16FW

I once drove into a big mud hole, about 2' deep of soft mud. It wasn't possible to put an axle jack under the axle to get something under the tires, but the Hi-Lift worked quite well. They can also double as a winch, especially if you need to go out backwards, and only have a front mounted winch

jedg

Hrm... so a winch would have worked better. As for backwards - https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-o...ckward-339080/

Or better yet, don't go wheeling without a buddy.

As for the hi-lift to get something under a tires... perhaps that works with a stock suspension? I've watched two different people try to lift their tire off the ground (off road) with a hi-lift only to discover that their suspension droops more than their hi-lift could lift... one ended up on the highest notch of the hi-lift where it then got stuck.

Use a winch to get out of the situation you describe. Use a buddy to get out of the situation where you can't winch forward (or use the backwards method that Mark shows). Use a jack that lifts unsprung (axle tube) weight to change a tire.

kmrtnsn

A bottle jack is great for changing a tire but does not have near the utility of the Hi-Lift for other things. It cannot, clamp, it cannot be used as a winch, etc. the bottle jack also requires being able to get the jack under the axle, if you have a tire down in a deep muddy rut that isn't possible but a Hi-Lift attached to the tire can lift it right out.

A bottle jack is just that, a jack. A Hi-Lift is a recovery tool, the uses of which are limited only by the imagination. I carry both, each has a bag full of accessories for different situations. Look at the Bogert line of extensions and lift plates for the bottle jack, they come in a nice tool bag that holds the Jack and the accessories. For the Hi-Lift the Jack-Jaw, Jack-Mate, and Lift-Mate are essential pieces of gear with the Hi-Lift sand/mud base.

https://expeditionportal.com/jack-of-all-trades/

kmrtnsn

Ever thought about using a cargo strap or a short length of chain like a limiting strap while frame jacking. It works easy enough.

cabmak4life78

I just use a ratcheting strap around the axle housing and back to the frame to limit my suspension travel before I put the hi-lift in place.

karls10jk

Ratchet straps are not designed for that type of load. The common ones you'll find in the store are rated at 250 lbs. It's no wonder these things are called "widow makers".

I've got one and it works fine when used properly- around the farm. It's a great winch but after using it as a winch you'll go buy an electric winch.

w squared

I purchased an X-jack a few years back, and my hi-lift hasn't left the garage since.