High Lift Jack - install under bed rail - PIC

[Eric Lee]

I have had a High Lift jack bouncing around the bed of my truck for ever and finally bought a new jack from Rocky Mountain Suspension and mounted it under the bed rail. I also bought the 'Off Road Kit' which includes the chains and other goodies to use this jack as a winch.



There really isn't any way to lift my truck (sport bumpers) without damaging her, so it would have to be an emergency to change a tire with this kind of jack - it's more for trailer support.



It enables me to get a trailer off the truck when I end up tongue heavy and the trailer jack will not extend far enough to clear the ball. - Or if the trailer's jack handle becomes obstucted by the load. I also like to have it along in case of a flat on the trailer - loaded or not. These jacks have a 5000 lb rated capacity and a 7000 lb tested capacity.



http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/Hi-Lift Jack.htm



It fits nice up under rail - and into molded 'pockets' of the bed wall. I used self drilling/tapping machine screws to attach to bed. I was careful not to run them through to the outside wall and used a little dab of silicone to avoid rust. I have a feeling that I will eventually need to fish real bolts up between the bed walls if this set up loosens.



-Eric

 

[SRadke]

That is a slick design. I hung mine from the bottom of my over the rail toolbox. Keeps it out of the way and it stays really clean and dry. Fortunatly I don't use it often cause it's a bit of a PITA to get it out.



-Scott

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Nice and neat. Out of the way, too. I would suggest, though, that you make the effort to install bolts with washers and nuts. I mounted a Hi-Lift in a similar fashion on a Ford that I had and it eventually cracked the sheet metal around the mounts from the off road bouncing around, even with being mounted using bolts with nylock nuts. I guess if you wanted to have it be really durable one way would be to weld doubler plates to the bed where the brackets go to reduce the possibility of cracking.



One other suggestion. Drill the threaded stud near the end and install a small padlock through the hole. Helps keep honest people honest and slow thieves down.



My Hi Lift? It rides in the tool box behind the cab.

 

[Eric Lee]

I was hoping to use the wire dealy to fish the bolt in from the back - but the use of a back plate will change that idea a little as far as access. I would assume the way to get up in there is to take the wheel well apart?

I have seen what you describe, the sheet metal fatigues and rips a patch out around bracket. I have a piece of 1/2" thick fabric/rubber behind bracket now and will use the same on inside of wheel well with washers when I tidy install up.



Being a welder by trade - I will avoid welding the body metal at all. I've tried this in the past and ended up just making a big mess, bigger holes and wishing I'd stuck with fender washers and mechanical means.



High lift does have a hole in the bolt end for a little padlock. In fact it came with one - it was chinese and chinsy so it hit the trash can. I was afraid that in the moment of need It would prevent it's removal.