Davis M
 Basic Member Posts:238
 | | 05 Jun 2007 08:07 AM |
| Thanks for the recs on which hi-lift to get in my other thread. Now I have a usage question…. I noticed a brief comment on the EP re something called a Jackstrap (http://www.rimrockmtn.com). This contraption is used to restrain the suspension allowing easier lifting with the Hi-Lift. The concept seems simple enough but I’m wondering if this is common practice for experienced off roaders and if there are other ways to accomplish the same task. In my mind, it would seem that anything that can help reduce the overall height of a lift would be safer/better. Any thoughts, common practices, tools/materials needed, how-tos, processes, etc.would be much appreciated? d |
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Craig Miller Posts:11803
 | | 05 Jun 2007 08:30 AM |
| It is a good idea. I've never done it though. Perhaps a strong ratchet strap?
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Peter Carey
 Veteran Member Posts:2829
 | | 05 Jun 2007 08:59 AM |
| using one would be handy when you have a lot of travel. I've been thinking of throwing a simple ratchet strap in for such an occassion. |
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Davis M
 Basic Member Posts:238
 | | 05 Jun 2007 09:54 AM |
| OK, so how is this done? i.e. what parts are being restrained, where are they, and how strong does the strap need to be? The EP comment suggested using a chain, but didn't elaborate. |
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Peter Carey
 Veteran Member Posts:2829
 | | 05 Jun 2007 10:01 AM |
| A chain would be annoying. A ratchet strap that can hold 1000lbs would be more than enough, maybe too much. 700lbs? Loop it around the axle and frame. tighten (you're not trying to pull the wheel up, just keep it in place) and then jack the truck. No need for anything fancy. maybe they suggested chain for the metal cutting the strap? |
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Tony Sims
 Veteran Member Posts:1238
 | | 05 Jun 2007 10:03 AM |
| You want to hold the axle so it doesn't drop away from the frame. Take a look at possible attachment points, and consider how accessible they would be if your truck is axle deep in mud. Off the top of my head, the upper and lower spring perch are probably a good option.
I'm thinking a few feet of chain with one hook. Loop it around, hook it as tight as possible, then jack away. You could use your tree strap wrapped several times, too. |
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Michael Kronmal
 Basic Member Posts:421
 | | 05 Jun 2007 10:43 AM |
| Of course, if you jack it from the wheel using an adapter... |
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Dan Cronin
 Veteran Member Posts:2846
 | | 05 Jun 2007 11:06 AM |
| I think the point is if you experience what we did on 4W695 with a blown bead in the snow, you might need this application.
Dna |
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Peter Carey
 Veteran Member Posts:2829
 | | 05 Jun 2007 11:35 AM |
| Posted By Michael Kronmal on 06/05/2007 10:43 AM
Of course, if you jack it from the wheel using an adapter...
PSsssttt... see Dan's picture of a Defender? We CAN'T jack from that point.....so to speak
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Davis M
 Basic Member Posts:238
 | | 05 Jun 2007 12:52 PM |
| I'm guessing it would be better to sort this out in the comfort of my garage vs waiting until I'm in the field. |
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Michael Kronmal
 Basic Member Posts:421
 | | 05 Jun 2007 01:32 PM |
| Posted By Peter Carey on 06/05/2007 11:35 AM Posted By Michael Kronmal on 06/05/2007 10:43 AM
Of course, if you jack it from the wheel using an adapter...
PSsssttt... see Dan's picture of a Defender? We CAN'T jack from that point.....so to speak
Which pic? I'd love to see the specific issue that you are trying to solve. And, yes, a ratchet strap could be used to secure the suspension travel. |
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Craig Miller Posts:11803
 | | 05 Jun 2007 01:48 PM |
| Posted By Michael Kronmal on 06/05/2007 10:43 AM
Of course, if you jack it from the wheel using an adapter...
Then you can't change the tire once it is in the air.
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Craig Miller Posts:11803
 | | 05 Jun 2007 01:49 PM |
| Posted By Davis Miracle on 06/05/2007 12:52 PM
I'm guessing it would be better to sort this out in the comfort of my garage vs waiting until I'm in the field.
Where's your sense of adventure? 
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Peter Carey
 Veteran Member Posts:2829
 | | 05 Jun 2007 02:01 PM |
| Michael, Dan's avatar, I meant. The Defender wheels don't have the holes in them that let the lift-mate work.
The specific issue he's trying to fix is having to lift the truck higher (more dangerous) than it needs to be to either change a tire or get a sand mat under something spinning in the mud. |
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Todd Eliason
 Veteran Member Posts:3524
 | | 05 Jun 2007 03:44 PM |
| Wouldn't an exhaust jack (air bag) be better for the specific situation? I have seen them used and they are amazing, but still another thing to carry... The guy lifted the rear axle, pushed it over the obstacle rolling off the air bag, and drove off.
Not sure I accomplished anything here, but excited to hear the response as to which is better in the situation... |
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Michael Kronmal
 Basic Member Posts:421
 | | 05 Jun 2007 04:24 PM |
| From the Jackstrap FAQ:
"The Jackstrap can be fitted on virtually any 4 wheel drive vehicle but you must be sure not to exceed 5,000 lb. total vehicle weight."
Looks like we are SOL (at least the non-jeepers). |
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Dan Cronin
 Veteran Member Posts:2846
 | | 05 Jun 2007 04:28 PM |
| Then you just use two  |
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Michael Kronmal
 Basic Member Posts:421
 | | 05 Jun 2007 04:34 PM |
| For $60 I'll rig up something nifty! For $30, its worth buying to avaid the hassle of fabbing. |
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Peter Carey
 Veteran Member Posts:2829
 | | 05 Jun 2007 05:42 PM |
| The vehicle weight really doesn't matter. It's the weight of what you're lifting, in this case, the axle so it shouldn't be a problem.
Todd, the bags are a pain to get under an axle. I've tried it and it's not easy and not as safe as a jack on the side. |
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Michael Kronmal
 Basic Member Posts:421
 | | 05 Jun 2007 06:24 PM |
| So, the FAQ entry is there for no reason? I think it is a poorly worded way to say that their staps are supposed to work at up to the projected axle load of a 5000GVW vehicle. They are designed for light jeeps, not heavy Landys. Now the reality is they probably won't break. That said, I would be no where near adding risk to the oh so safe hi-lift jacking proceedure.  |
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