Hi lift or exhaust jack

[05bass]

Just new to the forum.

I was wondering whether it would be best to purchase an exhaust jack or hi lift for the upcoming trip to the Cape.

Hoping to do most of the OTL - but have some 4 wheel drive experience rather than heaps - and a standard 4wheel drive.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[batesy]

Bass,

I've never used an exhaust jack, so personally I'd always go for the hi-lift.

Built to last ... mechanical, so no punctures etc ... can even be used as the worlds slowest hand-winch if desperate!

Remember to take some WD40 for the linkages. Once dust and mud coats them it doesn't operate as smoothly.

I also carry a base plate with mine, so I can rest the base of the jack on something with greaer surface area in the mud. My base plate is simply a 300-400mm diameter circle of thick marine ply.

The only problem I've ever had with a hi-lift is the actual height of the lift... choose your lifting points wisely, because the higher you lift the car the more angle is placed on the jack. Once the buggers let go then look out.

Do not crawl under the car at anytime.

Also, don't lift on alloy sidesteps - they bend. you can get a little clip from one of the manufacturers that attaches to the rim somewhere - never used them myself but I'd be keen to give them a go.

[Nedly]

G'day 05Bass,
The advice I have been given is that Hi-Lift jacks are primarily to be used as recovery equipment, apparently they are very unstable and are used to 'push' the truck sideways.
As Batesy says, they can also be used to winch yourself out, slowly.
For changing tyres they are not ideal.
An exhaust jack is much more stable and is easy to use, also there is no mechanical parts that can 'fail'.
It is lighter and easier to pack, etc.

Anyway, that's what I have been told, haven't used either, maybe the guy just wanted to sell me an exhaust jack.
Neither of my trucks have much of a lift, I just use the supplied jack on a 300x300 hardwood base.
I am thinking about getting an exhaust jack though.

Probably like taking coal to Newcastle but, make sure the truck has stable chocs under the the axles, as example,. before even thinking about getting under the vehicle, I'm told that vehicles can be heavy to lift off.

[batesy]

Yep, go the standard jack for tyre changes.

I only use the hi-lift to fill under the wheels when bogged. Of course, it all depends how bogged you are. I'd much prefer some generous fella in a Patrol to come along and snatch me out!

[rushy]

ive got both a hilift and air bag. hi lifts the best bead braker youll ever get. just whack your tyre under the bullbar and jack her up dont even work up a sweat. the air bar can be a bit like the hi lift a bit of stuffing a round to get it in just the right place to lift. i dont leave home without either of them. rushy