Low profile jack

Tom W · 04-21-2009, 01:44 PM

Yes, I've searched.

My car has 3" clearance to reach the jack point and clear the rocker panel. The Sears or Harbor Freight jacks that folk usually recommend go no lower than 3.5". My Esco DK20 jack is great but also goes no lower than 3.5".

The only jack I've been able to find on-line that has less clearance is the Brunnhoelzl low profile jack (with 2.5" clearance). The "cheaper" Brunnhoelzl jacks (PRO or Warrior) have 3.25" clearance. It's just stupid amounts of money ($1000ish for a 33 lb aluminum, 1-pump) for the low profile jack. While I expect you could get spare parts for it (unlike Chinese imports) and it might last longer than 3 events (like many report for the Sears or Harbor Freight jacks), it's hard to see beyond the price.

Does anyone actually have one of these beasts and think it's worth the money?
Does anyone know of a jack that has 3" or less clearance that is not stupid expensive?

I have no interest in wooden boards or other contraptions to raise the car to a level where a 3.5" jack would work. Those options are not what I expect to employ during a pit stop in an enduro where time counts.

ltc · 04-21-2009, 01:49 PM

2.25" clearance (saddle removed) on this jack:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

viperbob · 04-21-2009, 01:58 PM

http://www.asedeals.com/service-jacks-omega.html

http://www.asedeals.com/Ranger_floor_jacks.html

http://www.asedeals.com/automotive_floor_jacks.html

http://www.asedeals.com/zinko_alumin...ing_jacks.html

Tom W · 04-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Lewis: Been there done that with regard to removing the saddle to increase clearance. A couple thousand dollars went into the fender repair when the car slipped off the jack due to the metal to metal contact (it was easier to slip off as the jack was raised than to have the jack roll a bit). That's why I bought the DK20 a few years ago.

Bob: I was a bit worried that you might think that my pit crew or I could use a 120 lb jack in the pits at a race. Maybe you were going to volunteer to lift it over the wall... I did follow your links and found an 40 lb aluminum jack with the required clearance. Thanks, I'd not seen that site before.

While I don't call 10-pumps to maximum height 'fast', anyone have any experience with the first jack listed here? http://www.asedeals.com/zinko_alumin...ing_jacks.html

jrgordonsenior · 04-21-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom W

Lewis: Been there done that with regard to removing the saddle to increase clearance. A couple thousand dollars went into the fender repair when the car slipped off the jack due to the metal to metal contact (it was easier to slip off as the jack was raised than to have the jack roll a bit). That's why I bought the DK20 a few years ago.

Tom that jack still has 3" clearance with the saddle....

mooty · 04-21-2009, 10:30 PM

tom the link you provide: alum jack.
i dont have it nor seen it in person but i have one very similar in construction. the alum doesn't look very strong, when i tried to jack the car up high enough to do both wheels, the jack had a "twisting" action (lifting one of the corners of the jack off pavment). if the thing tweaked more, i hate to see it fail while the wheels are off the ground....

Tonydec · 04-21-2009, 11:14 PM

That Griot's is a very strong jack (not light) and does 3". I have a mid rise lift, a steel floor jack and an aluminum low profile. Once I saw that Griot's, I want one though I need it like a hole in the head.

Tom W · 04-22-2009, 12:50 AM

John: Thanks for the slap upside the head and apologies to Lewis. He went to the trouble to post a link that I ignored simply because he mentioned removing the saddle. I'll have to call and check the weight. It looks like one in Bob's links that weigh over 100 lbs.

Someone has to know where to find the Holy Grail of jacks - under 35 lbs, clears less than 3", extends to 20" or more, from a known supplier that has spare parts available, comes with a 1-year warranty, wheels as smooth as the DK20 (rubber o-ring rollers), full extension in 3 or less pumps and all for less than $500.

f1rocks · 04-22-2009, 01:06 AM

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...53?cm_vc=C5503

Only 17 1/2 inches max height and takes more than 3 pumps so it's not the "holy grail" but I've beat the piss out of two of these for more than two years and haven't had a problem.

