Which floor jack do I get?

[mynetdude]

Low profile? Extra long?

My C5 isn't lowered, so there's a lot of clearance, just doesn't seem like it. I also want to be able to use whatever jack I get to work with my F150 pickup as well so most 3 ton jacks aren't low profile if that's what I need for the C5.

[rebelyell22]

Most if not all low profile jacks will work. Something like this should be good http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6598_200326598

[mynetdude]

Originally Posted by rebelyell22

Most if not all low profile jacks will work. Something like this should be good http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6598_200326598

so I def want low profile, ok here's the one I'm thinking of its more expensive than the one linked here but this has pretty good reviews too

http://www.amazon.com/Arcan-ALJ3T-Al...rds=floor+jack

[rebelyell22]

That should work

[Aequitas & Veritas]

These are great jacks as well

aluminum http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-a...ump-61386.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-l...ump-61253.html

[mynetdude]

I saw the harbor freight jacks, kinda staying away from them as I've heard they are good but not great.

[Scalded Dog]

If you are going to CARRY one, as I do, in the car, aluminum will be the way to go, for its weight qualities.

[el ess A]

A lot depends on how often and how you plan on using it. If every week you're using the pee out of it, stay away from the cheaper versions. If once in a blue moon, those little aluminum racing jacks for cheap just may do the trick.

Omega low-profile or Hein-Werner standard (no low profiles that I'm aware of). Not cheapies, but will suffice and are trusted jacks. As long as you're not trying to lift the entire car, a 2 ton unit should be ok. But with a truck, you may want to up to a 3 ton unit, but that's optional.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9613_200329613

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5577_200325577


With that said, you could buy a bunch of cheap ones for 80 bucks each like 4 times over for the same price. But if you spring for a good one up front, you might not have to worry about buying a 2nd one... And putting jack stands under the car is less scary with a good jack.

[trashmanssd]

Originally Posted by mynetdude

so I def want low profile, ok here's the one I'm thinking of its more expensive than the one linked here but this has pretty good reviews too

http://www.amazon.com/Arcan-ALJ3T-Al...rds=floor+jack

I have Sunex tool cart that I bought they are made by Arcan and its well made and works great. Most may not know the name but the do make a lot stuff for other brands and its C+/B- stuff great for homeowner hobbyist and fine for shops.

[motorhead]

For me, I want quality when it comes to safety. I buy quality jacks and jack stands. Also if you carry in your car make sure it is secured. I hit a phone pole in a trans am one time and the floor jack came out through the quarter panel. It would have surly came through the back seat if I would have hit head on.

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by motorhead

...Also if you carry in your car make sure it is secured. I hit a phone pole in a trans am one time and the floor jack came out through the quarter panel. It would have surly came through the back seat if I would have hit head on.

That's an excellent point: Secured, and lighter weight makes for better safety.

[Aequitas & Veritas]

Originally Posted by mynetdude

I saw the harbor freight jacks, kinda staying away from them as I've heard they are good but not great.

I own two, one aluminum and one steel. Had the aluminum one for years. Never had any issues with either them, just thought I would throw the idea out there

[mynetdude]

I don't think I'll be using it a lot; but I will be using it to get the vehicle on jack stands; both my vehicles come with their own scissor jacks (probably not as great as those aluminum jacks).

I've never seen anyone try to lift a whole vehicle using a single jack; I've seen them use two jacks though. If I had $2,300 I'd buy the portable vehicle lift system from Costco (actually sold by another vendor) which picks up exactly not more than 3 tons (my F150 is 5,600lbs so it has a little room but not much).

I like the northern tools 2 ton low profile jack, looks sturdier than some of the other 2 ton jacks I've seen; but I don't think I'd want to pick up an F150 with that even if its to just get it on a jack stand (I'm getting 6 ton rated jack stands with double locking)

[MrFrost]

Agree with everyone else, a low boy jack is a must. When I first tried to jack mine up to change my shifter, I had to drive mine up on some 2x12 cuts of wood to get a regular jack under the front because the lower air dam blocked it from going under at normal height