Floor Jack and Jack stands

[mercracing]

I’m picking up a Jeep tomorrow to be a fun ride around project vehicle. I don’t plan anything TOO major, but I would at least like to swap the rear brakes to disk, and add a brake booster. To do all that, I need a set of jack stands and a decent floor jack. Looking around, jack stands seem to be mostly the same? Floor jacks also seem pretty similar. Is that mostly the case or have I Googled incorrectly. The biggest things I’m looking for is safe jack stands, and a floor jack that can roll on my less than stellar concrete garage floor.

Thanks for the input.

 

[mikedodge]

Go to Harbor Freight or a parts store and buy ones tall enough to suit your need. They're all pretty much the same.

If it's in your budget aluminum jacks are nice being so light.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Daytona jack stands are good to go.

 

[liliysdad]

Whoah….lets back it up…

Way more interested in the Jeep… what ya got?

 

[mercracing]

Whoah….lets back it up…

Way more interested in the Jeep… what ya got?

I’m picking up an 85 CJ7.

 

[liliysdad]

I’m picking up an 85 CJ7.

Nice!


Couple of questions/points to consider;

1)Why the discs for the rear? The drums aren’t bad as long as you buy decent parts. Drums sure simplify the parking brake issue.

B) If you are in there, I’d strongly consider a one piece axle conversion for the AMC20.

As far as the original question, I have the Daytona stands, in 3 and 6 ton, as well as a set of 6 ton AC Delcos with the lock pin. All are just fine. As for a jack, I still have one of the old gray non low profile HF floor jacks. All work just fine for the CJ.

 

[mercracing]

Nice!


Couple of questions/points to consider;

1)Why the discs for the rear? The drums aren’t bad as long as you buy decent parts. Drums sure simplify the parking brake issue.

B) If you are in there, I’d strongly consider a one piece axle conversion for the AMC20.

As far as the original question, I have the Daytona stands, in 3 and 6 ton, as well as a set of 6 ton AC Delcos with the lock pin. All are just fine. As for a jack, I still have one of the old gray non low profile HF floor jacks. All work just fine for the CJ.

A) it’s possible drums would be fine once I do power brakes. I am more familiar with disc, so that was my logic there.

2) i’ll have to look into the one piece conversion. I believe mine is currently a two piece, but I know nothing of the reasoning or needing to switch to one piece.

 

[mrvm]

The biggest things I’m looking for is safe jack stands, and a floor jack that can roll on my less than stellar concrete garage floor.

For the Jeep a HF 3-ton Daytona floor jack and 6 ton ratcheting jack stands +safety bar will work great. For the uneven concrete floors, grass or gravel the “off-road” Bad Lands jack rolls real nice. But working on less than stellar concrete could compromise not only comfort but stability of the jack stands etc.

 

[liliysdad]

Power brakes are over rated. I’m running manual disc/drum on my CJ5. I can lock up all four tires at will.

The AMC20 rear uses a keyed hub on a tapered axle shaft. They are notorious for spinning the hub on the axle. I have a Yukon kit sitting on the shelf, waiting for me to find time.

For street use, on small tires, the two piece 20 is fine…but if you’re going to be in the axle for a disc swap anyway, you might as well do the axles at the same time.

 

[mercracing]

Power brakes are over rated. I’m running manual disc/drum on my CJ5. I can lock up all four tires at will.

The AMC20 rear uses a keyed hub on a tapered axle shaft. They are notorious for spinning the hub on the axle. I have a Yukon kit sitting on the shelf, waiting for me to find time.

For street use, on small tires, the two piece 20 is fine…but if you’re going to be in the axle for a disc swap anyway, you might as well do the axles at the same time.

This is already riding on 35s

 

[liliysdad]

This is already riding on 35s

Ok…yeah, power brakes would be handy.


On 35s I’d strongly suggest a one piece axle kit.

 

[mercracing]

Ok…yeah, power brakes would be handy.


On 35s I’d strongly suggest a one piece axle kit.

