YellowToy

So I have this old Hi Lift I've been having for years & it seems like most people (including myself) were of the opinion you can't use it on the plastic jeep bumpers.

I go to looking & there's a frame member behind the rear bumper & thought if you jack close to the rail at the front it won't damage that flimsy metal bumper.

I tried it, got the wheels of the ground (not in pics), and no damage to the bumpers.

So, I can bring my jack on my next trip & hopefully not use it. Now I just need to figure out where to mount it. I'm thinking of drilling the top part of the front tow hooks & mount bolts there.

Rear


Close up of Rear


Front


Closeup

Jeeper-Chris

I haven't looked at those points, but they'd likely work in a pinch (when it always seems you need it). I think on your rear bumper, the point you are using is right about where the rear tow hook is.

I've only had one time where I needed a lift (in a friend's vehicle), and the only one at hand was the stocker - and in that case, the stocker could not raise the vehicle high enough to get a wheel up. Fortunately someone else had a 48-inch jack.

The stock one might work 99% of the time, but it doesn't hurt to have a back up for the other 1% when it crops up.

Certainly agree though - the hi-lift is potentially unsafe, and you should not rush to use it (I think we all know this). The stock one might be a safer "first try".

justinstoffregen

I have used the front stock bumper area with the hi lift. I have a 2.5 in lift and the scissor jack wont work. I also jacked at the front to remove the axle shafts. The metal under the front bumper is also where the factory tow hooks attach.

cam813

Just buy the jack base that AEV makes. It adds 3 1/2" of lift and a pretty solid base. Works great with factory jack.

tgrt

x2. I have that and I just bought a hi-lift as well. There is some usage overlap, but there are bound to be times when one or the other will not work -- for one reason or another.

scottrock

And theres the ever handy "Lift-Mate" that attaches to the HiLift and hooks to the wheel itself.

justinstoffregen

The lift mate is a good one unless you need to change the tire and the aev jack base is awesome but sometimes (as previously mentioned) you just need a hi-lift.

adgraybda

If you are bone stock yea, but i think this is good to know for people who have started upgrading (like me) who may have tires and a lift but havent got a new bumper yet


As far as the safer aspect, im sure it would be safer if you could use a regular jack before hi-lifting the stock bumper. Thats why a new bumper is next on my list

scottrock

Sure ya can change a tire with a lift mate, it just takes an extra step. Jack it up, block the axle with a jackstand, big f'n rock, whatever. Take off HiLift, change tire, jack back up & remove whatevers under the axle. Off ya go!

It can also be used to pack rocks, trees whatever under a sunk tire.

Granted it might not be the "best" option, but sometimes options become limited. I carry one.

bosscj351

I would be concerned about slippage. That could mess up your weekend. Your hands and legs are more important than you think.