Hi-Lift Off-Road Jack Break-In and Essential Mods Part 1 of 3

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Original Hi-Lift or Knock Off?

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

Lock your Hubs 4WDing Actually, Hi-lift weren’t the original. Farm jacks have been around far longer. Back in the day I bought a “Jackall” brand as it was the only decent length jack (well before the Hi-lift extreme). That was in the days when Jackall were known to be far higher quality than hi-lift. So, sure, don’t get cheap junk, but in reality, hi-lift were originally a knock-off anyway...

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I never knew that! do you have any links about the Jackall?

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Not much out there these days...they had a recall due to an incorrect label, but otherwise there's this: www.4x4review.com/high-lift-jackall-jackmate-review/

[@ShredPackers]

I find hi-lift, especially their accessories to be over priced. I run a big red farm jack. It has most of the hi-lift extreme options at a far lower price point. I agree that you should buy a good quality jack and take proper care of it, but I refuse to pay what I call the "JK tax." When the Jeep JK's hit the market many brand name off road parts went from quality parts at quality prices to quality parts at designer prices. The comfort and added functionality of larger jeeps brought in many people who are driving vehicles for status and the cool factor instead of capability and the aftermarket scene became far to similar to designer fashions.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@ShredPackers if that's the one I just googled, it doesn't have a removable handle?

[@thepitpatrol]

I have used a hi lift jack for 50 years and this is the most informed I have ever been.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate, they're a great tool. Sort of like a Leatherman for 4wding!

[@brianhildebrandt604]

On our farm, we found that using spray graphite for lubing the mechanism was better than a petroleum based spray lubricant. It doesn’t attract dirt while the jack is bouncing around in a pickup box like WD40 and Fluid Film would.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

That's a great point, a dry lubricant would definitely be better.

[@aterritorian2536]

Great video (as usual from you), so good to have a You tuber who is not all "look at me" and actually gives useful, well researched, tried and tested information. I'm about to make up and do these mods for the HiLift Jacks on my vehicles.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Mate, the info needs to be decent, God knows I can't rely on my looks! 😁

[@frederickshipp8013]

I like to smooth out the lift/lowering lever where it makes contact as well,that makes it much easier to operate. Thanks for sharing your tips. 👍

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad to help!

[@G55-j9z]

I would never own anything but a Hi-Lift, love my 60" X-Treme jack It's a beast, Great Video, You have done some great tests over the years, Well Done, Ay.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Cheers mate.

[@ezequielv6390]

Great, I used this exact hi lift on my off road in Mexico. Great tutorial and tips!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@BrickHouseBrigade]

Thanks for the great video and tips! Gave you a thumbs up but also couldn’t stop laughing about your final comment “if you haven’t, give it a thumbs down… twice” 😂

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate.

[@douglasbaker5949]

Looked everywhere for the telescoping handle no luck. Amazon, EBay and googled no luck. Although they do have a nice 4 in kit for the handle to turn it into a shovel ax and a couple of other tools.

[@Nas_Atlas]

I got a worn out knock off hi-lift jack that someone discarded. After trying a number of things to get it working I ended up lubricating the standard front and back and then it just worked brilliantly even though it seemed bent as well.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Great to hear you got it up and running again!

[@ryank5373]

I just found this video. It was super helpful to set up my HL jack. Thanks for putting this together.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad you liked it!

[@scooterjackson405]

Thank You for this and other videos you have made with this jack. Very informative. Keep it up buddy.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate!

[@ВячеславСысоев-о9н]

Thank you very much! I will do the same job with my Farm Jack (China, 60")👍👍👍

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You're welcome!

[@ВячеславСысоев-о9н]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Hello from Russia

[@danmulkiewicz5515]

Really love your videos brother. Keep up the great info! (PS: What that triangle of death on these things!)

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks! It's the triangle formed between the handle and the standard when the handle isn't firm up against the standard.

