Baystate Jeepers

Looking for a good floor jack, any suggestions? Have read that craftsman jacks are junk. Budget is up to $200.

I have one similar to this: http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-air ... 95553.html
When you're working by yourself having an air powered one is very useful.

I keep getting coupons for the HF steel rapid pump 3 ton for $69.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-heav ... 68048.html
I might have to break down and give it a try as my 8y.o. Cummins jack has a blown seal.

I guess the issue I am having is, most reviews of the different jacks state they leak 6m to 1y later...

http://www.4x4review.com/Reviews/Produc ... fault.aspx

I've had a Craftsman floor jack for about 30+ years. Still works flawlessly.

I bought an imported 7K floor jack and used it for about 5 years. A valve finally failed inside it and would no longer lift.
Bought another one like it about 3 years ago. Still working fine. Got them from Sams club for ~$70

I have a Craftsman 3 ton service jack that came with a plastic case I keep in my truck. I also have a Craftsman 4 ton low profile and misc. 3 - 12 ton bottle jacks. I use the 3 ton service and bottles the most, and non of them leak. I also use a smaller floor jack the kids bought me for father's day years ago from Walmart that I keep in Michaels's XJ. That works well too.

I guess it depends on where it's used. I would love to use my 4 ton LP more often, but don't have a garage or paved driveway. If you have such ammenities, then I think the Crapsman or equivalent 4 ton roller would be a good buy.

Have a craftsman pro 3.5 ton and an older 3 ton roller style... Both are 8-10 yrs old, get the job done, and I haven't had problems...

Keep in mind people who post reviews are frequently unsatisfied customers... I wouldn't take the time to post that mine work fine.

JW

Little Napoleon wrote:I guess the issue I am having is, most reviews of the different jacks state they leak 6m to 1y later...

http://www.4x4review.com/Reviews/Produc ... fault.aspx

The problem with many negative reviews is people tend to neglect to mention EXACTLY how they misuse/abuse stuff ("lets try to lift that semi with the 3ton floor jack")

I'd mentioned that a seal is leaking on my jack, It's not the jacks fault, I never wipe it down around the pump shaft, I've been known to leave it outside in the rain for days on end, etc.....

Chris, the way you treat tools (way kinder to them than me ) most any jack will be fine. If it's mostly for use on your Jeep, the big things to look for is the foot pad (bigger=more stable) and lift height. If it's used a lot on the cars, you'll also need to consider minimum height.

johnsxj wrote: Chris, the way you treat tools (way kinder to them than me ) most any jack will be fine. If it's mostly for use on your Jeep, the big things to look for is the foot pad (bigger=more stable) and lift height. If it's used a lot on the cars, you'll also need to consider minimum height.

Nothing wrong with cleaning them up before they are put away at the end of the day...

I did a break job on a F250 yesterday and my little jack almost died!!

Most jacks are imported, usually identified by 2 piece handles and poor quality. Jacks made in the USA have a 1 piece harndle and are better quality. Two better brands are Lincoln and Hein-Werner.
That being said, I bought my jack at BJs (import) 24 years ago. It needs to be replaced due to a bad seal. LOL

I have a Craftsman aluminum floor jack that cost me about $120 on sale. It takes a lot of pumps to jack my jeep up, and the jack only lifts on the bottom 1/4th of the stroke. Does that indicate a bad seal, or just low hyd oil? There are stickers all over the thing saying never to open it, so I haven't checked the level yet.

Maybe bad seal. Or it could just need to be bled.
Quite a few sites out there on how to bleed/add fluid to a jack. The big thing is DO NOT touch the fittings by open/close valve! Those are fluid check and pressure relief ports. The fluid add port is on the lift cylinder itself.

Some jacks require bleeding prior to initial operation.

My 4 ton did and lifts like a one pump NASCAR.

My craftsman has been fine, even with the truck. It's the SUV model, so it's a bit higher in reach...

I have a Napa 3 ton and a Sears 3.5 ton. The sears jack lifts the highest of any Ive seen in that size and price range. Ive had no issues with either jack and the sears was in my garage when it burned to the ground. It still works fine. The Napa jack is more coin and lifts a inch and a half less , is only 5 yrs. old and no issues. Not that its blue and yellow that I bought it. I got a clearance deal that couldnt be beat ! My report is done . FjR68