Geodark

Active Member
Fancy grabbing myself a trolley jack for xmas - is a 430mm lift enough or do I need a high lift one? I am going for 3t just to be on the safe side as well.
 
3t is overkill, but what does a lot also does a little. I can count on one hand the number of times I've wanted more lift from my regular height jack.

The'professional' ones always seem to be a bit wider (more stable) and better built
 
i bought a 3tonne one from Halfords earlier this year. it’s bloody solid, good to use and inspires confidence.
However, it’s bloody heavy to move around. If you need to carry it at all - then it will help if you are already built like Arnie!
 
And I think it is overkill. If i’d read the manual first i’d have gone for a two tonne and that’s cheaper and easier to use.
I generally subscribe to the theory that biggest is best.....
Turns out that in some cases this isn’t always true.
 
Depending where and what you're jacking, you're likely lifting much less than 1t, but my theory is a jack capable of lifting more will be easier to pump when it's nowhere near its limit and also much less likely to blow a seal over time
 
If you have the budget, go for a garage floor jack. It'll have a higher lift capacity then a DIY jack (not really needed) but it'll also have a wider wheelbase and lift higher, both of which are invaluable. Also get a rubber pad for the top, as they reduce damage to box sections paint finish, as well as providing a good degree of anti-slip.
 
If you have the budget, go for a garage floor jack. It'll have a higher lift capacity then a DIY jack (not really needed) but it'll also have a wider wheelbase and lift higher, both of which are invaluable. Also get a rubber pad for the top, as they reduce damage to box sections paint finish, as well as providing a good degree of anti-slip.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-craft-3-tonne-quick-lift-garage-jack/35331

Bought this one 4 or 5 years ago and not regretted it. It has a quick lift lever and a good, stable base and cup. A world away from those silly little diy jacks, although those are quite handy for carrying about. As for bottle jacks, they have their place (car emergency kit, lining up suspension components) but not for general jacking. They have a narrow base and don’t travel along the floor as the car rises, so have an alarming tendency to tip over.
 
I got a Sealey Yankee 1153cxhv 3t along with some Halfords 3t ratcheting axle stands that have been great for all the work I've done on mine ( VCU, discs, calipers, drums/shoes, front wishbones, complete set of front & rear powerflex sus. bushes, thermostat, turbo & at the moment replacing the remote fuel pump.
As it's been said depending on your budget, paid £50.00 for the jack, there is plenty of choice out there & the wider garage jack will offer more stability not that I've had any issues with mine & a rubber pad makes sense (I must look for one to fit mine).
 

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