hey im just looking to get a good low profile jack so that i can be a little more automotive-ly independent (ie; oil changes & other work). i need a low profile jack jack because i have a kitted rx8. so now im looking for a nice low profile jack and some jack stands for a reasonable price. here is the first one i looked at mostly because of price:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200326598_200326598

any suggestions?

ps: i searched but nothing all that helpful or recent. just want some fresh opinions.:)

I have this one from NT (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313500_200313500)
Which is also 3.3" height and works fine. You can also get some scrap 2x8 boards and drive over them. The extra height helps with other floor jacks. I also made a set of low profile ramps for the times I don't wish to use a jack / jackstands.

i use a red full aluminum craftsman jack from sears, i like it a lot

i use a red full aluminum craftsman jack from sears, i like it a lot

I have the same one. I never had any issue with getting it under the Miata when ot was lowered 2 inches.

Many local autox guys use this jack, since its quick and well built:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47246

However, its a little taller than the one the OP describes. I have this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

which is only 3" and is pretty light. Gl.


Of course, you get what you pay for. I think some similarly spec'd Craftsman Jacks that cost considerably more may probably last longer. But the aforementioned jacks work great for the local autox guys who change tires at least every event.

craftsman products all have lifetime warranty too i believe. my sears will replace anything without question

i seriously gotta get myself a low profile jack. i use 2x4s, stock jack, and then a regular big ass jack.

This is the only jack that fits under my car:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG1020&N=700+4294882710+115&autoview=sku

It clears 2 3/4", making it the lowest of the bunch.
My side skirts are 2.9 inches off of the ground.

I got a BigRed Torin one from Pepboys, 100 bux, its a garage grade jack (those big ones), it slides into my car nicely (have ms kit) and can jack really high.

This is the only jack that fits under my car:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG1020&N=700+4294882710+115&autoview=sku

It clears 2 3/4", making it the lowest of the bunch.
My side skirts are 2.9 inches off of the ground.

that's sweet!

craftsman products all have lifetime warranty too i believe. my sears will replace anything without question

not on jacks.

tools.... hand tools..

beers :beer:

I have this one from NT (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313500_200313500)
Which is also 3.3" height and works fine. You can also get some scrap 2x8 boards and drive over them. The extra height helps with other floor jacks. I also made a set of low profile ramps for the times I don't wish to use a jack / jackstands.

thanks for the recommendations everyone. i think im gonna go with expos suggestion, its very affordable and <30lbs. thats one light jack:)

it depends on if you are lowered... that will decide for you..


beers :beer:

not on jacks.

tools.... hand tools..

beers :beer:

shit, not on jacks for real?? :banghead:

I picked up a low profile jack from Costco and it's quite nice.

I picked up a low profile jack from Costco and it's quite nice.

Yep same here.

shit, not on jacks for real?? :banghead:


yep,
you can guess how i know..

beers :beer:

yep,
you can guess how i know..

beers :beer:
I know!! I know!!!

:beer:

I picked up a low profile jack from Costco and it's quite nice.

i have one of these also :p:

Those of you with the Costco jack, is it this one

$99 in store:
http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1207

or this one online for $99?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&search=jack&Mo=23&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=jack&Ntt=jack&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

The first one looks really impressive, but towards the handle it gets very tall. It's also 50lbs, which is more than the Torin(which i think is much smaller). Any idea which is better?

I went with the top one (2 ton) just because I don't plan on transporting the jack around. In other words....it's a 'garage jack stand'.

If you'll be taking it to autocross, the 2nd one is probably a better choice

Maybe it's just me but I think all those fancy aluminum jacks are too heavy. I have a plain jane steel jack that I can tote around one handed. The aluminum ones are like lugging around two bowling balls. I agree the aluminum ones look nice though.

Those of you with the Costco jack, is it this one

$99 in store:
http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1207

or this one online for $99?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&search=jack&Mo=23&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=jack&Ntt=jack&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

The first one looks really impressive, but towards the handle it gets very tall. It's also 50lbs, which is more than the Torin(which i think is much smaller). Any idea which is better?

