In general, SUVs are heavier and have higher ground clearance than normal vehicles, and Jeep’s Wrangler trims aren’t any different. Jeep Wranglers are renowned for their exceptional off-roading capabilities and muscly build.
And to maintain their reputation, some trims even come heavier and with more clearance height. So, lifting them for repair is comparatively harder than many other SUVs.
Floor jacks are the perfect type of jack that can help you when it comes to handling Jeep Wranglers because of their excellent maneuverability and portability. In this article, I’ve discussed how to use a floor jack on a Jeep Wrangler properly.
I’ve also tried to answer some common queries, including what traits make a floor jack reliable for using on your Wrangler. So, let’s dive in.
How to Use a Floor Jack on a Jeep Wrangler? – Step by Step
Got yourself a jack that you feel confident about? If yes, let’s jump right in.
Step 1 – Set the Spot
For using the jack, both your vehicle and the jack need to be on a flat surface. On a bumpy surface or a surface filled with debris, you won’t be able to sit your jack properly.
If the jack doesn’t sit firmly, it might slip while on full load and cause serious accidents. Also, don’t place your jack on soil or similar soft surfaces because the huge weight from the car is likely to push the jack down to the surface and cause accidents.
Step 2 – Stabilize the Vehicle
Once you’re done selecting the spot, park your car and make sure that whatever you do your car won’t move an inch. This is also an important safety issue that can save you from serious accidents.
Wheel chocks are a very effective way to make sure your vehicle stays put while you work. After parking, apply the parking brakes and chock the wheels properly.
Step 3 – Find the Right Jacking Point and Set the Jack
Once you’ve rolled your floor jack under your vehicle, it’s time to locate the most suitable jack point. Sticking the jack saddle at the wrong point might make it slip and fall over you. Sounds horrifying, right?
As every trim is built differently, the location of jack points will clearly differ. To locate the points, check any manual your vehicle came with, or ask an expert. If all of the above fails, the internet shouldn’t disappoint you.
Step 4 – Time to Lift
Done setting the jack at the suitable point?
Now it’s time to lift. If the jack is hydraulic, grab the lifting arm with a firm grasp and start pumping steadily.
You should feel a smooth pumping cycle if the jack is actually capable of handling the load. Otherwise, the jack will start to feel shaky and hard to pump. In that case, it’s better to replace the jack and get a stronger one.
Lift the vehicle high enough to comfortably get down there and work. This is why keeping the maximum reachable height of the jack in your mind is important.
Step 5 – Set the Stands
If you’re done lifting the car to the optimum height, put the jack stands down there. Remember that your jack isn’t meant to hold the load, it’s just supposed to lift it. So, setting the stands is mandatory.
Although some jacks come with built-in jack stands, many of them aren’t that reliable. It’s better to use a jack stand you trust in. If you choose to go with a built-in stand, make sure it’s strong enough for the job.
Step 6 – Remove the Jack
If you’ve reached this step without any extra hassle, then congratulations! You’ve done it. Now simply roll the jack away and get to work.
Don’t roll the jack too far, though, as you’ll need it to lift the car down. After you’re done with your repair job, set the jack back and lower the vehicle very slowly until the jack isn’t supporting any load.
How Do I Choose the Jack?
As I’ve said earlier, Jeep Wranglers are built heavy and robust as they often have to overcome adverse conditions. For protection against rough or muddy terrains, Wranglers also come with stuff like plate shields on the bottom side of the vehicle.
These components make it harder to find the proper spots for using a jack on a Wrangler. But with a floor jack, you can easily access the spots because of its maneuverability.
Let’s see what traits you should look for in a floor jack before buying it for your Wrangler.
Weight Capacity
Most Wrangler trims weigh around 4500-5500 lbs. or even more. So, before getting the jack, check your vehicle’s gross weight and buy the jack accordingly.
Always get a jack that has more load capacity than your vehicle’s weight. This ensures safety and comfort while working.
Again, more load capacity means the jack’s going to be heavier. So, don’t go overboard. Find the sweet spot for yourself.
Material
A jack’s base material plays an important role in determining its utility. Normally they come in 2 different materials, steel, and aluminum.
Steel jacks are sturdier and cheaper but weigh a great deal. In contrast, aluminum jacks are lighter and more maneuverable but don’t last as long as steel ones. They’re pricier as well.
You can also get hybrid jacks in the market nowadays, which feature the best of both worlds.
Ground Clearance
Wranglers are high ground clearance vehicles by default which is an essential trait for off-roading. So, your jack must be able to reach high maximum ground clearance height, essentially 18-21 inches. Some trims might even need more than that.
Quality of Life
Many jacks come with various quality-of-life boosting features like a longer lifting arm, dual pump piston, adjustable saddle pad, etc. Some of these features will help you so much while using the jack, especially on heavy vehicles such as Wrangler trims.
Also, make sure that the jack you’re about to use has all the essential safety measures installed. Check the manual properly for safety codes and instructions.
Tips and Concerns
- Compared to a single pump, a dual pump piston floor jack would be much more effective and time-saving for working on your Wrangler.
- Safety measures like overload protection and overstretch protection are must-haves.
- Choosing the right spot is more important than you think it is.
- Don’t let any kids stay near your work environment
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of floor jacks?
Floor jacks are so prevalent because of their portability and maneuverability. Basic floor jacks come with a set of swivel casters and a set of fixed casters.
The casters let you roll your jack to wherever you want. Setting the jack is also very convenient due to the swiveling casters.
2. Which one is a better option, hydraulic or scissor?
Both types have their perks, but scissor jacks are much simpler and not suitable for handling a heavy-duty vehicle like a Wrangler. Hydraulic jacks are pricier, but they can lift faster and can handle heavy-duty vehicles reliably.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you learn how to use a floor jack on a Jeep Wrangler. The process is neither too tedious nor too complicated. You’ll just need to be patient and cautious.
Always abide by safety codes as the concerns aren’t just about your vehicle’s safety, they’re about yours as well.