You can grind the saddle plates to make the 3" easily.

Mahler9th · 04-22-2009, 01:41 AM

TW, you need on jacks. That is pretty clear to me. I bet Tony can weld the neccesary brackets. You know that Skip put them in his car.

mooty · 04-22-2009, 01:48 AM

^mike, you mean air jack? what are on jacks?

Mussl Kar · 04-22-2009, 08:47 AM

Get 4 pieces of 2x12 about 24" long. Park on them. That will get you an extra 1 1/2".

Edit. Nevermind, just read the end of your post.

Tom W · 04-22-2009, 12:20 PM

Mike: at $1000 or more for a regular jack that meets the need, air jacks are moving into the realm of feasibility (I just don't want to give up the weight).

Mahler9th · 04-22-2009, 12:55 PM

Sorry, I meant to type on board jacks. I am not sure about weight. Skip, whom you know, bought some for his GTL car. I think he got some high quality used ones. His install looks very nice. Since you have invested heavily in your car's enduro set up and performance, this might be the way to go.

Behram, whom you know, has some in his GTS car. They are from a wrecked Cup car (Dan Jones').

Something to consider if you cannot find an appropriate jack.

You might want to check the Brunnhoelzl route with a call-- perhaps they make or sell something that isn't advertised or can do a custom unit. or perhaps you can find a used version of the unit you like from a Winston Cup team.

ltc · 04-22-2009, 01:43 PM

I must admit, air jacks quickly spoil a person.

04-21-2009, 01:44 PM	#1
Tom W Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 3,951	Low profile jack Yes, I've searched. My car has 3" clearance to reach the jack point and clear the rocker panel. The Sears or Harbor Freight jacks that folk usually recommend go no lower than 3.5". My Esco DK20 jack is great but also goes no lower than 3.5". The only jack I've been able to find on-line that has less clearance is the Brunnhoelzl low profile jack (with 2.5" clearance). The "cheaper" Brunnhoelzl jacks (PRO or Warrior) have 3.25" clearance. It's just stupid amounts of money ($1000ish for a 33 lb aluminum, 1-pump) for the low profile jack. While I expect you could get spare parts for it (unlike Chinese imports) and it might last longer than 3 events (like many report for the Sears or Harbor Freight jacks), it's hard to see beyond the price. Does anyone actually have one of these beasts and think it's worth the money? Does anyone know of a jack that has 3" or less clearance that is not stupid expensive? I have no interest in wooden boards or other contraptions to raise the car to a level where a 3.5" jack would work. Those options are not what I expect to employ during a pit stop in an enduro where time counts. __________________ -Tom 1992 964 track car (The Turtle) 2009 SL63 AMG

04-21-2009, 01:49 PM	#2
ltc Super Moderator (training wheels attached) Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: RL Moderator Bunker Posts: 21,201	2.25" clearance (saddle removed) on this jack: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1 __________________ ...Lewis

04-21-2009, 02:24 PM	#4
Tom W Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 3,951	Lewis: Been there done that with regard to removing the saddle to increase clearance. A couple thousand dollars went into the fender repair when the car slipped off the jack due to the metal to metal contact (it was easier to slip off as the jack was raised than to have the jack roll a bit). That's why I bought the DK20 a few years ago. Bob: I was a bit worried that you might think that my pit crew or I could use a 120 lb jack in the pits at a race. Maybe you were going to volunteer to lift it over the wall... I did follow your links and found an 40 lb aluminum jack with the required clearance. Thanks, I'd not seen that site before. While I don't call 10-pumps to maximum height 'fast', anyone have any experience with the first jack listed here? http://www.asedeals.com/zinko_alumin...ing_jacks.html __________________ -Tom 1992 964 track car (The Turtle) 2009 SL63 AMG