The first one you list is what I purchased at Costco. It is for the garage so not worried about its overall weight.

AC Hydraulic floor jacks can't be beat when it comes to quality, low clearance and reach. I have a DK20Q. http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_ACHyd1-detail.htm
Note I didn't mention price. :)
________
WELLBUTRIN LAWSUIT SETTLEMENTS (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/wellbutrin/)

This is the only jack that fits under my car:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG1020&N=700+4294882710+115&autoview=sku

It clears 2 3/4", making it the lowest of the bunch.
My side skirts are 2.9 inches off of the ground.

yeah that one is pimp.

I have a jack and wheelstand set I got at PepBoys (can't remember the brand) with 2-ton capacity- cost only $40 bucks if I remember right. But I can't get it under my car WITHOUT sides skirts now that I'm practically bagging with Konis and Sprint springs....I have to use the sissor jack to get it up a little then slide under the floor jack. A little more work but we're talking like 1 minuet total and I saved $130 bucks with stands

^^ That is how I usually do it.

I run the car up on a piece of 2X6...and then the jack fits great.

I even take them to the dealer...otherwise they can't get it on the lift

Yeah, 2x6 will work, though they tend to skid away on me.
I have to take my front bumper off completely to get on the dealer's alignment rack.
Not just to get on it, but so the lasers on the front wheels can see each other!

My car is kinda low...

I just made some custom ramps for oil changes and use the scissor jack for tire changes. Where exactly is the best spot to jack from if I decide to get one of these? Front and back.

Well, my 2 Ton Costco (Larin (http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1207)) floor jack finally kicked the bucket. I was working on a friend's car, went to get it off the jack stands and the floor jack wouldn't raise the car.

I was in need of another jack to get the car down so I ran over to Sears and picked up a Craftsman Low Profile for $49 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950165000P?vName=Tools&cName=Auto+%26+Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment+%26+Jacks
I'll be returning it today as I don't really care for it, the handle is far too short, takes too many cranks to lift the car but for $50 it's a pretty darn good deal.


Costo has a new 1.5 ton floor jack that I'll be ordering today: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC
The best part about buying from Costco is their warranties; the jack that broke yesterday was 3 years old and they took it back without a receipt, without the box, no questions asked.

I use the one in the trunk to get the car up then use a better jack. Oh and stands ;)

I have this one from NT (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313500_200313500)
Which is also 3.3" height and works fine. You can also get some scrap 2x8 boards and drive over them. The extra height helps with other floor jacks. I also made a set of low profile ramps for the times I don't wish to use a jack / jackstands.

I have the same jack and love it...

Costo has a new 1.5 ton floor jack that I'll be ordering today: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC


I have the Canadian Tire Motomasterclone (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/CreepersJacksStands/PRD~0090021P/Motomaster%2BAluminium%2BJack.jsp). I like it a lot. Extremely low clearance (all my previous jacks barely fit under our lowered cars), not too many pumps needed to raise, and quite solidly made. There's even a 'kick-back' prevention for the handle that stops it from accidentally smacking into the side of your car.

I have a racing jack alike to the one from Costco but my car must of been lowered when I bought it used as I have to take the front bumper off to reach in far enough to get under a frame member to jack the front end up. And I know it's not much lower than stock so I'm not sure how some people are doing it unless jacking it under something else other than a frame member. That or they don't mind the bottom portion of the front bumper lip flexing up with the plastic undertray to get in far enough.

Vlaze: do you have the Lorin jack that I bought 2 years ago or the Larin Race jack that Costco now sells? (the one I just bought)

To be honest, even with my Lorin jack I still couldn't get raise the car with it. I usually use the OEM scissor jack to lift the car a few inches and then get my floor jack in there for the rest.

Nope, I own a Scorpion jack I got for a gift back in my racing days. Same design as the Costco as are the majority of other jacks.

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/Automotive/Landing4624a1443.html

If I drove it on a plank of wood I could likely get under it without yanking the front bumper off.

^^ a few people here do that, they drove onto a 2x6 and then jack the car up from there.

