Need good floor jack

[JohnFreeman]

I've got one of those China-Mart "2 ton" floor jacks that pretty much does lift my cars, but I always feel like it's one pump away from collapsing. I'd like to get a better jack, something in between the $29 junk I have now, and the 200 lb monsters seen at auto repair shops.

Can anyone recommend one?

John

 

[Jay H 237]

I'm interested to see the responses too as I'll be looking for one too. I did find a good looking one at NAPA for about $200 that seemed very well made. Looked like a rebranded Lincoln model to me. I may wind up just pulling the trigger on that one.

I have been using a 1971 Norco jack that was my grandfather's but it is having trouble lifting lately. Replacing the fluid and bleeding it hasn't helped. A local hydralic place that services jacks looked at it and said repair wasn't worth it as the parts aren't available for it anymore. They could get seals and that was it.

 

[krehmkej]

I looked at lots and wound up with the NAPA 3-1/2 tonner. Not cheap but real solid and very controllable.

My $0.03, YMMV.

 

[t100]

i have a costco big red jack(forgot the name), it worked really wellk, smooth as hell. i think i paid 100 for it. it weights about 110#

 

[Jay H 237]

I looked at lots and wound up with the NAPA 3-1/2 tonner. Not cheap but real solid and very controllable.

My $0.03, YMMV.

Nice to know, I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy one of the NAPA ones as they do seem well built and they are local so no shipping either.

 

[Hiball]

Nice to know, I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy one of the NAPA ones as they do seem well built and they are local so no shipping either.

Im fairly sure the line that napa carries now is Taiwanese and extremely overpriced. You can find the same identical jack with different color scheme alot cheaper, Look for Sunex jacks.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

NAPA frequently has the floor jack and two jack stands in a combo box on sale. It used to be $199, probably more now. It is lots more than that regular price. Those are good jacks, I have one and have been impressed with the quality of it.

Read these "what is a good jack" threads for more info.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21976

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30712

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21976

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11457

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14880

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20643

 

[Hiball]

This subject has been gone over many tmes on this forum and im still gonna go with the proven winners. Yes, you can spend $200 buy a Napa, sunex, Omega, Mountain which are all the same jack with different color schemes and stickers and in the end you are gonna have 3.5 ton rated (what a joke) jack that you will get some use out of then when it does fail you are gonna be limited on repair parts. Or you can fork over $75 to $100 bucks more and get a quality Hein werner unit http://www.jackxchange.com/products/HW93642.cfm or a http://www.jackxchange.com/products/HW93652.cfm and has 60+ years of history to back it up. I can source those hein werner 2 ton complete rebuild kits for less than $30 bucks and i have rebuilt 100's of those designed jacks over the years and except for the real early year walker designs, most hard parts are available, Try and find a current Napa rebuild kit?!??? I am in no way knocking anybodys current jack, I am only posting the facts that are readily available via the internet. Another thing we as americans are hung up on having the biggest of everything, just because one jack is rated at 3.5 tons and another at 2 tons doesnt mean squat. I would wager that the ram size on that 3.5 ton is fairly close to the hein werner 2 ton i referenced above and that is the indication of workable tonnage not a sticker or over aggressive overload.

 

[krooser]

I have a JAP made Sears that I bought in 1988 when I was racing my modified in Florida during Speed Weeks. We got to the track and found I had forgotten to load the floor jack. Paid $99.00 for it and it's been bulletproof.

Today I would LOVE to own an AC jack but no one seems to have them in stock. GJ member Ultgar used to sell them... nice jack.

http://ultimategarage.com/

 

[Charles (in GA)]

This subject has been gone over many tmes on this forum and im still gonna go with the proven winners. Yes, you can spend $200 buy a Napa, sunex, Omega, Mountain which are all the same jack with different color schemes and stickers and in the end you are gonna have 3.5 ton rated (what a joke) jack that you will get some use out of then when it does fail you are gonna be limited on repair parts. Or you can fork over $75 to $100 bucks more and get a quality Hein werner unit http://www.jackxchange.com/products/HW93642.cfm or a http://www.jackxchange.com/products/HW93652.cfm and has 60+ years of history to back it up.

I seem to recall that the current USA made Hein Werner jack is the old Lincoln design, not the original HW design, and the company is owned by a Chinese company.

