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Need a third floor jack...

agdodge4x4

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Joined
May 22, 2018
Messages
64
I have 5 jacks. Two Torin Big red 3 ton jobs, one torin small trolley jack, and two Daytona Super Duty from HF. The HF ones are probably the best jack I have ever used in 40 years and that includes some in my past that were over 1000. Hands down the best. My other three Torin are humongous pieces of leaky trash.

But, I need a 'small' jack. I would like something of the quality of my Super Duty jacks but in a much smaller form factor. I mostly used these for supporting A-arms, or shocks, or something like that for install while the rest of the vehicle is on stands. But, i don't want any trash like the ones I have that bleed down before I can even put a nut on something. They ****.

Are there any Harbor Freight models that are as respected and quality as teh Daytona SD, but in smaller form factors you guys like? My BIG RED Torin jacks started bleeding down immediately after the warranty was out. They **** ballls.
 
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A

agdodge4x4

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2018
Messages
64
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I was never good at word problems...
Well, I'm kinda brain dead from doing all four struts in my expedition today, I'm kinda whooped...but I did mean what I said. I need a GOOD THIRD jack....The big reds are headed to the scrap yard, more expensive to fix. Ain't nobody got time fo dat.
 
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agdodge4x4

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Joined
May 22, 2018
Messages
64
You know hate I hate more than the way they bleed down in 30 seconds? That fact that there is no good descent control. Once you lock it to use it, it just kind of 'gives' and releases all at once when you let it down. Again, it *****. The Daytona SD models let you ease it down. Very slick.
 

BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,328
Location
Roanoke Virginia
Maybe a Daytona racing jack or one of the Daytona that isn’t the super duty ones. They are a bit smaller. Also the Pittsburgh jacks are also pretty good as well.
 

PCustoms

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Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
22,408
Location
VT
I need a GOOD THIRD jack....The big reds are headed to the scrap yard, more expensive to fix. Ain't nobody got time fo dat.

Years ago I bought the standard (2?) ton jack at HF. Has worked fine for about 15 years, done a lot of work paired with a set of the 6-ton stands. Sure at the fanciest out there but for a cheap jack I can't complain.
 

sparky 1971

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Joined
Oct 9, 2018
Messages
7,967
Location
Central Iowa
For that kind of stuff, the lightest harbor freight aluminum 1.5 ton would be my choice
That would be my recommendation. It's what I have as a fourth floor jack. It doesn't get used often, but it's perfect for supporting car parts and is small enough that I can work it while laying on my back or from a creeper.
 

Skyman

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Joined
Nov 9, 2021
Messages
1,163
Location
Central Maryland
I've been satisfied with this aluminum frame unit I bought a few years ago from Summit. Although it hasn't seen anything like daily use, it's done everything I've asked of it without complaint or problems. It might be identical to one HF sells, but I've done nothing to examine that.


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pbon

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Joined
May 14, 2017
Messages
3,498
That is the HF 1.5 tin aluminum jack. Probably jade in the same Chinese factory. Early versions had a single piston behind the handle. For a few years it has been dual piston. I have bern using them for 15 years. Currently have 2. I reach for one of them before my heavy steel 3 ton Arcan low profile long reach. Also put one in the trunk along with an extra wheel and 18V impact wrench on road trips. Had a blowout last spring and was back in the road in literally 5 minutes.
 
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Aileron

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Apr 15, 2019
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460
Location
outside
I have 5 jacks but the one i use most is the HF 4 ton. There is a difference when your pumping the handle. It doesn't strain when lifting my diesel Excursion And works just as good for the cars as long as you have the clearance. For the but its not aluminum folks, how many are actually picking them up to put them in your race car trailers? They put wheels on those heavy jacks for a reason. The 4 ton rolls better and smoother than my aluminum jacks . I also used those in my race trailer but still rolled them up the rear ramp. IMO, I personally consider that small $59 jack too small for auto work. I used mine to lift into machines to drop a 15 hp motors down and roll it out.
 

pbon

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Joined
May 14, 2017
Messages
3,498
I put my 1.5 ton aluminum jack in the trunk along with a spare wheel and impact on road trips. I used to put one in the trunk and the drag radials in the trunk and back seat when going to the strip. No way I’ll drag my 3 ton steel jack around if I have a choice and the 1.5 ton aluminum jack will do the job.

Even in my garage shop, I reach for the 1.5 ton aluminum jacks before the heavy steel jack. I have a lift if I need to do any real work on a car.

But I don’t have a diesel Expedition and don’t ever plan to have one. Any you probably don’t have 3000 and 4000 lb lowered BMWs. The jacks we choose depend on their uses.
 

Viper98912

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Joined
Oct 20, 2012
Messages
1,124
Location
GA
The 1.5 and 2 ton HF aluminum blue and silver ones are excellent little helpers
 

johninct

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 21, 2010
Messages
2,593
I jacked up the meatball of my Mercedes 300SD last week with that little HF jack no problem.
 

CraigStu

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Joined
May 22, 2014
Messages
4,017
Location
Blacksburg, Va
I’ll second that.

I wish I had bought a couple more when they used to go on sale for $59 a couple of years ago.

You do have to know their limitations, though.
That's why I now have 3 of them. After maybe 9 yrs I thought my first one was looking old and worn so I bout a second one. Maybe 1.5 yrs later I walked into HF and they were on sale. Well heck for that price...Now my old 3ton aluminum from Costco has died. I will be getting a new HF 3 ton aluminum for Christmas. In the last 3 years I haven't touched my jack stands. These little HFs are so light and easy, I use them in place of stands. None of that jack up higher than I need, adjust a stand, then lower the jack until the car sits on the stands.
 
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