Does anyone know more or less how low and long of a reach you would need on a jack to be able to get to the FRONT cross-member lift point from the front lip of the car?
Would something like this sorta-specialty jack be able to do it?
Maybe OK (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?R=200349257&storeId=6970&productId=200349257&cm_ven=natural&cm_cat=netconcepts&cm_pla=Google&cm_ite=jacks%2Bgarage%2Btools)
Longer but quite expensive (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?R=200349257&storeId=6970&productId=200349257&cm_ven=natural&cm_cat=netconcepts&cm_pla=Google&cm_ite=jacks%2Bgarage%2Btools)

These get really expensive, but damn it would be nice to just roll that in from the front, a few pumps and then pop 2 jack stands under it. Do the same on the rear on the differential and BOOM the car is fully up on 4 jackstands in 2 minutes.

Costo has a new 1.5 ton floor jack that I'll be ordering today: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC
The best part about buying from Costco is their warranties; the jack that broke yesterday was 3 years old and they took it back without a receipt, without the box, no questions asked.
gonna check this one in person this week. Love costco :smoker:

RxMadness: call your local Costco first before you go down there.
I talked to the manager at Costco here and he told me that for the Holiday Season, Costco downsizes all expendable departments to make room for Christmas stuff.
He said that Automotive is usually one of the first victims and they have hardly ANY automotive products this time of year, all the stuff goes to the warehouse for online orders.

The price on Costco's website includes shipping. :cool:

"four strokes without load"? - I would hope so!! ;)

Most of us have "aluminum low profile race jacks." They're all more or less the same, just different branding. So go with whichever retailer you fancy. You can't lose with Northern Tool or Sears Craftsman.

I sometimes drive onto Rhino ramps and then jack dependent on situation.

I went with the top one (2 ton) just because I don't plan on transporting the jack around. In other words....it's a 'garage jack stand'.

If you'll be taking it to autocross, the 2nd one is probably a better choice

yeah, but Costco's lifetime warranty rocks!
Craftsman only does a 1 year warranty these days on their floor jacks.

I'm a BJ's guy (don't read too much into that). ;)

:uhh:

You don't have BJ's Wholesale Clubs in Cali? We have the similar Costco as well, but since BJ's is right in my industrial park..... Unfortunately my local one doesn't have tools.

Nope, no BJ's Wholesale Clubs here in Cali.
We have Costco and Sam's Club.

I think I have 4 jacks now not counting any stock/scissor jacks. Two are low enough to get under the side trim and jack up a wheel. My big 4 ton jack that I would use to put the car on jack stands will not clear the hinge point under the front bumper when going for the cross member so I've always just jacked it up a little on the side to get to it as previously mentioned. Really, different jacks for different usages. The low profiles are good for wheel work, but don't go high enough to really get the car in the air. Some of the low profiles though can get up there.

I'm a BJ's guy (don't read too much into that). ;)

That sounds personal my friend ................:lol2:

+1 for Costco, I love the Alu racing jack I got from them!

well, the Larin Costco floor jack that I bought sucked; it broke after one use. Now back to the drawing board.

MM: how is your summit racing jack holding up?
I looked on Sears' website but I didn't see anything that was low enough.
There's a Harbor Tools in H.B, I might check them out.

anyone bought a floor jack recently?

I believe that is the one I have and used it several times without any issues. What happened to yours?

won't lift an RX-8.
I followed the purging instructions, which are TERRIBLE btw because the jack has a sticker with one set of instructions and the manual has a completely different set.
I got all the air out of it that could but it takes a million pumps to get it to lift the car.

just going to take it back to Costco

That does not sound right. BTW check you PMs

yeah, what sucked is that it was brand new, I took it over to a buddy's house to work on his RX8 and we ended up having to use the damn scissor jack out of the trunk of his car because the Larin was worthless.

on a side note: just read the reviews on Costco's site for it, not very encouraging. This is the one I'll be returning.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11186866&Mo=5&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|3960|21248|48255&N=4013983&Sp=C&pos=4&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=48255&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&ec=BC-EC10615-Cat21248&topnav=


P.S. All PM's replied :lol2:

That is different than the jack I bought at Costco. Mine looks like this.

lmao @ PM replied!

http://www.mygaragestore.com/images/products/larin/jack_lrg.jpg

that's the one I USED to have until it died on me a few months back. Loved that thing and gladly would have gotten another but Costco doesn't stock it anymore

Not cheap by any means, but after my Craftsman racing jack started to leak, I got one of these. Should be the last jack I ever need to purchase. And it's made in the US.


http://www.pbase.com/kster/image/122319652.jpg

kster: where'd you order it from?

kster: where'd you order it from?