[@muzzaball]

Hey mate, Port Authority called and said they need their shackles back to berth a container ship!!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

They'll have to catch me first!

[@dwhallon21]

Excellent details

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@Palmetto705]

Great video. Thanks

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad you liked it!

[@jarradblair1793]

Also Use these tips and tricks on the cheap and nasty versions they work fine. But more importantly clean and lubricate before you use and before the put it in storage. If you are lazy and dont look after your gear even the best jack will jam

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Agreed, maintainence is critical for a reliable tool.

[@legendadlegendad]

Good video!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate!

[@scod3908]

15:25 you just mentioned being properly trained because it's a dangerous tool, but it looks like you might have the base installed back to front? oops?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

It depends on how you're going to use it. It fits both ways for a reason. If you are going to use something like the wheel lift adaptor, you want the standard as close to the sidewall of the tyre as possible, so that as pictured would be the correct orientation. Though if you're jacking up say under a rock slider, you would turn it around.

[@tlc79_pickup]

こんにちは Hi-LiftのEXTREMEジャッキ所有する私にとって非常に有益な情報です。 有り難う☺️

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You're welcome!

[@timberray9572]

My best mod was to bolt a foot long 2X6 to the foot, no more sinking in sand or mud.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Jack plates are pretty important.

[@danthedisker]

love your video.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

It's surprising that a totally new device needs these things done to it.. maybe they need to know about this at the manufacturing part of the process.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I think it's to limit the manufacturers liability at the cost of usability. In commercial rigging, a 2:1 safety factor is used for winching, so I'm happy to use that as well here.

[@jarradblair1793]

It dosnt need to be done at all. Lubricate it properly before use and clean and lubricate it when you get home. Dont store it dirty. The paint and dirt will build up and if left it will cause jamming. The cheaper chinese copys work perfectly also but They just require more maintenence the cheaper components wear out quicker and are made of poor steel that corrodes faster. Look after your tools and they will last. Nothing is immune to abuse

[@karlstuart2962]

Two words “Commercially Acceptable”…

[@bj42paul]

I have return my HiLift before because of the paint build up and sticking pins. Thanks mate, hope this solves issues with the new one.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad to help!

[@Good-luck-Jonathan]

Badlands Jack, or an air jack and be done

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Air Jacks are a one trick pony, that's why I'll never own one.

[@RetreatHacker]

battery operated master key! 🙂

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Powered by Makita's finest!

[@muzzaball]

Give me a lever long enough, and I will move the world - works a treat. So Simon, I have heard that they are dangerous in certain circumstances, but mostly on lowering and getting hit in the head? Not referring to getting under a vehicle, but more about what to look out for - can you elaborate, please. Cheers mate.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Mate, keep an eye out, I've got a video in the works all about it.

[@fifthamendment1]

3:46 Why “take a layer off the top”???

[@shaneorgan5066]

A huge number of these jacks are stored out in the weather on roof racks or wheel carriers Like how do you expect this fairly intricate mechanism to just keep working after years in the rain

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I usually cover the mechanism with a neoprene cover and give it a good squirt of WD and work the mechanism before I use it.

[@keithmorse9716]

I'm sorry but this is what came up in top five of price of Hilyft jacks so I was wondering what the price ranges are and what's one's are two cheap to even consider because of failure

[@MrGundawindy]

I don't understand how you can say they're the best and they've been making them for a century, then the first thing you do it is to take to it with a flappy wheel on a grinder because otherwise the finish gums up the jack. Then you smooth off around the climbing pin because otherwise that gets gummed up too. Then you need to modify it so it doesn't drive you nuts rattling on corrugations. 🤔

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Pretty much any production part can be made better with a little TLC.

