180 to spend on a jack... ideas? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

gotta240 · 03-14-2007, 04:59 PM

I had the all alluminum craftsman racing jack... It crapped out after a few months and needless to say i wasn't very happy with it... Can anyone suggest a badass jack for under 180 bucks(or around there)... Low profile for lowered cars is prefered, and the lighter better...

I DONT want to cheap out and buy a harbor freight jack... I will have this for MANY MANY(last craftsman jack i was using lasted around 20 years) years, and want to do it right the first time....

the bee guy · 03-14-2007, 05:43 PM

How did the craftsman aluminum jack crap out? did it blow seals or something? Ive had mine for over 3 years now and its never crapped out once...

BLITZZZ · 03-14-2007, 05:48 PM

i have the harbor freight rapid pump jack, its the SHIT and only $150... you can pay $10 per year and get warranty, 3-year $30.00

Dousan_PG · 03-14-2007, 05:51 PM

sigh
i always use my friend's jacks
ive yet to own on (that wasnt free or total crap) in the past 5 years of car life
haha
im such a leach
at the track im the guy asking 'yo buddy, can i borrow your jack to change my wheels?'

haha..
if i do buy a jack it will prbably cost like 400 bucks because i HATE shit jacks.
ive used enough harbor frieght 'racing jacks' to know they are total shit.

jonathans15 · 03-14-2007, 05:57 PM

my friend sell's good aluminum jack, call her office for more info 626 856 8886 if u r still look for a jack

eastcoastS14 · 03-14-2007, 06:11 PM

larin jack from autozone lol been workin good havent had any problems yet

BustedS13 · 03-14-2007, 06:12 PM

where are you guys jacking up your 240's without crushing something? i can't fit my floor jack under the front of the car anyway... for me it's only good for jacking up the rear via the diff... i'm probably just retarded. i use a nissan scissor jack with a lugnut welded onto the end, and jack it up with an impact wrench.

sidenote, harbor freight sells an electric scissor jack. it's DC only though.

brokeAs240sx · 03-14-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

I had the all alluminum craftsman racing jack... It crapped out after a few months
...
(last craftsman jack i was using lasted around 20 years)

HMMMMMMMMMMM...

why not get another craftsman like the one that lasted 20 years?

How did you crap out the racing jack after a few months? You aren't using it in place of a jack stand are you?

All the track guys recommend this one if you have money - industrial strength baby: AC 2 ton Garage Jack

carlova78 · 03-14-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustedS13

where are you guys jacking up your 240's without crushing something? i can't fit my floor jack under the front of the car anyway... for me it's only good for jacking up the rear via the diff... i'm probably just retarded. i use a nissan scissor jack with a lugnut welded onto the end, and jack it up with an impact wrench.

sidenote, harbor freight sells an electric scissor jack. it's DC only though.

wow.. thats like not cool and nsafe man. To get to the front you jack up by the cross member and drive up some ramps or somehting or if your fram rails arnrt too bad i guess thatll work too which it did for me. Man i had a larin jack and big red and there puny with the little handles. I use a 3 1/2 ton michelin jack from sams for $65. Its awsome gets the car off the ground in like less than 2 pumps!

C. Senor · 03-14-2007, 08:01 PM

damn that sucks, yeah we've had a craftsman jack for like 8-9 years now, and it still works fine, but why not spend 40 bucks more, i know the matco jack "the beast" costs 216.43...and its a matco...lifetime warrenty...yay!

sean350z · 03-14-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustedS13

where are you guys jacking up your 240's without crushing something? i can't fit my floor jack under the front of the car anyway... for me it's only good for jacking up the rear via the diff... i'm probably just retarded. i use a nissan scissor jack with a lugnut welded onto the end, and jack it up with an impact wrench.

sidenote, harbor freight sells an electric scissor jack. it's DC only though.

Eastwood will save your pinches on the frames....greatest invention in the world.

derek_s13 · 03-14-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean350z

....greatest invention in the world.

they finally invented!!...... whatever that thing is.

a couple blocks of wood work fine.

- soft
- compact
- many models
- VIP woodgrain
- no warrantee downtime
- it's free

BustedS13 · 03-14-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean350z

Eastwood will save your pinches on the frames....greatest invention in the world.