Any links you can send about where to buy, and/or a general overview of what to do?

 

[liliysdad]

TEN Factory AMC 20 axle kit

TEN Factory is associated with Motive Gear, and is pretty well regarded. It looks like Yukon stopped making their kit, which is what I have stuck back for mine.


It’s a relatively easy swap, as long as you’re familiar with pressing bearings, bearing retainers, etc. I will probably throw a lunchbox locker in my CJ while I’m in it, but I plan to keep the rear drums.

 

[mercracing]

TEN Factory AMC 20 axle kit

TEN Factory is associated with Motive Gear, and is pretty well regarded. It looks like Yukon stopped making their kit, which is what I have stuck back for mine.


It’s a relatively easy swap, as long as you’re familiar with pressing bearings, bearing retainers, etc. I will probably throw a lunchbox locker in my CJ while I’m in it, but I plan to keep the rear drums.

I’ll look into that. I think my first thing will be the brake booster.

 

[BWWgarage]

For the Jeep a HF 3-ton Daytona floor jack and 6 ton ratcheting jack stands +safety bar will work great. For the uneven concrete floors, grass or gravel the “off-road” Bad Lands jack rolls real nice. But working on less than stellar concrete could compromise not only comfort but stability of the jack stands etc.

Shouldn’t 3 ton jack stands be fine? I’d likely go 6 ton for a few $ more, but I’d think 3ton should be fine?

 

[Kscardsfan]

Just go buy Daytona stuff at HF. It's all pretty solid stuff, especially post recall. Do the axle swap, you're gonna wreck that AMC 20 on big rubber.

 

[rsanter]

High lift/long frame jack and the big jack stands are what are needed for a 4x4 truck or jeep

 

[liliysdad]

Shouldn’t 3 ton jack stands be fine? I’d likely go 6 ton for a few $ more, but I’d think 3ton should be fine?

The height of the 6 tons is what makes them better than the 3s.

 

[Kscardsfan]

The height of the 6 tons is what makes them better than the 3s.

And with the right coupon, almost the same price.

 

[mrvm]

Shouldn’t 3 ton jack stands be fine? I’d likely go 6 ton for a few $ more, but I’d think 3ton should be fine?

On the Jeep or any vehicle with high clearance the 6-ton with the wider base will be more stable plus it won’t need to be extended as much to reach the frame. But it’s handy to own both sizes depending upon the task at hand.

 

[mercracing]

Looks like Daytona floor jack and stands are the winner. What the best way to get their discounts? Is it a paid membership? Wait for the right email coupon?

 

[DAWrench]

The 3 ton are gonna be 30% of during the parking lot sale next weekend. If you have the Inside Track Membership the sale prices start tomorrow. Couple floor jacks will be on sale but don't think the Daytona will be

 

[zendriver]

I would (and did) just spend the money for 6T Daytona stands. Sure it's on a Silverado, but "more is better" seems like a good idea, when crawling around under any vehicle than can crush you if it falls.

Price difference is minimal, for something you will use forever.

 

[Cheep]

As to the power brake booster...
I have 35s on my Scrambler and stopping that thing with manual brakes takes some leg muscle. I built a hydraboost system and had to learn how to use that brake pedal all over again. Locking them up takes no effort at all.

 

[mrvm]

Harbor Freight Tools October Parking Lot Sale 2025 - Page 1

Harbor Freight Tools October Parking Lot Sale 2025

flyer.harborfreight.com

 

[M635_Guy]

Looks like Daytona floor jack and stands are the winner. What the best way to get their discounts? Is it a paid membership? Wait for the right email coupon?

If you're not in a mode of tool acquisition, the $30 price of the membership isn't worth it. If you are, it is.

The 3 ton are gonna be 30% of during the parking lot sale next weekend. If you have the Inside Track Membership the sale prices start tomorrow. Couple floor jacks will be on sale but don't think the Daytona will be

A good additional point - if you live where there's only the one HF, it's possible the jacks/stands will run out of stock during the sale, so ITC membership gives you early access.