Charles

 

[Hiball]

I have a JAP made Sears that I bought in 1988 when I was racing my modified in Florida during Speed Weeks. We got to the track and found I had forgotten to load the floor jack. Paid $99.00 for it and it's been bulletproof.

The older Jap jacks were designed much better than todays stuff, For instance they actually used Poly cups on the ram instead of orings inside of poly shells, Nice bulky orings on the pump vs the smaller version that dont have enough contact area.

Today I would LOVE to own an AC jack but no one seems to have them in stock. GJ member Ultgar used to sell them... nice jack.

http://ultimategarage.com/

I must say in the 20 years of hydraulic jack repair i have never seen a AC jack and after thumbing thru there site it still draws blanks.

 

[Hiball]

I seem to recall that the current USA made Hein Werner jack is the old Lincoln design, not the original HW design, and the company is owned by a Chinese company.

Charles

Hein werner canned 50+ years of there own design when they purchased Lincoln in the early 90's mainly because the 60+ years that originated with walker before lincoln was superior. Yes Hein werners parent company is Shinn Fu but the same design that hein werner uses is today is Strictly American Walker design and has stood the test of time in the hydraulic jack field.

 

[norry]

Thought this was an interesting introduction to the field:

http://www.hyjacks.com/H2.HTM

No affiliation, but have to say I am THRILLED with the vintage Walkers I picked up a month or two back. I have a Chinese "2 ton" from 7-8 years ago, a "2 ton" jack of unknown provenance from 20-30 years ago, and a Walker "2 ton" from the 50s or so. I can pick up the Chinese one in one hand without excessive strain. The Walker, it took 2 of us to load it in my Caprice wagon. That same 4000+ pound car was my test object before I paid for the jacks, and it can lift an entire side of the car almost effortlessly. It's going to need a rebuild kit soon... but it's worth rebuilding!

 

[Hiball]

Thought this was an interesting introduction to the field:

http://www.hyjacks.com/H2.HTM

No affiliation, but have to say I am THRILLED with the vintage Walkers I picked up a month or two back. I have a Chinese "2 ton" from 7-8 years ago, a "2 ton" jack of unknown provenance from 20-30 years ago, and a Walker "2 ton" from the 50s or so. I can pick up the Chinese one in one hand without excessive strain. The Walker, it took 2 of us to load it in my Caprice wagon. That same 4000+ pound car was my test object before I paid for the jacks, and it can lift an entire side of the car almost effortlessly. It's going to need a rebuild kit soon... but it's worth rebuilding!

Another thing people dont realize when there searching for jack is exactly what you described, You referenced a 2 ton jack and a 4000lb car. When you are lifting the front end or the rear end of the car you are not nearly maxed out on tonnage. Now if you could put the jack in the center of the car and it had perfect 50/50 ratio you would be at tonnage. The point im trying to make is i get people that come into my shop and start assuming that they need a 4 ton jack because they have a 3/4 ton pickup and they want to be able to rotate there tires. Do they really need one? Probably not but i do take the time to explain the benefits of the long frame jacks vs the typical 2 ton smaller/shorter frame etc. Dont get hung up on the jacks tonnage, instead take the time to actually figure out what you need. Btw when you do need rebuild kits for you jack give me a shout i keep many fresh kits in stock and rotate anything over 2 years of shelf life back to my suppliers.

 

[fordracing200]

I've got the 3ton craftsman, came with 2 jackstands and a creeper on sale for 99.99, lifts my 6500lb F250 just fine, never feels weak or insufficent.

 

[Vinko]

I have a JAP made Sears that I bought in 1988 when I was racing my modified in Florida during Speed Weeks. We got to the track and found I had forgotten to load the floor jack. Paid $99.00 for it and it's been bulletproof.

Today I would LOVE to own an AC jack but no one seems to have them in stock. GJ member Ultgar used to sell them... nice jack.

http://ultimategarage.com/

Yes, I'd love one too. I notice that he's currently he's got the Chinese knock-off of the AC jack.

I just ordered an HW jack -- I haven't yet received it, but the whole Made in the USA thing is a bit disingenuous considering some (all?) the machined parts seem to be made off-shore.

 

[krooser]

The older Jap jacks were designed much better than todays stuff, For instance they actually used Poly cups on the ram instead of orings inside of poly shells, Nice bulky orings on the pump vs the smaller version that dont have enough contact area.