...holy shit. i want that, right now. where can i buy one?

gotta240 · 03-14-2007, 10:14 PM

Matco huh? Thanks for the suggestion...thats def. in the price range i want... How heavy is it? I like the lightweight idea for as much as i move this...

The 20 year old crafstman jack STILL works!!! The wheel just fell off and i've been too lazy to find another nut to hold it on... I actually JUST replaced it and it only cost 30 bucks for the entire jack on sale!!! Its just not practical for as much work as i do on cars though... It takes like 10 or 15 pumps to get the car up...

The craftsman "racing jack" was the ALL ALLUMINUM one. sometimes it wouldn't lift at all when pumping... Other times it would lift perfect, and other times it would lift on every other pump... ALSO, there was no lowering "control"... Turning the valve just a little made the car fall very quickly... As a old school circle track friend said... "Damn man...theres nothing nice about that jack!!"

On a side note, i just returned it, got a refund(within one year warranty) and got another one.. This one, although the EXACT same model, is MUCH smoother and i think i'll be happy with it... Although i will look into the matco. IF IT IS LIGHT and LIFETIME WARRANTY i'll brop. scoop it up and return the craftsman...

jy116 · 03-14-2007, 10:17 PM

wuts the bushing for? attaches to the lift plate and rotates?

Back to topic, I just bought an ARCAN jack from Costco for 99.99. Only used it once so far, so not sure on reliability, but it seemed solid. The handle is harder to rotate when lowering than the behemoth shop jack I usually use, but this one is aluminum, im guessing ~40lbs or so, ANDDDDDD it can reach the front crossmember w/o rolling up ramps/boards of wood!!!! I'm not super slammed, but I have 215/45/17s up front and almost no wheel gap for height reference...

MAGILLA · 03-14-2007, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLITZZZ

i have the harbor freight rapid pump jack, its the SHIT and only $150... you can pay $10 per year and get warranty, 3-year $30.00

I have the same one. It is the best jack I have ever used that was less than $500. I got mine on sale with a coupon for $ 125.

240sx2jz · 03-14-2007, 11:32 PM

i too use the scissor jack with the impact wrench and its friggin great when ur car is dumped to get it to a jackable height. but other then that i have a blue point aluminum jack and its absolutely awesome i dont remeber how much i payed but im allways usin it on lowere peoples cars when i do work on em.

nrg · 03-14-2007, 11:48 PM

I'd buy an Omega low profile jack: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-OME29023.../dp/B000GTO72C
this is the lowest i've ever seen out of any jack.

kensreliableb18b · 03-14-2007, 11:54 PM

yea i wanted this one too. but shits pretty heavy; i think like over 100lbs delivered via truck freight

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrg

I'd buy an Omega low profile jack: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-OME29023.../dp/B000GTO72C
this is the lowest i've ever seen out of any jack.

C. Senor · 03-15-2007, 12:43 AM

yeah i just did some research man, sorry those matco jacks are ridiculously fuckin heavy...the shipping wieght for the beast is 115 pounds...damn...they have another one called the demon, i dont know how heavy it is cuz it doesnt tell me, it says it 170 bucks and on average lifts a car in 2 pumps....that what it says. http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...select=&page=2

gotta240 · 03-15-2007, 08:50 AM

yeah, i looked up the matcos...although great shop jacks, not ideal for my use due to the weight....thank you for the suggestion though.

To the guys using sissor jacks.... I SERIOSLY HOPE you guys are NEVER EVER doing ANYTHING to the car with JUST a sissor jack supporting it... ALWAYS use a jack stand or two. Those jacks are notorious for collapsing...

delphis · 03-15-2007, 08:59 AM

I thought all craftsman have a lifetime warranty?

sean350z · 03-15-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustedS13

...holy shit. i want that, right now. where can i buy one?

Eastwood.com, but if you have the materials and bending skills you could make one yourself pretty easy I'd imagine.

The bushing is used if the hole on your jack top is too large, it helps fill the gap. I have a craftsman (smaller model) and I don't need to use the bushing, it just plops right in.

Jung918 · 03-15-2007, 09:59 AM

I just ordered the omega one. It was $6 for shipping. muahahaha

sTalnOut · 03-15-2007, 10:05 AM

i was just wondering if your craftman jack is blown out cant you get a new one replace from them since supposly their warranty is lifetime i believe

Neejay · 03-15-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jung918

I just ordered the omega one. It was $6 for shipping. muahahaha

Let us know how good/bad it is! Im keeping my eye on it.

