okay first my specs 4.5 inch aev lift with 35s...before u ask yes i will be going to 37s once i re-gear.

I either want a hi-lift jack or a bottle jack. Leaning towards a bottle jack anyone disagree?

 

Neither if you're looking to jack up to change a tire or do some work while on the trail I suggest the X-jack

Much Safer

 

Hi-Lift for me all the way. I have had many times where I am stuck and need to lift vertical which I can't do with my wench. I put a small strap through my wheel and use the hi-lift to get it up and get rocks underneath the wheels. It would be impossible to do that with a bottle jack. I can lift from anywhere on the outside at different angles from bumpers, rock sliders, etc. You can also use the hi-lift as a wench or spreader and is probably the most versatile recovery tool you could own. Just my two cents.

 

I agree x2

 

I agree x2

 

As pointed out, a Hi-Lift has so many other uses than changing a tire. But, changing a tire is best done with a different jack--in many off-road situations, the Jeep can be at very precarious angles on uncertain surfaces and a Hi-Lift might shift or fall. So, I carry a small floor jack under my rear seat. And a block of wood to let it work under my 2.5" lift on 35s. If space is a problem, you might look at one of the exhaust air (balloon) jacks.

 

I would make darn sure that 12 ton bottle jack is secured tightly before I went anywhere. I'd hate to see what it would do if you ever wrecked or rolled!

 

A bottle or tall scissors jack is easiest and safest if you can get it under your axle. Perfect if you are changing a tire or doing repairs on a firm, flat surface. NOTE: ALWAYS do repairs, even tire change, on a firm, flat surface. Personally, I have that solid orange plastic block thingy so I can use the stock jack for this purpose with my 35s.

On the other hand, bogged down in mud to the axles or stuck on rocks you need a tool that can work from beside the Jeep using bumpers (assuming you have solid metal bumpers), rails or even lifting your tire from above. That's where you need a recovery jack like the Hi-Lift. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list.

Don't compromise. You need 2 different jacks for 2 different purposes. Neither one does it all.

 

Good advice I will start saving for both

 

I'm for the 12 ton bottle jack, last time I used my Hilift jack was 1982. Used the winch quite a few times I figure most times somebody in our group is still carrying a Hilift jack so I don't half too

I carried it for a while but opted for the bottle jack and a slick HF aluminum jack I modified for the dirt. Floor jack is mounted in the JK so no flying around, still need to mount the bottle jack