; also, not too sure about security issues with the mounts inside/outside - know that a locking mount is offered, but it's a single part which appears to require that you use it to mount the Hi-Lift vertically....

How do you guys use yours?  Show photos if can  :D (my old cell phone crashed, so I finally bought a new phone with camera and video capability and will make an effort to use it here).

[Mozman68]

I don't think they sell the case anymore...at least that's what my local 4x4 store told me.

I mounted mine on my rear tire carrier (designed for that purpose), but it adds too much weight to the back of the Jeep...with two kids, a cooler and tools I was bottoming out a few times...didn't like that.

I like the idea of mounting on the hood, but the only bracket I can find is the KC hood hinge bracket and I wouldn't use the light tabs.

btw....I only bring mine on the trail...my Jeep is a DD and I don't want it on there all the time (even though it looks cool....I guess I'm not THAT much of a poseur)

[jagular7]

Rather than sell a plastic case to hold the hilift, they are selling a vinyl cover. One of the best things for the hi-lift is the poly handle holder. Its a lot better than that spring clip.

When you mount it, configure it easily accessible. When YOU will need it on the trail is never on a flat level ground point.

Beware of its reputation of snapping back with the weight on it. Some handles have done quite a bit of harm to fingers, thumbs, and jaw bones. With the weight on the jack, and the jack in the release mode, the weight needs to be controlled down. If not, the handle will snap back and it will let itself down.

[chrisfranklin]

Other thing I wanted to ask you guys is, "what size Hi-Lift is right for a SWB Wrangler?... 48", 60"?

[Mozman68]

I don't think wheel base matters as much as how much lift you have.  I think 48" is fine for most applications....but you never know when you might be in a situation on the trails when that 60" would come in handy.

[Jeffy]

http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1543

Those stock bumperettes aren't worth the metal their made from.  They collapse with the slightest impact and don't spring back.  You could remove them and mount the jack horizontally across the back if you want.  The downside would be the jack becomes a bumper.  If you wheel in mud or have  inclines you could end up with the jack wedged, buried or under water.

I hate the hood mount, especially the under hood mount.  If the jack doesn't have an easy to mount place you're going to throw it in the back of the Jeep and it will be unsecured.  Trying to remove and then secure the jack on the hood would be a PITA.  Imagine it wet, covered in mud and you having to put it back without beating up your hood, slipping, etc...

ConFerr used to make hilift mounts for the front bumper.  Unlike the Hi-lift mounts these raise the jack up higher and mostly behind the bumper.  Two wingnuts hold the jack on then it fits into a slot.  I'm not sure if you can still get those though.

The other option is to put studs on the rollcage.  If you have a '92+, mounting them off the rear part of the cage is pretty simple.  If done right you will only need one wingnut to secure it.  A guy I know recently made one this way and it's uber simple.  He welded a stud to one side.  This secured the neck of the jack.  On the other side he welded a flat piece of metal with a stud that pointed to the other side.  The footplate slid onto this.  With the neck secured the foot is unable to come off the stud.


Oh, unless you have a super flexy vehicle, run >35" tires or go where there are huge ruts or rocks, you probably don't need a 60".  Also, keep in mine that for general use, you're better off using the stock jack or a floor jack.  Hi-lifts are very dangerous and could kill you if you don't give them 100% of your attention.

[jagular7]

To choose which one, like the comment, at times a 60" would be best, but then do you have room?

Compromises are a necessity. For a suspension with good travel, fab a strap with hooks to connect the axle to the frame. This doesn't need to be adj. just long enough and maybe a few more inches.

I don't have a pic, but I've got an old cargo strap. I added a simple hook on the end, then the other has loops at different lengths. I have another hook with a clip on the other end. I clip what height I need. Again, wheeling never makes it easy to do something under your vehicle. So a variable length strap works best. I've got several 48s and a 60. I don't use them offroad yet (waiting to build swing tire carrier), but I do carry a bottle jack that is tall enough to lift the tire off the ground (to change a tire, inflate a flat, etc).

I don't go wheeling alone and most of the time, someone else will have the hardware necessary.
Besides, do you want to carry your hi-lift around during weekdays? Its potential to stealing. Think of it like an addition when you go wheeling, just like the spares, tools, coolers, and food.

[YJmechanic]

mine is mounted to my spare tire carrier.  it sits behind the tire and i just ran a little cable lock inside the holes of the jack and the holes in the rim.  they would have to take my jack tire and carrier as one piece and slide it straight off the hinge( i tried, i they can do it they deserve it) so i am pretty safe.  as far as the cover,  ihave always had mine out and so do most of the guys i wheel with and never have a problem with operation.  hood mounts are no good like jeffy said but inside on the roll bars works good.  it is so simple to make mounts for something straight with lots of holes in it.

[jagular7]

mine is mounted to my spare tire carrier.  it sits behind the tire and i just ran a little cable lock inside the holes of the jack and the holes in the rim.  they would have to take my jack tire and carrier as one piece and slide it straight off the hinge( i tried, i they can do it they deserve it) so i am pretty safe.  ....Snip.....

\

Is that a stock tire carrier or a swing? I'd like to see if someone added the hi-lift to a stock tire carrier - that would mean some really shallow bs on the wheels. I've got 3.75 and still spaced my tire off the tailgate with the stock rubber stoppers, but still don't have enough room for a hi-lift. The lights are in the way....

Although, I guess I could build a raised 'bridge' to accomodate it.

[might4banger]

I just stuff mine under the rear seat - runs from the tailgate to under the passenger front seat. I dialed out the rear seat "feet" and it just fits.

[chrisfranklin]

I just stuff mine under the rear seat - runs from the tailgate to under the passenger front seat. I dialed out the rear seat "feet" and it just fits.

Yeah, this sounds like my speed.  In the back seat and don't like it? Tough.  

[Jesse-James]

I mounted mine on the roll bar, this came up before. Two exhaust clamps and a piece of garage track. the track piece on the right side has a hole in it for a padlock and the other side is can get wing nuts i guess. I always have my tools with so I never used them. Here's an older pic before it was powder coated and no padlock since the toe on top was not on at the time. Cost me around five bucks and took less than an hour. With a full top, it's out of the elements too.



This is why I don't like the tire carrier mount that puts it straight up and down. This one got hung up on a tree.

[jagular7]

....snip....
This is why I don't like the tire carrier mount that puts it straight up and down. This one got hung up on a tree.

That must have been some tree limb and no damage to the top? Or did the back of the Jeep bump a tree?

[Jeffy]

Looks like the jack is/was taller then the top.  Not a good idea to have anything taller then the top.

[Jesse-James]

Here's another pic of "Barney" when that happened. He slid back against the tree and got the jack caught on his way out. He bought the jack the week before this run.