BustedS13 · 03-15-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sTalnOut

i was just wondering if your craftman jack is blown out cant you get a new one replace from them since supposly their warranty is lifetime i believe

pretty sure the lifetime warranty only applies to hand tools. screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, and so on. a lot of my tools are brand new, because i bought old craftsman tools at garage sales and estate sales, and returned them.

koukikat180sx · 03-15-2007, 10:29 AM

I have a craftsman jack. it took a crap on me after using it twice. thank god for warranty. :P

I heard with the harbor freight jacks you can turn them in for warranty before the warranty is up, and they'll give you the option to buy another warranty for the replacement.

boozels · 03-15-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delphis

I thought all craftsman have a lifetime warranty?

Yea, take the jack to sears and tell them you got it as a gift within a year. They should give you a new one. They have done that before for my friend.

5t341tH · 03-15-2007, 11:47 AM

how r the harbor fright ones at lowering the car down? im reading it at the site and it says it drops the car down quick.
should i buy the jack or should i buy the ramps instead.

03-14-2007, 04:59 PM	#1
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	180 to spend on a jack... ideas? I had the all alluminum craftsman racing jack... It crapped out after a few months and needless to say i wasn't very happy with it... Can anyone suggest a badass jack for under 180 bucks(or around there)... Low profile for lowered cars is prefered, and the lighter better... I DONT want to cheap out and buy a harbor freight jack... I will have this for MANY MANY(last craftsman jack i was using lasted around 20 years) years, and want to do it right the first time....

03-14-2007, 05:51 PM	#4
Dousan_PG Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Orange County, California Age: 46 Posts: 16,640 Trader Rating: (23) Rides Gallery: Dousan_PG Feedback Score: 23 reviews	sigh i always use my friend's jacks ive yet to own on (that wasnt free or total crap) in the past 5 years of car life haha im such a leach at the track im the guy asking 'yo buddy, can i borrow your jack to change my wheels?' haha.. if i do buy a jack it will prbably cost like 400 bucks because i HATE shit jacks. ive used enough harbor frieght 'racing jacks' to know they are total shit. __________________ Aaron Pink GodziRa www.geocities.com/pink_godzira

03-14-2007, 05:57 PM	#5
jonathans15 Leaky Injector Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arcadia Age: 39 Posts: 50 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	my friend sell's good aluminum jack, call her office for more info 626 856 8886 if u r still look for a jack __________________ Mine on the left..

03-14-2007, 10:17 PM	#15
jy116 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Berkeley, CALifornia Posts: 785 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	wuts the bushing for? attaches to the lift plate and rotates? Back to topic, I just bought an ARCAN jack from Costco for 99.99. Only used it once so far, so not sure on reliability, but it seemed solid. The handle is harder to rotate when lowering than the behemoth shop jack I usually use, but this one is aluminum, im guessing ~40lbs or so, ANDDDDDD it can reach the front crossmember w/o rolling up ramps/boards of wood!!!! I'm not super slammed, but I have 215/45/17s up front and almost no wheel gap for height reference... __________________ KYB AGX w/ dust boots $500obo... sadly serious

03-14-2007, 11:48 PM	#18
nrg Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Age: 40 Posts: 1,571 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I'd buy an Omega low profile jack: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-OME29023.../dp/B000GTO72C this is the lowest i've ever seen out of any jack. __________________ driftingisgay.com

03-14-2007, 05:43 PM	#2
the bee guy Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: So. Cal Posts: 247 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	How did the craftsman aluminum jack crap out? did it blow seals or something? Ive had mine for over 3 years now and its never crapped out once...

03-14-2007, 05:48 PM	#3
BLITZZZ BANNED Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 134 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i have the harbor freight rapid pump jack, its the SHIT and only $150... you can pay $10 per year and get warranty, 3-year $30.00

03-14-2007, 06:11 PM	#6
eastcoastS14 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: the land of snow potholes and no tracks Posts: 3,984 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	larin jack from autozone lol been workin good havent had any problems yet

03-14-2007, 06:12 PM	#7
BustedS13 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phoenix AZ Age: 40 Posts: 10,287 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	where are you guys jacking up your 240's without crushing something? i can't fit my floor jack under the front of the car anyway... for me it's only good for jacking up the rear via the diff... i'm probably just retarded. i use a nissan scissor jack with a lugnut welded onto the end, and jack it up with an impact wrench. sidenote, harbor freight sells an electric scissor jack. it's DC only though.

