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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 08:04 PM
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jack stand height

I need a new floor jack that will lift high enough to pick my truck up,,,

how high do i need a jack to go?

thanks

greg
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 05:03 AM
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High enough to do what?

What kind of truck?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 09:12 AM
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Its a 2009 fx4 4 door stock...I just want to be able to pick a wheel off the ground maybe even both fronts off the ground at the same time if possible....thanks, greg
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 09:44 AM
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I doubt if you'll be able to safely lift both fronts off the ground (at the same time) with any floor jack.

I rotated my tires a couple of months ago with a 5 ton Sears hydraulic floor jack. I had to use wood blocks so I could get the lift I needed. As I recall, and depending on where you place the jack (carefully read the owner's manual about where and where not to put the jack), you'll need 8-10" of lift to get a tire off the ground.

Here's a suggestion. Measure from the ground to the factory jack point (location where the manual tells you to put the jack). Then use the factory jack to raise the wheel off the ground. Now measure from the ground to the factory jack point. This will to tell you how much lift you need. Your jack will have to be able to start at the first measurement and lift to the second measurement.

Make sense?

BTW, getting the factory jack and spare tire down is fairly tricky the first time and it's a good idea to practice it in the daylight on clean, dry pavement before you need to do it on a dark rainy night (which is always when you get a flat tire).
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 10:15 AM
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A 3 ton or 3 1/2 is about the size you need, any of theis will be able to lift the truck and get full size one not no toy space saver
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 10:43 AM
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I saw one with a 21" lift height at sears, is that high enough to lift the tire up?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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It depends on the starting height. It may take 12" to get to the frame which only leaves 9" to raise the tire.

Clear as mud?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:18 AM
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And I need to leave 8 to 10" extra for the suspension to travel?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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So I need to leave 8 to 10" of suspension travel to get the tire in the air?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:34 AM
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Watch your jack points-you don't want to damage/crack housings or lines. I will jack one side then use a jack stand to hold then go to the other side and then jack stand that side also. This way I am as sure as one can be that the truck is not coming down on me. Chris
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by ghoyt87
So I need to leave 8 to 10" of suspension travel to get the tire in the air?
That's what I remember from when I rotated my tires. I would still measure before I spent the money.

Like Chris said, I was very careful about my jack points and used jack stands.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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the frame rails are about 12" off the ground...where is a good place to order jacks that lift this high? I would also like it to be a low profile jack at the same time because I would like to use it for my cobra(the jack that i currently use for it is dead....
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 01:06 PM
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Floor Jacks | Jacks | Auto Repair | Northern Tool + Equipment

Tractor Supply Company - Jacks

Tools and Garage - Advance Auto Parts

Floor Jacks & Hydraulic Floor Jacks | Toolfetch

You can find one that meets your requirements and then once you determine the model you want look at different sites for the best price. As heavy as these are, shipping will be expensive so you're probably better off buying it locally.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 01:46 PM
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Good links.

I have also used hockey pucks stacked in saddle of my floor jack to get the height needed. They work perfect and are hard etc. Also, Harbor Freight and others sell a fancy red jack pad disk for saddles that does the same thing, but I just bought a bag 'o pucks (sorry if you are in hot climate area) and stacked two or three etc on the saddle Pucks are great to have around for other things too. As the others said, then put jack stands under truck before doing the works.

Now, the needed jack stand height starts a whole new conversation . . .
 
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by johnwill
I have also used hockey pucks stacked in saddle of my floor jack to get the height needed.
That's a great idea!

Originally Posted by johnwill
Now, the needed jack stand height starts a whole new conversation . . .
Anymore involved than the what type of oil and filter ?
 
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