Will your factory jack do its job out on the trail?

[burntkat]

Hmm, I'm having issues with links to online stores lately - if the Walmart link doesn't work google "KFFKFF Hydraulic Bottle Jack" and look for the 10 ton one from Walmart in the search results. It's such a great deal I think it must be a mistake so don't procrastinate if you decide to buy one. I bet the shipping cost Walmart more than the $23 I paid.

Honestly that is about in line with normal price for a jack in that range. These are NOT complicated machines.

 

[burntkat]

IMHO using the rear diff as a lifting point with a tiny bottle jack, on uneven ground is not a good idea. You'll end up lifting both back tires of the ground and it will be super tippy and unsafe.

Use the axle tube. Not the diff. As close to the tire as you can get the jack under.
Doing this minimizes the lift you need to execute, and will NOT lift both tires. It's the most stable lift you can perform without more equipment.

Of course. If you need to be under the vehicle, use a jackstand FIRST, placed next to the jack (obviously after you've got it lifted). Don't depend on a 10-cent o-ring to keep your chest cavity intact.

 

[burntkat]

I use 6x6 eucalyptus cribbing blocks on my tracked equipment, but of course I just get to crawl on top of them like steps

Cribbing is the cheat code. Yes, it's 'only wood' in 2x4 or 4x4 sections, but if you ever do armored vehicle recovery, or work first responder for vehicular accidents, guess what they use.... The very same. The compression strength of SYP and similar vegetable matter is seriously impressive.

If you're going to stash some cribbing pieces, recommend you go for pressure-treated or at least apply lots of used motor oil or boiled linseed oil to prevent rot, as it is sure to get wet in use.