POS factory jack replacement
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
POS factory jack replacement
I got my first opportunity to use the factory jack on the side of the road yesterday. While I have plenty of tools for emergency situations, I have not replaced the factory jack. Yet. I will be now. What a piece of crap. What have people found that works better and still fits behind the seat?
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
I don't have a tool box in this truck. Between spare tools and socks, I'm out of room under the rear seat. Maybe I need to go to HF and see which bottle jacks will fit behind the seat.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 4,974
Yeah, what's wrong with the stock jack???
Any jack like that, or even a bottle jack, is a Royal PITA to use on the side of the road.
But, what I found out was that a 1/4 drive fits into the end of the extension tool that is used to turn the mechanism to raise the jack.
So, I have my cordless impact in my truck with a 1/4 drive adapter and when I need to use the jack, I will insert the adapter on the impact into the extension and power drive the jack to raise and lower it.
Any jack like that, or even a bottle jack, is a Royal PITA to use on the side of the road.
But, what I found out was that a 1/4 drive fits into the end of the extension tool that is used to turn the mechanism to raise the jack.
So, I have my cordless impact in my truck with a 1/4 drive adapter and when I need to use the jack, I will insert the adapter on the impact into the extension and power drive the jack to raise and lower it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
I use one of these, just keep it in the box in the bed. I think I bought it at Home Despot a couple of years ago.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
As with most emergency situations or breakdowns, I was not in a prime tire changing location. I was on a VERY narrow two lane mountain road. I got an allen wrench in my tire while at the in-laws cabin. I was hoping it would hold pressure until I made it to a better location but it had other ideas. I was stopped on the compacted dirt shoulder of the road.
The bottom of the factory jack is not flat. It held pretty well but when the jack was getting to the very top of its lift, it tipped over dropping the truck in the dirt. Three times. Each time I tried something different to secure the base. To be clear, the dirt was not giving way under the jack foot, when the jack would get to the top of its lift, it would tip. Slowly, not quick and violently. No injuries and the only damage was the disc brake dust shield. It bent right back after.
I ended up sending the kids to the river to find a bunch of large flat rocks. We were able to build a big enough base that the jack did not have to extend fully to get the tire on. I think the jack might work okay on a smooth, flat, level surface. But every time I pull a tire in my driveway I use a real jack. I'm going to order this and give it a try before my next big road trip.
The bottom of the factory jack is not flat. It held pretty well but when the jack was getting to the very top of its lift, it tipped over dropping the truck in the dirt. Three times. Each time I tried something different to secure the base. To be clear, the dirt was not giving way under the jack foot, when the jack would get to the top of its lift, it would tip. Slowly, not quick and violently. No injuries and the only damage was the disc brake dust shield. It bent right back after.
I ended up sending the kids to the river to find a bunch of large flat rocks. We were able to build a big enough base that the jack did not have to extend fully to get the tire on. I think the jack might work okay on a smooth, flat, level surface. But every time I pull a tire in my driveway I use a real jack. I'm going to order this and give it a try before my next big road trip.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 4,974
Amazon link not working for me.
The other thing I did was to add roadside assistance to my insurance, it was so cheap I have been kicking myself for not doing it a long time ago, I will call them before I make any attempt to change a flat.
As to the stability of the oem jack, I do carry a piece of 2x6 that I put under the jack the one time I used it to change a trailer tire.
The other thing I did was to add roadside assistance to my insurance, it was so cheap I have been kicking myself for not doing it a long time ago, I will call them before I make any attempt to change a flat.
As to the stability of the oem jack, I do carry a piece of 2x6 that I put under the jack the one time I used it to change a trailer tire.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 891
Likes: 565
From: End of the Rockies
One thing to check on a bottle jack is if it fits in the correct location when the tire is deflated..
Best to know before you go. Check it at home first. I had one that did not fit and took it back for a more low profile one.
Best to know before you go. Check it at home first. I had one that did not fit and took it back for a more low profile one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
I carry some short pieces of 2x8 as well. I can use them to raise the jack if I’m rotating tires or can drive a flat up onto a board if I need to raise the axle so the hydraulic jack will fit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 4,974
And, yes, you want to be sure it is short enough, no taller than the oem jack, so it will fit under the axle when the tire is flat.
And, you will still want a piece of wood to set it on for soft or uneven surfaces.