03-14-2007, 08:01 PM	#10
C. Senor Post Whore! Join Date: May 2006 Location: cali Posts: 3,488 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	damn that sucks, yeah we've had a craftsman jack for like 8-9 years now, and it still works fine, but why not spend 40 bucks more, i know the matco jack "the beast" costs 216.43...and its a matco...lifetime warrenty...yay!

03-14-2007, 10:14 PM	#14
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	Matco huh? Thanks for the suggestion...thats def. in the price range i want... How heavy is it? I like the lightweight idea for as much as i move this... The 20 year old crafstman jack STILL works!!! The wheel just fell off and i've been too lazy to find another nut to hold it on... I actually JUST replaced it and it only cost 30 bucks for the entire jack on sale!!! Its just not practical for as much work as i do on cars though... It takes like 10 or 15 pumps to get the car up... The craftsman "racing jack" was the ALL ALLUMINUM one. sometimes it wouldn't lift at all when pumping... Other times it would lift perfect, and other times it would lift on every other pump... ALSO, there was no lowering "control"... Turning the valve just a little made the car fall very quickly... As a old school circle track friend said... "Damn man...theres nothing nice about that jack!!" On a side note, i just returned it, got a refund(within one year warranty) and got another one.. This one, although the EXACT same model, is MUCH smoother and i think i'll be happy with it... Although i will look into the matco. IF IT IS LIGHT and LIFETIME WARRANTY i'll brop. scoop it up and return the craftsman...

03-14-2007, 11:32 PM	#17
240sx2jz Leaky Injector Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: a lil place called nunya... Posts: 78 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i too use the scissor jack with the impact wrench and its friggin great when ur car is dumped to get it to a jackable height. but other then that i have a blue point aluminum jack and its absolutely awesome i dont remeber how much i payed but im allways usin it on lowere peoples cars when i do work on em.

03-15-2007, 12:43 AM	#20
C. Senor Post Whore! Join Date: May 2006 Location: cali Posts: 3,488 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	yeah i just did some research man, sorry those matco jacks are ridiculously fuckin heavy...the shipping wieght for the beast is 115 pounds...damn...they have another one called the demon, i dont know how heavy it is cuz it doesnt tell me, it says it 170 bucks and on average lifts a car in 2 pumps....that what it says. http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...select=&page=2

03-15-2007, 08:50 AM	#21
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	yeah, i looked up the matcos...although great shop jacks, not ideal for my use due to the weight....thank you for the suggestion though. To the guys using sissor jacks.... I SERIOSLY HOPE you guys are NEVER EVER doing ANYTHING to the car with JUST a sissor jack supporting it... ALWAYS use a jack stand or two. Those jacks are notorious for collapsing...

03-15-2007, 08:59 AM	#22
delphis Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: antioch Age: 42 Posts: 312 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I thought all craftsman have a lifetime warranty?

03-15-2007, 09:59 AM	#24
Jung918 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CA Posts: 3,203 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I just ordered the omega one. It was $6 for shipping. muahahaha __________________ Sale: Hello Kitty Horn Button S14 Rear Valences K.Y. Gordon the Thief (Tony Chen)

03-15-2007, 10:05 AM	#25
sTalnOut Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: crooklyn,NYC Age: 41 Posts: 286 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	i was just wondering if your craftman jack is blown out cant you get a new one replace from them since supposly their warranty is lifetime i believe

03-15-2007, 10:29 AM	#28
koukikat180sx Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 1,365 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: koukikat180sx Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I have a craftsman jack. it took a crap on me after using it twice. thank god for warranty. :P I heard with the harbor freight jacks you can turn them in for warranty before the warranty is up, and they'll give you the option to buy another warranty for the replacement. __________________

03-15-2007, 11:47 AM	#30
5t341tH Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: socal (Huntington Beach) Age: 36 Posts: 2,787 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	how r the harbor fright ones at lowering the car down? im reading it at the site and it says it drops the car down quick. should i buy the jack or should i buy the ramps instead. __________________ lexus baby