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Best low profile / racing jack?

Old 06-23-2011, 01:03 PM
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zguy
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Default Best low profile / racing jack?

I am looking for recommendations on low profile racing jacks for the C5. My car is lowered with rocker rails.

I have had two Sears aluminum low profile racing jacks which have failed over the past 6 years. I don't want to spend top dollar but I am looking for something to last more than a few years. Especially since it is only used for maintenance work. I am almost at a point were I will no longer by anything other than life-time warrantied hand tools from Sears.

I have two old school jacks that have sat out in the garage for the past 10 - 20 years which still work to this day. Go figure...

Appreciate the recommendations!
Old 06-23-2011, 01:43 PM
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robert miller
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Originally Posted by zguy
I am looking for recommendations on low profile racing jacks for the C5. My car is lowered with rocker rails.

I have had two Sears aluminum low profile racing jacks which have failed over the past 6 years. I don't want to spend top dollar but I am looking for something to last more than a few years. Especially since it is only used for maintenance work. I am almost at a point were I will no longer by anything other than life-time warrantied hand tools from Sears.

I have two old school jacks that have sat out in the garage for the past 10 - 20 years which still work to this day. Go figure...

Appreciate the recommendations!
Dont make it like they use too, on alot of stuff.. I am in need of one also that will go under the vette. I also had the same one go out in just under 3 yrs with very little wear on it.. Robert
Old 06-23-2011, 01:48 PM
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cdkcorvette7
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I haven't really found any low profile jacks I was happy with. I made some really solid ramps out of 2X10's that'll get my car far enough off the ground to get a normal floor jack under it...
Old 06-23-2011, 02:11 PM
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zguy
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Originally Posted by cdkcorvette7
I haven't really found any low profile jacks I was happy with. I made some really solid ramps out of 2X10's that'll get my car far enough off the ground to get a normal floor jack under it...
Thanks. I have some ramps that I made too that I use as well. I tend to use those when I want to get the whole car evenly off the ground. I still would like to have the jack as it can be used very quickly without repositioning my car.
Old 06-23-2011, 02:14 PM
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I sure hope these jack failures didn't occur when the car was up!

I have a low profile jack I purchased at Advanced Auto and it has worked well in a very limited capacity. I just don't want to jack up the car using the side pucks during my next wheel/tire change only to have the jack fail while engaged.
Old 06-23-2011, 02:18 PM
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GCG
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The ATD-7325 (same one as the Omega 29023, just under a different badge) is very well regarded here. Amazon was selling it for $248.83, but now it goes for $299.95. You can see it here.

It's been discussed in depth here.

What really separate this one from the pack, besides its extremely low profile, is its length. It allows you to reach the front and rear crossmembers from the front and rear end of the car respectively, in order to raise the whole axle.


Last edited by GCG; 06-23-2011 at 07:15 PM. Reason: Adding picture
Old 06-23-2011, 02:26 PM
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Nd4spd2
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Tire Rack has a nice low profile jack but I don't know anyone that has one to report on how good it is. I've been eye balling it lately.
Old 06-23-2011, 02:31 PM
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Too-Fast
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American Forge & Foundry Model 200T. It is not aluminum, weighs just under 100lbs, very low profile, have had mine for 2 years...great jack, has padded lift plate, check it out ($250ish). If you want something portable and inexpensive then check out Harbor Freight, they have a whole selection and you can get a decent one for about $59-$79. Most jacks are now made in China with a select few still made in the US but those will cost above $400.

