Pretty simple solution!

Another one for the stock jack works fine. Sorry about your frustrating experience, and the drubbing you're getting here!

 

x2 the Hi-lift is dangerous to use for changing tires. I am also lifted with 35's and have no problems changing a tire with the stock jack. I keep a 12 ton bottle jack at home, too heavy and takes up room to carry with me so the scissor jack is ideal. Btw, I jack from the diff (lowest point) or under the "C" on the axle.

 

That's where the base for the jack becomes important. If the Hi-Lift is unstable on a hard surface, it will be much more so on soft ground. A rock under the scissor jack is many more times stable than a Hi-Lift would be in the same situation.

Look at the Hi-Lift web site and see how many pictures they have of it being used to change a tire. I'll give you a hint: between zero and nada.

Don't get me wrong - I like my Hi-Lift jack a lot. I just would be caught dead using it to change a tire.

...or would I?

 

IMO, you can somewhat safely change a tire with a hi-lift + the following accesories, just seems like a lot more work that the stock scissor jack + the AEV base (or some extra wood).

1. Use the hi-lift off-road base if you're on an unstable/loose ground
2. Use the lift-mate attachment to raise the tire/axle
3. Once the axle is lifted high enough, use a jack stand to support it; remove the hi-lift
4. Replace the tire
5. Use the lift-mate to raise the axle; remove the jack stand
6. Lower the tire/axle

 

Yes, that would be a safe way to change a tire with a Hi-Lift jack. Impractical, maybe - at least for me. I don't carry jack stands, especially when wheeling. Just one more item to secure and extra weight I just don't need.

What exactly is wrong with the stock scissor jack for changing a flat? Lift makes absolutely no difference since you jack the axle, not the body. It works just fine on my 35's. A small 2x6 makes for a stable platform. When I put the 37's on I'll just carry one more short piece of 2x6.

So, fellow forum members, jack as you see fit. As for me, I'll stick to using my Hi-Lift as God intended - to get out of a mother-f**king hell of a stuck where a winch alone won't quite do.

 

i used stok jack and a wood blok base to rotate my tyres...no worries...
didn't think it was big enough when i looked at it...
but it did the job without any drama.

 

I agree with those who stated the Hi-Lift is great for getting you off of rocks etc., but for changing a tire, it is down right scary. No stability at all. I use a bottle jack or the scissor jack and have no issues.

 

It seems my comment about the Hi-Lift has created some strong opinions about using the Hi-Lift. I still stick to my choice of using the Hi-Lift because the stock scissors jack is a pos and not as stable as I would like it to be. That said, it's not just a case of sticking a jack under the Jeep and start pumping the handle - know the risks and deal with it accordingly. I've changed a few tires in my off-road experience, including an overland truck and an armoured truck, so I don't consider myself a rookie. I am not an expert either and am open to good ideas.

 

Your lift makes absolutely no difference as it doesn't change the axle height. Your stock scissor lift should be more than enough to lift the tire off the ground jacking at that axle housing.

I've seen Jeeps come crashing down on hi lifts way too many times for me to use it to do something as simple as changing a tire. Hi lift is for off-road use when the stock jack is not an option and to get you out of jams.

 

So here's the recap:

1. The OP is an idiot(that's me)
2. The stock scissors jack works fine when used correctly
3. Don't use a HiLift to change a tire(unless there's no other option)
4. Get an AEV base or some wood for extra height
5. Bottle Jacks and Jack Stands come in handy

Thanks for all the input guys!