Robert N

This may or may not be a new question, but....

I am looking for a set of jacks and stands. I will buy 4 3 ton stands with locking pins rather than just the ratching kind (better to be too safe). I was also looking at floor jacks. I was planning on a 2 1/2 to 3 ton jack and probably 2. I know a good 2 1/2 ton will do the job.

As I was checking out options, I came across 4 ton and better "bottle jacks". Given that they are essentially similar to the ones on many of the newer full size trucks (including my Dodge Ram) and SUVs, are far cheaper than the floor models, are smaller and easy to store, and that I would never climb under the car without stands present, I need some opinions.

Should I get 4 ton bottle jacks or 2 1/2 ton floor jacks? Anybody using them?

The_Dude

I just bought one of these from Schuck's and am extremely happy with it. It's probably made in China, but it still seems to be a quality item. It's on sale for $149 this week around here. I've seen the exact same jack in a speciality automotive catalog for $450. :cheers:



[Modified by The_Dude, 8:48 PM 9/3/2003]

NHvette

IMO - the floor jacks are easier to move, locate, and fit under low cars.
I've been eyeing a 2 ton "long frame" floor jack at HF. It has something like
a 30 inch lift - making it useful for the 'vette AND the Tahoe.

XLAR8R

I have one of those long handled floor jacks from HF and love it.
For the Vette I jack it up under the saddle (under the pulley) and
stick the handle out between the spoiler and front tire, works fine.

79 Midnight Blue L82

Floor jacks are much more stable and safer. Bottle jacks have a tendancy to tip over rather easily. As you are lifting your car up the car will naturally want to move toward the end that is not being lifted and the bottle jacks with a small base on them will roll right on over. Having said that, bottle jacks are certainly handy and have their places, but, I prefer to not use them to lift cars with.

Robert N

Thanks for the replies. I am not concerned about the cost, but thought that dollar for dollar, the bottle jacks may have offered an advantage. Doesn't seem that way.

Robert

JB

I agree with the above--bottle jacks are only slightly better than the scissor jack that came with the car. Floor jacks are so much more stable and easier to use, and you don't have to get down on your hands and knees to use 'em. The ones made for trucks with the extra high lift are especially nice, as you can really put the car up there if you need to.

JB

timbo79

That powerbuilt floor jack the dude has is the same as mine. I saw at Kragen for 149. I paid 199 pre sale, but it is a good jack and lightweight (aluminum)

OkeeGuy

i bought this set and love it...3-1/2 ton jack and 2 jack stands...$149.99

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1926 450700.1062651205@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjad cjfjfmmdkcehgcemgdffmdflf.0&vertical=SEA RS&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=00950148000


[Modified by SIGNGUY, 12:56 AM 9/4/2003]


[Modified by SIGNGUY, 12:56 AM 9/4/2003]

USA SHARK

I just bought the same set from Sears as signguy this past weekend. They were 50% off ($79.99). I also bought 2 more 3 1/2 stands for $24.99. Re-doing the front end and they are great!

They may still be on sale.

Robert N

Thanks guys. Looks like I need to head to Sears this weekend.

TheVin

Go to Sears went this weekend got the 50% off the 3 1/2 tons jack and stands $75 can't go wrong----

OkeeGuy

and its a darn good quality jack too!


[Modified by SIGNGUY, 7:40 AM 9/5/2003]

norvalwilhelm

Stay awayfrom bottle jacks. They are not for our cars, they are used on farm machinery and the likes.
Also stay away from the 2 1/4 and 1 1/2 ton jacks. While you think they do the job they are too small and pushed to the limit when doing anything on our cars.
Go for the larger 3 ton or better. I have 2 3 ton jacks and 2 2 1/2 ton jacks and only use the smaller ones like jack stands to steady a load.
If I grab one of the 2 1/2 ton jacks to carry from the shop to the main garage at the house it barely does the job for changing a tire.
Spend the money now and get 2 good 3 ton or better jacks, take care of them and they last forever.
Play safe and with 2 you can lift and support better. Jack stands are ok and I have a shop full of them but I still like using double or triple jacks better. They seem to take up the load better then fixed jack stands.
The 3 ton jacks also are alot larger, more stable with a longer handle and faster rise with their larger piston.

Tominator

[QUOTE]i bought this set and love it...3-1/2 ton jack and 2 jack stands...$149.99

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1926 450700.1062651205@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjad cjfjfmmdkcehgcemgdffmdflf.0&vertical=SEA RS&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=00950148000

I got this one for Christmas and really ike it too.

Scooter70

The Harbor Freight aluminum floorjack is sweet. You can even get them in blue, red, or gold.... $150.