Last edited by Too-Fast; 06-23-2011 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Can't type or spell.
Old 06-23-2011, 02:41 PM
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drtyTshrt
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I just bought the $69.00 Harbor Freight 1.5 ton low profile aluminum race jack. I have used it about five times. For the money it could give out in a year or two and I'll just put it with the rest of my scrap metal and take it to the salvage yard. Collecting scrap metal has become my second hobby. I cringe at the cash I have trown away in the past. Keep it seperate stock pile it then PAYDAY!!!
Old 06-23-2011, 03:23 PM
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KBlanke
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NAPA has a nice 2 1/2 ton low profile jack that works great, we use this one at the race shop, it is not aluminum so it is a little on the heavy side. We keep a sears aluminum in the trailer but hardly ever use it since the car has air jacks on it.
Old 06-23-2011, 03:55 PM
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i got one off the auction site, I been through 2 sears "racing jacks" also. they both retired soon after the 1yr warranty. it was made by a company name Daisy. and it goes from 4"-18" low enough to slide under my lowered car.
Old 06-23-2011, 04:53 PM
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I have the previous version of this jack:

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ack-68050.html

The new one has the rapid pump feature, and the jack is a bit thinner, but both have a super low starting height of 2 5/8"!

Works great for me, but I still drive onto 2x12s on my stock height Z06 so I can avoid the plastic airdam.
Old 06-23-2011, 05:00 PM
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Z06ufgrad2002
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I'm using a US general aluminum low profile jack from Harbor Freight. 3000 lb lift capacity. Had it 6-8 yrs now with no problems.
Old 06-23-2011, 05:15 PM
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olbear1962
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This is what I use, dont use it much so it will probably last a while. Seems to work very well.
Purchased from Autozone in TX:
Torin Aluminium Low Profile Racing Jack

Old 06-23-2011, 05:41 PM
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YLO Z06
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Originally Posted by Z06ufgrad2002
I'm using a US general aluminum low profile jack from Harbor Freight. 3000 lb lift capacity. Had it 6-8 yrs now with no problems.
Same here. It was like $59.99 with the coupon out of Motor Trend. Rapid pump, very low profile (under 3"; fits under my C5 that is lowered using Zip lowering kit with room to spare). Love it!
Old 06-23-2011, 05:46 PM
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I hve an arcan x35. About $100. Fits under the car at the lowest point and lifts something like 19"

It's hefty, (80lbs I think) but not too hefty that the average guy can't easily carry it. If you have arthritis or a disability though, it could easily be too much.

Last edited by Kale; 06-23-2011 at 05:49 PM.
Old 06-23-2011, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by IIDX
I have the previous version of this jack:

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ack-68050.html

The new one has the rapid pump feature, and the jack is a bit thinner, but both have a super low starting height of 2 5/8"!

Works great for me, but I still drive onto 2x12s on my stock height Z06 so I can avoid the plastic airdam.
I was going to buy their low profile aluminum racing jack then saw that one and decided to wait for some feedback before I bought it. Looks like a great jack for the money and I'm sure it'll eventually go on sale in the $70 range.

Have heard nothing good about Sears jacks, although I have their 3 ton high lift jack stands and will recommend them to everyone they are great for $25 a pair.

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Old 06-23-2011, 06:15 PM
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Old 06-23-2011, 07:32 PM
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zguy
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Originally Posted by About2Bite
I was going to buy their low profile aluminum racing jack then saw that one and decided to wait for some feedback before I bought it. Looks like a great jack for the money and I'm sure it'll eventually go on sale in the $70 range.

Have heard nothing good about Sears jacks, although I have their 3 ton high lift jack stands and will recommend them to everyone they are great for $25 a pair.

Wow, I just check and I couldn't believe all the responses. I really appreciate the feedback. It's been a very long while since I have been active on the forum but it looks like it's great as ever. I am really eyeing this jack mentioned by About2Bite and IIDX. My guess it is much heavier but the super lower profile is what has got my attention. I am going to try and take a ride over to Harbor Freight later this evening.

Thanks!

Last edited by zguy; 06-23-2011 at 07:32 PM. Reason: Typo...
Old 06-25-2011, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by zguy
My guess it is much heavier but the super lower profile is what has got my attention. I am going to try and take a ride over to Harbor Freight later this evening.
Off their web site:
Shipping Weight: 102.00 lbs.

Maybe they ship it in a brick


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