Hi-Lift Jack/Multiple Uses

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by scott corrigan on March 31, 2009 at 8:28pm

Jason,

We use the hi lift jack for:
-Dash lift.
-Steering wheel pull (using chain-with and without a supportive 4x4)
-Opening doors (much like the picture you show but we prefer to invert the jack. It creates a better angle and allows the force to be applied more directly.
-creating a tent in the rear window and pushing the speaker deck/rear seat down.
-Vehicle rapid lifts (persons trapped under cars)
-Winching (requires a little more equipment-chain, jack mate etc)

The hi lift jack is a very useful tool, often overlooked. This is one of our pits we teach each year at Crunchtime in Gig Harbor.

Permalink Reply by Jason "LAMBO" Lambert on April 1, 2009 at 9:26pm

Thanks Lt.

It sounds like we are using and teaching most of the same techniques. I have a few questions for you.........

1. With the dash roll/lift, what do you use for support for the base of the Hi-Lift? I have typically been using the pike on the adz end of a haligan driven into the rocker channel about half way between the B-post and front quarter panel.

2. On the steering wheel pull technique using a 4X4 are you placing the wood over the front window connecting your chain between the jack and steering column pulling straight up on the steering column or are you placing the 4X4 on the hood and running your chain from the steering column down to the front bumper area? I prefer to use the later as the jack seems to be more stable and easier to control.

3. And the last question: Have you ever tried using a cross ram technique using the Hi-Lift?

Permalink Reply by scott corrigan on April 3, 2009 at 3:11pm

1- We equip the base with a jackmate as opposed to the base- the teeth bite in and you keep a sharper angle to drive the dash up. We try to avoid cutting, compressing or penetrating the rocker channel due to fuel lines, etc.

2- It depends on the slope of the windshield. If possible (the roofline above the windshield is intact) placing the 4x4 over the windshield and emphasizing sliding your chain deep on the column you can get more throw and movement from the steering column with fewer lifts on the jack. If the angle of the windshield does not allow for full range of jack handle movement then going over the hood with the chain to the undercarriage is the option. So plan A is 4x4 over the small h*** in the windshield, plan B is to the undercarriage.