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You cannot just buy any old jack for a lifted truck. Though many cars and SUVs can be jacked up with a 15-20 inch jack height, that will not be enough for a lifted truck. In this article, we outline the key things you need to consider when buying a jack for a lifted truck.
What Is A Lifted Truck?
A lifted truck is a 4×4 truck that has been modified, primarily with respect to its suspension system, so that the chassis sits higher off the ground.
In addition to changes to the suspension and different wheels and tires, the way the drive shaft is connected also needs to be adjusted.
The main reason people buy a lifted truck or do a lift conversion on their truck is to raise the chassis higher off the ground to enable more extreme 4×4 driving or for a particular work/trade purpose.
Some lift kits only raise the chassis by two inches, some raise the level by ten inches. Though ten inches doesn’t sound like much, it can have a significant impact on vehicle performance and the way it travels, and you need to adjust your driving style accordingly.
Why Do You Need A Jack For A Lifted Truck?
There are three main reasons you would need a jack for a lifted truck, like any other vehicle.
Changing Tires
The most common reason you would need a jack for your lifted truck is to change wheels if you get a puncture and need to change your tire in order to keep driving.
Repairs & Maintenance
Aside from changing tires, you may need to jack your car up at times to make it easier to get underneath for repairs and maintenance of all sorts. Though a lift kit may make it easier to get underneath in general, there still may be times when you need to raise the chassis further.
Getting Out Of A Bog
The other time a lift kit might help is if your wheel gets stuck in mud or sand of some sort. Though it can be difficult, a jack can be used to raise the wheel and pack dirt underneath if you can get a solid footing for the jack.
What Makes A Good Jack?
The best jack for you will depend on your particular circumstance and needs. Jacks vary based on how heavy a weight they can lift, how high they can lift, whether they can roll, and their warranty. The weight rating and height that you need will depend on your particular truck and its weight and chassis height.
What Features Do You Need For A Jack For A Lifted Truck?
For a lifted truck, the key consideration is the height that the jack can lift as well as the weight rating. You may want a jack with wheels as well, depending on where you plan to use it, but a jack with wheels is a lot less common.
It is also possible to get electric hydraulic jacks that lift with remote control, as opposed to needing to pump a lever yourself.
How Tall Of A Jack Do You Need For A Lifted Truck?
It is very important to assess the height required for your individual lifted truck when shopping for a jack.
Many vehicles and SUVs can be lifted by a jack with a maximum height range of 18-20 inches. However, if you have fitted a lifted truck kit, then you will need a jack that has more than 20 inches of height range.
In addition to the height, the jack needs to be steady at these extended heights. Even though some jacks will technically have a lift height of 20+ inches, when the jack gets to that level of extension, it can become very shaky and pose a significant risk for you.
If you have a lifted truck, we recommend you get a jack with a lift height of at least 25 inches, preferably 30 inches, to ensure you can get the sufficient height to safely and effectively change tires and do any other maintenance.
Just be certain that even if the lift height is enough, the weight rating is also suitable for your truck.
Tool Tally has a list of jacks that meet the height and weight requirements for many lifted trucks.
What If My Jack Doesn’t Raise My Lifted Truck?
If you find yourself with the need to raise your ruck, and the jack you have doesn’t have the capacity to lift it high enough, there are things you can try that may provide you with the height required, as a once-off, until you can locate a more suitable jack.
The most common solution to this problem is to place a jack on top of a brick, or cinder block, to increase the height. This is not recommended, as it can be less stable, but if you have no choice, then it is something you can consider. Just ensure you are being very cautious and minimize the amount of time you have the truck jacked up in this way.
Final Thoughts
Though you might be able to use a standard jack using some modifications if you have no other choice, you should look to get a suitable jack for your lifted truck as soon as possible. Ensure the jack you buy has adequate height and weight ability to safely and effectively lift your truck, preferably one with a height range of at least 25-30 inches.
The post How Tall Of A Jack Is Needed For A Lifted Truck? appeared first on The Mechanic Doctor.
