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how big of a floor jack do i need?

monster1

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Jan 8, 2012
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The heaviest load id put on it would be lifting the front end on my Dodge 2500 diesel one side at a time. I have a 2.5 ton right now but want to get a better one because it isn't smooth and tends to drop too quickly. Its an older HF 2.5 ton.
 
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skruft

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May 9, 2011
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I don't see that you would need a higher capacity than that, maybe just heavier duty. I have a 2-ton and 4-ton, both very old, and either one lifts one side of one end just fine. (Of course, don't get under there with any jack as the only support. I dropped a 1966 Lincoln on myself that way.)
 

Syndicate

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Aug 10, 2011
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I don't see that you would need a higher capacity than that, maybe just heavier duty. I have a 2-ton and 4-ton, both very old, and either one lifts one side of one end just fine. (Of course, don't get under there with any jack as the only support. I dropped a 1966 Lincoln on myself that way.)

I agree. You should be fine with a 2 to a 2-1/2 ton jack. Craftsman are decent walkers are better. I have a blue point racing 3 ton and a snap on 5 ton. I used to use craftsman 3 ton and walker 3 ton before I got my newer ones.
Sears is dismantling their business, I would check with them. Also might want to check out www.tooltopia.com they have some deals too. Good luck with your search.
 

GirlnAgarage

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The heaviest load id put on it would be lifting the front end on my Dodge 2500 diesel one side at a time. I have a 2.5 ton right now but want to get a better one because it isn't smooth and tends to drop too quickly. Its an older HF 2.5 ton.


I ran my Ram to the Cat scale last weekend. 4500lbs on the front (4wd).

My current jack is a 2.5T but I don't feel comfortable using it. While it's still within weight, it's narrow and has a small seat. It'll do but I want a nice wide 3T instead. Least for some stability and some peace of mind. I used this 2.5T on my small suv in Japan. I had an instance when I thought it moved on me, tipped rather, when I had it pretty extended for suspension work. Made me nervous so I'm not thrilled to use it on the truck. Especially that the jack points on the axles are up higher than the last truck.
 
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monster1

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Jan 8, 2012
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704
I ran my Ram to the Cat scale last weekend. 4500lbs on the front (4wd).

My current jack is a 2.5T but I don't feel comfortable using it. While it's still within weight, it's narrow and has a small seat. It'll do but I want a nice wide 3T instead. Least for some stability and some peace of mind. I used this 2.5T on my small suv in Japan. I had an instance when I thought it moved on me, tipped rather, when I had it pretty extended for suspension work. Made me nervous so I'm not thrilled to use it on the truck. Especially that the jack points on the axles are up higher than the last truck.

this jack i have now definately strains on my truck and takes several more pumps than when i use it on the car. i think that the hf 3 or 4 ton would be a good choice and they have gotten really good reviews. now, if i can just find a coupon. there are a ton of them for sale on ebay but i just can't bring myself to pay someone for something that they really don't have any business selling.
 
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GirlnAgarage

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this jack i have now definately strains on my truck and takes several more pumps than when i use it on the car. i think that the hf 3 or 4 ton would be a good choice and they have gotten really good reviews. now, if i can just find a coupon. there are a ton of them for sale on ebay but i just can't bring myself to pay someone for something that they really don't have any business selling.


Yeah, jeep your eye out for a coupon. I'll check CL now and again for something close by. Eventually I guess.

Oh, on getting the truck up, I've seen guys run it up on ramps and then start jacking it up from there. That way you don't have to jack it all the way, just that last bit to get them on your stands. I've never tried it but makes sense. Also if you put one side up at a time the truck axle is flexing at a much lower angle.
 

nso123

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Sep 20, 2011
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Dunlap, TN
I got a 3.5 ton Arcan for my 08 F250. It will lift the front end from the center with no problem. It is also low profile and will fit under cars.
 

wreckerman5357

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Dec 2, 2011
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373
Get a 3 or 3.5 ton. More than enough for any pickup. Last week I tried to jack up the front left of a powerstroke with one of the shop's 2 tons. Wouldn't do it, had to wrangle the 4 ton out of the corner. Diesel pickups are heavy as hell up front.
 

Danglerb

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Sep 6, 2007
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The heaviest load id put on it would be lifting the front end on my Dodge 2500 diesel one side at a time. I have a 2.5 ton right now but want to get a better one because it isn't smooth and tends to drop too quickly. Its an older HF 2.5 ton.

Thats pretty much what separates the cheap from the expensive jacks, both lift the load, but a quality jack drops it smooth and controlled. If you want a nice one, maybe look for a good old jack or pay the premium for one of the nice new ones.
 
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