I must say in the 20 years of hydraulic jack repair i have never seen a AC jack and after thumbing thru there site it still draws blanks.

Sorry... I didn't mean to say that Ultgar sold AC's... he used to but had problems importing them IIRC.

Here's AC's website...

http://www.ac-hydraulic.com/?mode=showproductcatlist

I like them because they are really low profile, the handle is pretty ez to use and they are smooth. I had a chance to use one several years ago and it was really nice.

 

[franzdom]

Love the AC but the Costco one looks really good if I was in the market now...

 

[nafarmboy]

Very interesting thread, considering I just dragged this one out of an old barn I am about to have torn down. I bought it from the owner of a service station where I worked while I was in high school 30 some odd years ago. I used it while I worked there and then in my own shop for several years at home before it was replaced with one of the bargain brand compact 1 ton units. I have recently built bigger garage and was thinking about rebuilding it since I actually have enough room to use it now. Hiball, you mentioned rebuild kits and your rebuilding services. Is it rocket science to rebuild one or something an average person could do. I was surprised it still pumps up but if I remember right it leaks down. I was thinking about throwing it on scrap pile till I saw what some of these vintage longjacks are bringing on ebay and other internet places.
nafarmboy

 

[jshillin]

I have a Ranger long frame, low profile floor jack and it works great. Fits under my lowered cars and lifts my Ranger sitting on 32's with no problem. I paid $290 shipped for it...

 

[BigRed390]

I have a Ranger long frame, low profile floor jack and it works great. Fits under my lowered cars and lifts my Ranger sitting on 32's with no problem. I paid $290 shipped for it...

I've got the same one. I'd highly recommend it. It's a 1 1/2 ton, but the materials used are heavier than my 3 ton, and the construction is worlds better than most stuff you find painted orange in certain "Port Cargo" stores. VERY nice product.

 

[Git]

I just recently bought one of those - the Ranger low profile jack (RFJ-3000LPF)

I was a little disappointed with the handle - where the two pieces fit together, the joint is rather sloppy and the top part of the handle can move around about an inch. It feels kind of shoddy. Anyone else's like that?

 

[Hiball]

Very interesting thread, considering I just dragged this one out of an old barn I am about to have torn down. I bought it from the owner of a service station where I worked while I was in high school 30 some odd years ago. I used it while I worked there and then in my own shop for several years at home before it was replaced with one of the bargain brand compact 1 ton units. I have recently built bigger garage and was thinking about rebuilding it since I actually have enough room to use it now. Hiball, you mentioned rebuild kits and your rebuilding services. Is it rocket science to rebuild one or something an average person could do. I was surprised it still pumps up but if I remember right it leaks down. I was thinking about throwing it on scrap pile till I saw what some of these vintage longjacks are bringing on ebay and other internet places.
nafarmboy

I wouldnt say its rocket science, but takes some common sense and a selection of tools along with a good vice. The jack pictured is either a Late Walker, or Early Lincoln jack and its hard to tell by the picture but looks to be 4 ton but you first need to identify the modle number. There should be a plate at the base of the handle where it mounts to the frame. My biggest concern looking that jack is the condition, It looks rusty and if the frame is rusty i would be concerned about the actuall pumps and ram, Not to mention the time its gonna take to break that baby down. If your wanting to rebuild it, Get it up on a table. I use a rollaround cart where i can get on both sides, Start on one side and remove all the nuts on the cross pins, Front wheel and the big nut on the main lifting arm. Then disconect the U-joint where the release rod meets the actual unit itself, There should be a cotter pin or a small bolt (it will probably break), Disconnect the pump linkage. Essentially what your gonna do is take off 1 of the sides so you can get to the actual Unit, as you will notice that it ears on it that sit inside the frame. Probably wouldnt hurt to spray everything down with a Rust buster or something similar. You can spend upwards to a day sometimes getting rusted jacks apart trying not to damage them. Once you get to this point then i will go from there analyzing the condition of the pumps, ram and if you have the dreaded spanner tank nut.

