jmichaelsjeep wrote:
So I'm resurrecting this thread. I know there is another thread titled HI-LIFT KJ Mount or something too, but I decided to resurrect this one.
So I'm going to be purchasing a hi-lift jack in the near future and I don't have rock rails (yet) to lift it by. So I have a couple questions:
1) Is the wheel lift accessory really worthwhile? I mean, if you lift it by a specific wheel, but that's the wheel you need off, you'd have to lift it by that wheel, find something on the trail (or with you) to place somewhere under the JEEP, put it down then take that wheel off. And what happens if the axle/ hub something of that sort breaks, you'd have to lift it somewhere else.... I'm sensing to use the hi-lift to the best of it's ability on the trail, you'd want some sort of rock rails/ sliders, metal bumpers, etc. to fully utilize the hi-lift.
Which brings me to my next question.
2) Over on Jeepforum there is a lot of debate over whether to place the hi-lift inside or outside the JEEP. Key things to consider, INSIDE; passenger safety, accessibility, keeping it operational (lubed, not dry). OUTSIDE: accessibility, operational ability (dirt, grim, road debris) etc.
I guess what I'm getting at, is there is a lot of debate over if it is outside, it is accessible when you need it, but with road debris and grim, it has the possibility of not being usable when you need it (if maintenance lacks too long).
My biggest concern with inside, is the best place inside the KJ to put it is under the seat. If you get in a tough predicament and the side of the KJ you need to pull it out from is slammed up against an embankment or tree, and you can't open the door, you're screwed because you can't pull the jack out of your KJ.
So, for those of you more experienced wheelers and jack users, what is wisdom?
Thanks!
Just my

... I think the best option would be to head to a local army surplus store or look around online for a munitions case that would fit the jack. Cut up a few of the GI sleeping mats that are made of dense foam to form fit the jack in the case to keep everything from sliding around and making a racket. Take the case and secure it to the cargo tie-downs in the back. Should be able to acces fairly easy that way, it would be kept all together for ease of use and sheltered from the elements. Also it would be easy to unload it if you needed to free up the space for something else temporarily. Just a thought ....