04-21-2009, 10:30 PM	#6
mooty Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: san francisco Posts: 13,855	tom the link you provide: alum jack. i dont have it nor seen it in person but i have one very similar in construction. the alum doesn't look very strong, when i tried to jack the car up high enough to do both wheels, the jack had a "twisting" action (lifting one of the corners of the jack off pavment). if the thing tweaked more, i hate to see it fail while the wheels are off the ground.... __________________ PCA National Certified Instructor HWFMR Team Director of "Unsanctioned" Track Events Rennlist Member #021125-3378

04-22-2009, 12:50 AM	#8
Tom W Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 3,951	John: Thanks for the slap upside the head and apologies to Lewis. He went to the trouble to post a link that I ignored simply because he mentioned removing the saddle. I'll have to call and check the weight. It looks like one in Bob's links that weigh over 100 lbs. Someone has to know where to find the Holy Grail of jacks - under 35 lbs, clears less than 3", extends to 20" or more, from a known supplier that has spare parts available, comes with a 1-year warranty, wheels as smooth as the DK20 (rubber o-ring rollers), full extension in 3 or less pumps and all for less than $500. __________________ -Tom 1992 964 track car (The Turtle) 2009 SL63 AMG

04-21-2009, 01:58 PM	#3
viperbob Former Vendor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 6,851	http://www.asedeals.com/service-jacks-omega.html http://www.asedeals.com/Ranger_floor_jacks.html http://www.asedeals.com/automotive_floor_jacks.html http://www.asedeals.com/zinko_alumin...ing_jacks.html

04-21-2009, 11:14 PM	#7
Tonydec Addict Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,097	That Griot's is a very strong jack (not light) and does 3". I have a mid rise lift, a steel floor jack and an aluminum low profile. Once I saw that Griot's, I want one though I need it like a hole in the head.

04-22-2009, 01:06 AM	#9
f1rocks Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Nashvegas, TN Posts: 911	http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...53?cm_vc=C5503 Only 17 1/2 inches max height and takes more than 3 pumps so it's not the "holy grail" but I've beat the piss out of two of these for more than two years and haven't had a problem. You can grind the saddle plates to make the 3" easily. __________________ Brent

04-22-2009, 01:41 AM	#10
Mahler9th User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 275	TW, you need on jacks. That is pretty clear to me. I bet Tony can weld the neccesary brackets. You know that Skip put them in his car.

04-22-2009, 01:48 AM	#11
mooty Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: san francisco Posts: 13,855	^mike, you mean air jack? what are on jacks? __________________ PCA National Certified Instructor HWFMR Team Director of "Unsanctioned" Track Events Rennlist Member #021125-3378

04-22-2009, 08:47 AM	#12
Mussl Kar Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SE Mass Posts: 658	Get 4 pieces of 2x12 about 24" long. Park on them. That will get you an extra 1 1/2". Edit. Nevermind, just read the end of your post. __________________ 07 997C2S Black on Black 07 GT3 RS VIPER GREEN 05 SL55, K2 tuning, 585hp, 628tq 07 997TT Black on Black SOLD

04-22-2009, 12:20 PM	#13
Tom W Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA Posts: 3,951	Mike: at $1000 or more for a regular jack that meets the need, air jacks are moving into the realm of feasibility (I just don't want to give up the weight). __________________ -Tom 1992 964 track car (The Turtle) 2009 SL63 AMG

04-22-2009, 12:55 PM	#14
Mahler9th User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 275	Sorry, I meant to type on board jacks. I am not sure about weight. Skip, whom you know, bought some for his GTL car. I think he got some high quality used ones. His install looks very nice. Since you have invested heavily in your car's enduro set up and performance, this might be the way to go. Behram, whom you know, has some in his GTS car. They are from a wrecked Cup car (Dan Jones'). Something to consider if you cannot find an appropriate jack. You might want to check the Brunnhoelzl route with a call-- perhaps they make or sell something that isn't advertised or can do a custom unit. or perhaps you can find a used version of the unit you like from a Winston Cup team.

04-22-2009, 01:43 PM	#15
ltc Super Moderator (training wheels attached) Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: RL Moderator Bunker Posts: 21,201	I must admit, air jacks quickly spoil a person. __________________ ...Lewis