I would (and did) just spend the money for 6T Daytona stands. Sure it's on a Silverado, but "more is better" seems like a good idea, when crawling around under any vehicle than can crush you if it falls.

Price difference is minimal, for something you will use forever.

Agree, the only thing is to make sure the minimum height works for the jack you're getting. (I'm Capt. Obvious this AM, but...)

 

[BWWgarage]

On the Jeep or any vehicle with high clearance the 6-ton with the wider base will be more stable plus it won’t need to be extended as much to reach the frame. But it’s handy to own both sizes depending upon the task at hand.

Great point ...

 

[mercracing]

Once I get the Jeep home I will measure to the bottom of the axle. I like the larger footprint of the 6 ton, and and leaning that direction. Not on sale, so i’ll get those as long as the axle height isn’t an issue. The 4 ton floor jack, i’ll potentially get this weekend when it’s on sale.

 

[Steve_P]

For a Jeep with 35" tires, for sure get the 6 ton stands since they're taller. At some point, you are going to want to support it by the frame.

 

[liliysdad]

For a Jeep with 35" tires, for sure get the 6 ton stands since they're taller. At some point, you are going to want to support it by the frame.

It’s not unusual for me to have all four of my 6 tons on the frame, and a pair of 3 tons holding an axle up.

 

[mercracing]

I just got home from picking up four of the 6 ton stands. I’ll wait for the sale next weekend to pick up the 4 ton jack.

 

[Firebrick43]

While i wont tell you not to get a HF jack, as I have a high lift version and its been acceptable, I will dissent about the HF jackstands.

They have had recall after recall on their jack stands. Spend the money and get some nice Esco pin type jack stands, Hein warner, or US Jack if you want american made.

Your life is worth it.

 

[liliysdad]

How many folks do you personally know who’ve had a HF jack stand fail?


I am not typically a HF defender, but in this case, it’s a non issue.

 

[Firebrick43]

How many folks do you personally know who’ve had a HF jack stand fail?


I am not typically a HF defender, but in this case, it’s a non issue.

That is the wonderful thing about being taught to read. We don't need to experience death personally or the death of friends and family as we can read about others mishaps.

I don't know a single person killed in an auto accident by being ejected but I can read the multitude of cases its happened.

One can go to google and simply search for yet another HF jackstand recall

 

[liliysdad]

That is the wonderful thing about being taught to read. We don't need to experience death personally or the death of friends and family as we can read about others mishaps.

I don't know a single person killed in an auto accident by being ejected but I can read the multitude of cases its happened.

One can go to google and simply search for yet another HF jackstand recall

I’m quite familiar with the recalls, to the point that one of my sets of HF stands is a replacement for the recall.

I use them all the time, as do quite literally millions of others. They are fine.

 

[Firebrick43]

I’m quite familiar with the recalls, to the point that one of my sets of HF stands is a replacement for the recall.

I use them all the time, as do quite literally millions of others. They are fine.

So did you think your first set that was replaced under recall was "fine" ?

 

[liliysdad]

So did you think your first set that was replaced under recall was "fine" ?

Yeah, they were absolutely fine. I used them a lot and never had any hint of an issue.

But…if they are going to give me a brand new pair, why not?

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I went with the 6 ton stands - for not much more cost they seemed a lot sturdier and I wanted the extra height.

This is a 1965 Corvair which doesn't weigh anything on 6 Ton Daytona jack stands.



Caught the Daytona jacks on sale - One Super Duty and one Low Profile. I have also been very happy with them.

 

[dscheidt]

So did you think your first set that was replaced under recall was "fine" ?

You should be a lot more worried about the stands made by the same factory, with the same tooling, for other brands, none of which were recalled.

 

[Firebrick43]

You should be a lot more worried about the stands made by the same factory, with the same tooling, for other brands, none of which were recalled.

I didn't recommend any stand that would have been made in the same factory now did I