I've read some of your posts about this. I don't blame you. Fortunately, everything I've done underneath (with the exception of brakes) so far I have been able to do with the wheels on the ground.

 

Being a bit older than some out here I grew up before floor jacks were sold to everyone and bumper jacks were common. The new craze with High-Lifts is funny as they are only the old deadly bumper jacks from the 60's and 70's that were deemed unsafe and now can lift 7000 pounds.

I still like my air-hydraulic 12 ton jack. If properly used it will out do any floor jack out there. It is also a lot safer when properly used. But when traveling and I do not have my toy hauler with an aircompressor I still use the cheap 2T chinese floor jack in its blowmold case. It will lift one tire just fine to change a tire as long as the ground is level. I bought the air jack for my 38ft Warrior as a triple axle with a flat was too much for me. Now I have a much smaller bumper pull trailer and still like the bottle jack as I stay clean and just squeeze the handle to lift anything.

Basically you need to use what is safest for you. One wheel does not equal 4000 pounds so if you lift one tire at a time the 2 ton floor jack will work. Affording the 4ton floor jacks is a bit too much for me but when the driveway is sloped or the surface is softer it may give the extra stability needed. We cannot always have floor jack when traveling.

Best of luck with the search for the right tools. I promised the wife no more tools when I retired then bought a tool shop a year later. Daily I argue, debate and just sip coffee talking about the right tool for the right job. That is half the fun with working on your own stuff.

 

Want to thank everyone for their input. Here's what I ended up with.
4 ton Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump®

Had no issues lifting my 4x4 Ex

 

If you have a Costco close by, they usually have the 3.5 ton Arcan floor jack for $100. Had mine for 4 years now and no problems. If it ever dies, I'll just take it back to Costco for an exchange.

 

I just use the one that came with the truck, although would not mind getting one

 

I tried that. I think mine needs replaced. I could get it to lift, but the base is badly rusted and has pieces of rusted metal falling off. It was difficult enough to operate I think it's safe to say if my wife ever has a flat I'm just calling AAA.

I do have one question about it the factory jack. The diagram shows three interlocking segments -- two straight and one bent like an old hand auger for turning. I have the two straight segments but the only thing I could find for a handle was to put the lug wrench across on the end. It worked, but it was slow and clumsy. Am I missing a piece or did they change the design from the diagram?

 

Harbor Freight FTW!

 

I have three to mine 2 straight and the lug wrench. Mine are located under the hood as jack located in the back.

 

Well, that sounds like what I have then. It looked like everything is there, but the diagram by the jack shows a different section for the handle.

 

Not sure how yours is set up but honestly never looked the diagram I may have. To now

 

Did a guy look at a diagram???? Take the Ex away he no longer deserves one. Real men drive big trucks and never read diagrams.

 

I don't know if you were joking but actually that's what i use.

Their 4ton floor jack is a monster. I don't trust my life to it cause like any sane person i use jack stands. But lifting the excursion or my Hummer it performs perfectly with a smooth let down. At under $150 who could ask for more? I only rarely use it and store it indoors so i've had no issues with it yet and have had it about 2-3 years or so.

I also use their massive 12 ton jack stands. Rock solid, super heavy duty and under $100 a pair. way overkill but i like the height and wide base.

I normally leave the floor jack in place snugged against the frame rail as well as having the jackstands supporting most of the weight, simply cause i'm paranoid.

 

That's not paranoia, that's proper safety technique.

Stewart

 

I also throw the tires up under the truck ....worst case if everything else fails...least that will keep you from being completely crushed.

 

I use a 3 ton from harbor freight. Works great