[@MrGundawindy]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing 😂😂😂😂

[@DB-yj3qc]

Many High-Lift jacks are more of a decoration than for use. Some get worn into smoothly operating by using the crap out of it. Of the 3 I've bought, I've only had one to break that was during first use testing it out before I really needed it. That was back before the internet became what it is now. I grew up not far from where the jack is manufactured. They didn't need the same preparation done. Less paint since it was expected to be oiled and used then stored in bed of truck or tractor not strapped on hoods or roof racks. So keep it from rusting and oil before use. I recommend testing when you get one. BTW, it's a very good video on preparing the new jack for use. I came across it from odd U-tube links.

[@dgcdot]

Hello, Where can a person get the extension handle like you used? Thank you Dan

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I made mine!

[@ottmarweiss7114]

I would also like to make a telescopic extension handle. Any tips on size / grade tubing to use - both inner and outer sections??

[@philip4x4guy]

What sizes and types on your materials?​@@LockyourHubs4WDing

[@lemaitrethemonk]

What is the length of the High Lift Jack? Thank you for making this video. Very helpful.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

There are 2 lengths avaliable, the 48" and the 60" as used in the video from Hi-Lift.

[@lemaitrethemonk]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Were you using the 60" in the video series?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Yes, the longer 60" version.

[@lemaitrethemonk]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Thank you.

[@lemaitrethemonk]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing I am new to Overlanding. I wanted to pick up a high lift jack and I stumbled across your video series. Thank you, again.

[@richardraymond5535]

Any ideas what to do when the lift mate doesn’t fit your wheels? Factory wheel holes are just a bit too small. I was worried about it when I ordered the lift mate and sure enough, too small for the hooks.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

We've previously used a soft strap through the wheel holes and looped around the nose of the hi-lift.

[@GrantHagerman]

Can I purchase your extended handle?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I custom made that one.

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

part 3?

[@richardjeun]

I returned mine because it stopped working due to wear or missing material on the edge of the climbing pin sleeve at the bottom pin. Harbor freight farm jack has a higher capacity and half the price. I’ve used harbor freight farm jacks and they are much better. I rather buy two harbor freight farm jacks.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Unfortunatley not an option here in Oz. Though all the cheap knockoffs I've tried have been rubbish so far.

[@msdosnt]

Hard to argue with a company that has over 100 years experience and lifetime warranty. Harbor freight has advantages and make wild claims on a lot of products that turn out to be garbage. One thing I’m never going to do is trust my life based on harbor freight advertising and claims. If you do, your are risking your life and other making such statements. There are rebuild kits for these, that are cheap. Sounds more like you didn’t take care of your tools or you are a shill account for harbor freight.

[@richardjeun]

I couldn’t agree with you more, but if you try comparing the two to the max, you would be surprised. Harbor freight has crappy tools, but their farm jack is more durable than the best ones I’ve tried with HighLift.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Thanks, very good tips. I'm surprised so much minor modding is required for a product that has been manufactured for over 100 years. Complacency on behalf of hi-lift?? A little disappointed with them to be frank.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

My last hi-lift (many years old now) didn't have any issues straight out of the box. Matt's Extreme (Not the one in the vid) was a little sticky lowering. Half an hour later with the grinder and dremal, it hasn't missed a beat. While the command the better part of $300 here in Oz, in the US, they're not much over $100, so not to be unexpected that it can be improved with a little tweaking.

[@clintchapman4319]

You don't need to do that to the jack. This guy is wack...

[@AverageHouseHusband]

Pay for quality then spend a few hours removing finish and polishing surfaces.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Usually that's the way!

[@AverageHouseHusband]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing I confess I often spend less and work out the kinks later.

[@kingstonsean]

If you're going to have a multi part series, please use the same title! All you have to do is add Part 1 Part 2, etc.

[@kingstonsean]

And where is Part 3?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

It's coming! We're all locked down here at the moment.....

[@kingstonsean]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Great! I'll watch them in series. Looking forward to it.

[@rickmacm]

Throw away the instructions?? I read the instructions because they know what they are talking about, straight from the horses mouth, without all the manure.