So I got a flyer in the mail today from Harbor Freight. I absolutely love this store good tools for a weekend Mechanic at low prices. If I did it for a living I probably would invest in Snap on or Mac tools. But for what I do I don't need the best.

So my question is they have a 48" high lift jack for sale for $49 is this a good jack for the money? or should I just spend the $100+ dollars for one with a brand name?

Also I'm thinking about Hood or spare carrier mounting what do you guys prefer?

 

Harbor freight jacks make good boat anchors, and that's it. I personally would never trust a harbor freight jack, for just a few more dollars get a hi-lift.

 

Look on Craigslist. I just picked up a new Hi-Lift jack never used for $60.

 

I would go with the Hi-lift. They hold up great as long as you take care of them.

 

X2
I've gone through two, one I bought and one bolt fell out which was part of the "ratcheting" action rendering it useless when I needed it......the second one was the replacement I got for free and failed when unused it for the first time as well.....with the easy rust parts on it, not worth 10 bucks....

 

If you are in a situation where you need to use a Hi Lift jack, you NEED it to work. It's worth the money to get the brand name.

 

Hi-Lift. They can be dangerous as they are. Hi-Lift.

 

I'd say try it...got a new Hi-Lift a little while ago and it's junk. Seems to have been made improperly.

 

I got a harbor freight hi lift in my jeep. Been using it just over 2 years with no problems. As long as you inspect it regularly, keep it out of the elements, and maintain it. It should be fine the only weak point I can see it the bolt on the very bottom holding the track to the base. But you easily swap out a grade 8 in there for about $3.

 

We have a Harbor Freight hi-lift. It works just fine. I do agree with keeping it out of the elements though....We have ours mounted horizontally inside the Jeep, across the back roll bars. And yes, replace the bottom foot bolt with a couple washers and a grade 8 bolt & nut. Give it a shot of WD-40 every 6 months and you're good.