 

[fordbroncodave]

i want an otc jack or the ATD look alike snap on jack.

i am having a hard time finding a jack that lifts 23 inches high. its essential for big pick up trucks and utility

 

[Hiball]

i want an otc jack or the ATD look alike snap on jack.

i am having a hard time finding a jack that lifts 23 inches high. its essential for big pick up trucks and utility

23" is gonna be a stretch to find, Most jacks only lift to around 20". How big of truck are you lifting? Unless its a Monster truck or rolling on 47" tires i would think you would be able to find a lower lifting point.

 

[Git]

That Ranger low profile jack I pictured above will lift to 24"

 

[Hiball]

That Ranger low profile jack I pictured above will lift to 24"

http://www.gesusa.com/Ranger-RFJ-2TX-Floor-Jack-p/118330.htm

According to the specifications it will lift to 31 1/2", Im not familiar with that design nor brand but they offer free shipping in the above link. I might add, Im not sure if i would want to be around that thing at 31" letalone trying to get some stands under it. That rear pivot coupled with the foot print of that jack gives me the chills.

 

[jshillin]

http://www.gesusa.com/Ranger-RFJ-2TX-Floor-Jack-p/118330.htm

According to the specifications it will lift to 31 1/2", Im not familiar with that design nor brand but they offer free shipping in the above link. I might add, Im not sure if i would want to be around that thing at 31" letalone trying to get some stands under it. That rear pivot coupled with the foot print of that jack gives me the chills.

The one he has is the same as mine, RFJ-3000LPF. The lift is advertised at 24", I measured 25" on mine fully lifted.

 

[nafarmboy]

I wouldnt say its rocket science, but takes some common sense and a selection of tools along with a good vice. The jack pictured is either a Late Walker, or Early Lincoln jack and its hard to tell by the picture but looks to be 4 ton but you first need to identify the modle number. There should be a plate at the base of the handle where it mounts to the frame. My biggest concern looking that jack is the condition, It looks rusty and if the frame is rusty i would be concerned about the actuall pumps and ram, Not to mention the time its gonna take to break that baby down. If your wanting to rebuild it, Get it up on a table. I use a rollaround cart where i can get on both sides, Start on one side and remove all the nuts on the cross pins, Front wheel and the big nut on the main lifting arm. Then disconect the U-joint where the release rod meets the actual unit itself, There should be a cotter pin or a small bolt (it will probably break), Disconnect the pump linkage. Essentially what your gonna do is take off 1 of the sides so you can get to the actual Unit, as you will notice that it ears on it that sit inside the frame. Probably wouldnt hurt to spray everything down with a Rust buster or something similar. You can spend upwards to a day sometimes getting rusted jacks apart trying not to damage them. Once you get to this point then i will go from there analyzing the condition of the pumps, ram and if you have the dreaded spanner tank nut.

It was bought new around 1972 to 1975. It is a Walker 2 ton 4 1/2 to 25 (I think)inch lift range. It has a tag but the middle numbers are rubbed off looks like either J432,J430,J480, or J482. Dont know if that helps. It has been in the dry and the rust is just surface rust, frame is still very sound. It was stored with ram contracted, it pumps up now and doesnt seem to have any rusts or pits on ram. I realize it would have to be torn down to really tell. I didnt mean to sound like I was trying to dodge paying to have rebuilt, I was just considering to keep from having to ship 200 lb jack 2 ways. I am very capable of tearing down the frame and getting the cylinder out. Maybe I could tear it down and just send cylinder to you. I'll call you sometime during to day and we will see if we can figurre out what model it is and if you have or can get kit for it.
nafarmboy

 

[fordbroncodave]

23" is gonna be a stretch to find, Most jacks only lift to around 20". How big of truck are you lifting? Unless its a Monster truck or rolling on 47" tires i would think you would be able to find a lower lifting point.

dual purpose for installing transmissions and gas tanks on the ground as well as a truck with larger tires then normal.

 

[Hiball]

It was bought new around 1972 to 1975. It is a Walker 2 ton 4 1/2 to 25 (I think)inch lift range. It has a tag but the middle numbers are rubbed off looks like either J432,J430,J480, or J482. Dont know if that helps. It has been in the dry and the rust is just surface rust, frame is still very sound. It was stored with ram contracted, it pumps up now and doesnt seem to have any rusts or pits on ram. I realize it would have to be torn down to really tell. I didnt mean to sound like I was trying to dodge paying to have rebuilt, I was just considering to keep from having to ship 200 lb jack 2 ways. I am very capable of tearing down the frame and getting the cylinder out. Maybe I could tear it down and just send cylinder to you. I'll call you sometime during to day and we will see if we can figurre out what model it is and if you have or can get kit for it.
nafarmboy

No i understand its not very cost effective to ship the entire jack, I guessing J132 is your model and i keep almost all walker/lincoln kits in stock. I have homemade jigs where i can bench/load test a jack without the frame. If you have any problems while you are trying to get it apart Just give me a shout and we'll see if we can get you headed in the right direction. Depending on the series number i might be able to help you decide whether you want to tackle it yourself.

