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Jeep Wrangler JK: How to Jack Up Your Jeep

There may come a time when you need to raise your Wrangler off the ground to see underneath or change a tire. If your Jeep came equipped with a spare tire, it should also include a jacking kit.

By Weston Chadwick - November 25, 2015
Contributors: Mopar

This article applies to the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-Present).

The factory-equipped jack in your Jeep is a standard issue scissor jack. A scissor jack uses a screw to expand the arms on the jack. Unlike a hydraulic floor jack, a scissor jack is completely mechanically, eliminating the risk of jack failure due to fluid leaks. Scissor jacks are not nearly as fast or stable as a floor jack, but take up little space and work well during emergency repairs. Regardless of the type of jack you're using, here is how to safely jack up your Jeep.

Materials Needed

  • Factory installed jack kit
  • Jack stands
  • Owner's Manual

Depending on your Wrangler's trim level and additional options, the procedure to access your scissor jack may differ. Refer to your owner's manual for additional instructions or go to www.Jeep.com/Owners.

An optional base plate can be purchased online for added stability and increased jacking height. Make sure the base plate is rated for your Wrangler's weight.

Step 1 – Park on firm, level ground

Make sure the area you choose to jack up your Wrangler is smooth and not inclined. A bumpy, soft, and inclined surface will cause the jack to sink into the ground, or lean and cause the Jeep to fall.

If your jacking up the front wheels, engage the emergency brake. When jacking up the rear wheels, make sure the transmission is in park. Using wheel chocks provides added protection against movement while the wheels are off the ground. Place the wheel chocks around the wheel that has the most weight on top of it.

Step 2 – Remove scissor jack kit

The scissor jack kit will be located in your rear storage compartment. Remove the cover (carpet or plastic) on the trunk floorboard. Remove the scissor jack by pulling it to the right. Place the jack, jack handle, jack handle extension, and lug wrench in an accessible area.

Figure 1. The rear storage compartment cover.

Step 3 – Locate the factory jacking points

The Wrangler's jacking points are located on the axle tubes. Center the scissor jack under the axle tube corner closest to the wheel your trying to raise.

Figure 2. The jacking points under the axle tubes.

Step 4 – Jack up your Wrangler

Turn the jack screw clockwise with the hooked end of the jack handle driver. Use the extension for added leverage. The turning effort will increase once the jack's maximum height is reached.

Placing a jack stand rated for your Wrangler's weight next to the scissor jack on the axle tube is a great idea when crawling underneath.

Figure 3. The scissor jack and optional base plate.

Featured Video: Jacking and Tire Change

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