Just wondering what jacks you guys carry around for changing out your spare tire (for those whose trucks are low enough to the ground to be able to do it on the side of the road).

My original jack is long gone - it was in the truck, but seized. For quite some time I've carried around a heavy-duty flat-top bottle jack, but I've been fortunate enough to not need it (never had a flat in the truck, knock on wood). However, I was looking at it today and I don't think I'd feel safe actually using it. Since the top is completely flat, it wouldn't be a good idea lifting underneath the round rear axle, and it's not tall enough to lift under the frame. Due to its design, you'd also have to place yourself dangerously close (if not underneath) to work the jack.

So what do you guys have behind your seat? Any specific recommendations, etc?

 

Picked up a long-reach hydraulic from a scrap yard, but mainly carry a Handyman (farm) jack. Especially the rear end, these are a breeze. I also carry a rag so when I am jacking the front end up I can wrap the jack where it rubs the truck, to protect the paint. These are THE jack if you are ever really stuck.
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Hi lift jack?

 

When I was driving the Pumpkin I carried one of the cheap little floor jacks behind the seat.
I just blasted and painted the original jack today. For looks only though.
Yeah, the original doesn't look too safe, especially on soft ground.
I wonder what the corporate liability attorneys would say today if Ford wanted to use those in the new F150's?

 

I have the original jack under the hood, which I discovered can't be placed below the I beam if all the air's gone out of the tire So now I also keep a cheepo Harbor Freight jack in my truck box. Similar to this 2 Ton Compact Trolley Jack


The newer style scissor jacks aren't much better. I think the screw-type in our trucks actually has a larger footprint.

 

Like Fmc400, I haven't had to use a jack on the road, still have the original jack under the hood and the handle under the seat. I swear these things look like the jack that my fathers '29' model A used. I removed the tire carrier bracket assembly and just put the spare in the bed. I would hate to lay on the ground with a flat on the rear and drag that thing out.
I can see where the original jack might be a little unstable on soft ground. Might need to get a small floor jack and carry it with me.

 

I carry a cheap floor jack, more than adequate and fits behind the seat perfectly.

Josh

 

I'm in the same boat. Cheap floor jack behind the seat for me.

 

cheap floor jack in my tool bx

 

Add me to the list of "haven't needed it" list but yesterday I found, yes forgotten, the tire iron and jack crank rod under the seat! The factory jack is strapped to the fender. It hasn't been mentioned but I carry the smallest jack. Wallet sized AAA card....

.

 

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at getting a smaller floor jack.

 

The trusty 'ol Hi-Lift jack

Hi-Lift Jack Company - Highest quality equipment at a reasonable price

 

As far as the high lift or farm jack that fine when you are out in the woods on bad ground. But when jacking up a truck with it, you have to raise the truck along with extend the suspension, before ever getting the tire off the ground. Not fun along the hwy with 18 wheeler blowing past you at 80.

And if the truck ever rolls or moves a bit it will pull the remaining top part of the jack into the truck tailgate/grill. Seen it happen to a nice truck grill when the truck moved about 4", yes he did not chock the other wheel.

Farm jack eats space behind the seat, is a PITA to dig outa the bottom of the bed box, and or you have to lock it in a fabbed up bed design, then its exposed to the elements.

Now they are great at alot of things, and jacking it one of them so do not take this advice wrong, I am just suggesting some thing IMO that is better for along the road and easy to carry in the back of the reg cab.

If you have pavement under you most of the time, just use a small floor jack. Pic #1 is like $30 and the $37 for the Lowe's Kobalt 2 1/4 ton (4500) 5 1/2-15" worth of lift is already kinda Ford colors The 5 1/2 low ability is great for a 2wd with a front flat. They also sale a 3 ton.

The round teethed head of the jack will fit nice on the bottom of the shock mount or the u bolt and or the front axle it you are a 4x4.

 

I bought two of these for use in the shop, but plan was to carry one under hood in my early Bronco. Check the spec's to see if it would suit your needs. Very handy and safe. Powerbuilt® 3 Ton Jack & Jack Stand - 1160455 | Tractor Supply Company

 

The factory jack was never capable of fitting under the I-beam with a fully deflated tire. That's why if you were to look at the "Jacking instructions" decal (usually inside the glovebox) it shows the jack placement under the radius arm, behind the I-beam.

I carry one of those mini floor jacks. Not ideal, but better than most other options. Oddly enough, I've had 2 different handles stolen out of the truck, but the jack was left both times........