What are you using to jack your car up?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by benny818, Jun 12, 2013.

  1. benny818

    benny818 prius convert

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    Anyone got recommendations on a good floor jack for our cars? How about a floor jack cross beam anyone ever use one of those on our car? Are they reliable? I'm in looking for a jack now and want to get some ideas. Thanks!
     
  2. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I haven't jacked up my vehicle yet, I've been using ramps to do my oil change. I will be jacking them up this coming month when I hit 30k :)
     
  3. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Arcan XL325. I picked this up from Costco for $100. I also use a pair of Rhino ramps for jobs that don't require me to use a jack, oil changes. This jack is HEAVY.

    I opted for this vs the aluminum racing jacks because most every review I read on aluminum jacks resulted in failure within a year of ownership. With those aluminum jacks at a cost ranging from $100-$300, I wasn't about to take that risk.

    This low profile jack has worked great for me. This slides right under my car even on Eibach lowering springs and was able to reach the front and rear center jack points without issue.

    [​IMG]
     
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  4. benny818

    benny818 prius convert

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    Thanks for the update! You wouldn't recommend a lighter or aluminum jack? I was leaning towards one of those since I got a bad back.

    Anyone else got any suggestions?
     
  5. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    I wouldn't recommend an aluminum jack based on all the reviews I've read on them. Many reviews only report getting 1-3 uses out of them before they fail.

    While the Arcan jack is heavy, if you aren't having to carry it places and just have to roll it around, it shouldn't be an issue.
     
  6. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I have had an aluminum racing jack for about 5 years now and never had a problem. The jack is light and low profile so fits under the Prius with ease. I have no problem recommending it.

    I use it when rotating tires and when I changed the transaxle fluid and needed the car level on jack stands.

    I also have the Rhino Ramps for doing oil changes, etc., where you only need the front end lifted.
     
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  7. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    What Brand / Model do you have? I would like to get an aluminum one since I actually have to carry my jack around and can't just simply roll it around the garage floor.
     
  8. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    I've been using an aluminum jack without issues so far. Had it about 2-3 years now. Prius is on the light side as well.
     
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  9. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    The jack I have is a US General that I picked up at Harbor Freight. It is a cheap model but has worked well on the Prius and on much heavier vehicles.
     
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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Some sort of made-in-China 3 ton floor jack, with an extra rubber cradle, more safety stands than you can shake a stick at, solid rubber wheel chocks (4), and big old tree stump (insurance policy).
     
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  11. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I use the 1.5 ton aluminum racing jack from Harbor freight too. I've used it three times already.
    I also use two solid rubber wheel chocks and two jackstands- that's for quick in-n-out oil changes and tire rotations.
    Aluminum Floor Jack - 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack

    If I actually had to do some long term work under the P- I'd drag out my all steel 70lb 20+ year old Craftsman 4 ton floor jack w/jackstands and chocks.
     
  12. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Wow, good to read some positive experiences with them. I think I'll be flipping my position on them and look at picking one up this summer!