 

[nafarmboy]

Hiball,
Sounds like a plan. I just built new garage at the house and have a plate full of outside projects, so jack may be put on winter list but when I start it up I will give you a shout and we will decide if I should attack it or send cylinder to you. I would imagine the latter would be the best.
nafarmboy

 

[ni[x]it]

I can source those hein werner 2 ton complete rebuild kits for less than $30 bucks and i have rebuilt 100's of those designed jacks over the years and except for the real early year walker designs, most hard parts are available,

I'd never buy a Jack (or jacks) that needed rebuilding 100s of times.
If they are that bad, you should have said that instead.

 

[wadd1]

i have a costco big red jack(forgot the name), it worked really wellk, smooth as hell. i think i paid 100 for it. it weights about 110#

+1 bought one at Costco last year
works very well
I think its a Torin

 

[Hiball]

I'd never buy a Jack (or jacks) that needed rebuilding 100s of times.
If they are that bad, you should have said that instead.

Thats a awesome theory you have there, But im in the Hydraulic jack repair business and have been for over 20 years. Im not saying that i rebuild the same jack 100x's just the same model for hundreds of customers. Brilliant!!!

 

[CamarosRus]

HiBall, Been reading the many Floorjack Threads on this site until I'm dazed and confused.

Asking that you and any other knowledgeable experienced member..........
draw some conclusions and LIST your picks for best buy/best bang for the buck, etc etc
for us home based amatuer "want to be" mechanics.

I'm talking imported because of the value, but still with some amount of quality. Are there ANY Jacks that can still be bought using these both these words.....

Also include low models and jacks that raise more than 19"

Just looking for experts to post up conclusions of all these comments...........

Thanks so much,

 

[Hiball]

HiBall, Been reading the many Floorjack Threads on this site until I'm dazed and confused.

Asking that you and any other knowledgeable experienced member..........
draw some conclusions and LIST your picks for best buy/best bang for the buck, etc etc
for us home based amatuer "want to be" mechanics.

I'm talking imported because of the value, but still with some amount of quality. Are there ANY Jacks that can still be bought using these both these words.....

Also include low models and jacks that raise more than 19"

Just looking for experts to post up conclusions of all these comments...........

Thanks so much,

My gut is telling me the "best" value is to stick with the Name brand stuff, Walker, Lincoln, Hein werner, Weaver but try and find it Used, Not working, Leaking etc and rebuild it yourself. When you get into the asian market there really is only a couple major players and they supply there design to all the Us competitors in numerous different colors and badging. The only problem with these jacks isnt the design its been around forever, Its the poor parts that they use today. As far as the New Low profile rage that is hitting the Us market lately i really can speculate because im not familiar with its design but im guessing that its internals are the same Pissy orings and with mininum sealing area and Poly shells on the Ram instead of Ucups. Really its up the purchaser to weigh there options on if they are mechanically up to rebuilding a jack and what there budget is. Hope this helps.

 

[norry]

I'd never buy a Jack (or jacks) that needed rebuilding 100s of times.
If they are that bad, you should have said that instead.

I think it's more a matter of being worth rebuilding and being able to source parts to do so. Also keep in mind that the robust construction of the old jacks invites people to abuse them by lifting loads FAR beyond their rated capacity... which doesn't do the moving parts any favors. My 'other' Walker is a 3 ton from (my best guess) the 1940s. Even compared to the 2 ton it's overbuilt to the point of being funny. And the frame is tweaked! What on earth were they lifting with it, a Sherman tank? Maybe an Aircraft carrier?

 

[Dust]

The 3 ton jack I bought at Kragen many years ago has never failed me. It's been left out in the rain, never serviced, and just generally neglected, but it's always done the job.

It's Powerbuilt brand, for what it's worth.