I called the manufacture direct and placed the order:
http://www.brunnhoelzl.com/contact_us.html

But I think pitstopusa.com also carries them.

holy hell kster, I just saw the price on the manufacturer site. :Eyecrazy:

$600,$1100,$1400....:eek:.....

i just use the stock scissor jack to get it up a little and put my jack under it after that

i just use the stock scissor jack to get it up a little and put my jack under it after that

I had to do that with my last low profile jack as well. Kinnda defeated the whole 'low profile' thing but the smaller size was nice because it was easy to move around the garage.

holy hell kster, I just saw the price on the manufacturer site. :Eyecrazy:

Yeah, they are expensive. But I get frustrated when one of your tools break due to poor quality; so I bought a jack that should last a lifetime with my limited use.

I had to do that with my last low profile jack as well. Kinnda defeated the whole 'low profile' thing but the smaller size was nice because it was easy to move around the garage.

picked up one of these a while back...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

was 99 bucks on the website..

had a 20% off coupon that i get from them all the time..

well it rang up at 79 bucks at the store.. the coupon was good..

btw, the jack is still working fine. a bit touchy when you try to lower the car, but for the money. rocks..

beers :beer:

thanks swoope.
considering I need a floor jack by Friday and there's a local Harbor Freight, that one seems to be near the top of my list right now.

Now to find a 20% coupon...

thanks swoope.
considering I need a floor jack by Friday and there's a local Harbor Freight, that one seems to be near the top of my list right now.

Now to find a 20% coupon...

google..

but a 99 bucks it is a good jack.

beers :beer:

got it for $69 today.

got it for $69 today.

:)

btw, note. sand is bad. just saying..!

beers :beer:

Just wondering who here is lowered with side skirts and what jack they're using. I'm really sick of using the scissor jack or wood blocks to get it up a few inches before using my craftsman jack which is slowly falling apart piece by piece.

I was at Harbor Freight the other day and i almost made an impulse buy but i figured i should do a little more research.

This one is the right price but i feel like the side plates (blue) would hit the side skirts before i get to the jacking point.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

This one is really long and low with the side plates notched out. I think i'd be able to get underneath the car easier with this but i can't be certain. It's a lot more money though.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92782

Both of those are 3" minimum or more.

This one is less than 3":

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67022

But really, you want a jack with a 2" minimum height.

I have yet to find anything lower then 2.75" in minnimum height.

2.5" minimum height:

http://www.autobarn.net/xxxw-ome29023.html

^Nice floor jack. But $400 is spendy

Both of those are 3" minimum or more.

This one is less than 3":

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67022

But really, you want a jack with a 2" minimum height.

I'm not sure if the extra 1/8th inch is worth it for lugging around the extra 50 lbs over the 3" aluminum one. It is worth the money though. I think i'm just going to ask harbor freight if i can just take them outside and see if they work.

I found one with a 1 3/4" saddle but it was like $600.

I dont really want to spend more than $200.

^^go get urself a road&track magazine and look in the back for a harborfreight coupon...

i remember i just got a aluminum jack for ~$60 from harbor freight after the 2nd big red torin jack from pepboys started leakin, even after new hydraulic fluid... must be from all the dust and sand around the garage floor killing the piston seals.

can't beat that if u need a back up jack...

those coupons are everywhere!

Both of those are 3" minimum or more.

This one is less than 3":

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67022

But really, you want a jack with a 2" minimum height.

Per MM's recommendation i bought the 2 7/8" profile jack from Harbor Freight and it's absolutely awesome. $79 plus a 20% off coupon. Best $63 I've ever spent. Seriously, it's that good.