What floor jack? [Archive] - bimmerfest

Clem

09-20-2002, 11:19 AM

From Griot's Garage: http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?SKUupsell=77715

http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/77715_LG.jpg

EUROPE'S FINEST 2 TON ULTRA LOW PROFILE FLOOR JACK
Looking for quality garage products gets discouraging. I've watched the quality of jacks go downhill fast. Even much revered jacks that were made in the U.S. are now being made overseas. To the CEO's of those companies I say, "Shame on you." That's why you haven't seen a jack in the Handbook lately - I refuse to lower my standards. When it comes to floor jacks, you shouldn't lower your standards either. I've finally found a floor jack from Europe that is packed with features - you'll appreciate all the little things it does long after you've forgotten the price. With a 2 3/4" saddle clearance, our 2 ton floor jack has the lowest profile in the world yet is capable of lifting 4,000 lbs. to a height of 18 1/4". In a jam? Take the saddle out and your lifting point is just 1 3/4"! Notice the side rails, too. (Most jacks have side rails that go up immediately, so no matter how low the jack pad, the jack is useless if you can't get it under the car due to high side rails!) This floor jack has a hidden central internal wheel that allows you to pivot and slide the jack in any direction before you raise the saddle. This eliminates sliding the jack in and out from under the vehicle when positioning it. The T-bar handle also makes the descents more controllable. (Ever try to lower a jack with a "round tube" handle while your hands are greasy?) With a simple turn, the jack lowers the load smoothly; let go and the spring loaded handle automatically stops the descent. No more fussing with a hard-to-control handle! The convenient foot pedal also allows you to pump up the saddle quickly to the lift point, then use the T-bar handle from there. For safety, the jack is also fitted with a safety valve within the hydraulics to prevent overloading. This is the nicest floor jack I've ever had the pleasure of using.

Hunter

09-20-2002, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Imola Ed
Yeah, I could do that, but I think the bigger problem right now is that I need to use the center jack point for my next project, and my saddle is too big. I need to see if I can find a smaller one at Sears or something. Not sure if they sell them piecemeal though.

Before you spend all that money on a new thin jack, I would try my suggested helper jack idea...

From the standard jack point use the OEM jack in your trunk to get 2-inches of clearance... that should be all you need to slip in your big foor jack to the center jack point.

Just remember to use the helper jack on the way down:angel: or else your floor jack will be stuck.

Kaz

09-20-2002, 11:26 AM

But look at that Griots jack one more time. Look at how high the rest of that body is. My guess is its about 7in, and it starts less than a foot in from the end. Sure, you could get the saddle under the car, but it will not reach that front center jacking point because the high part of the jack will run straight into the front lip.

This is why I want:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/dk13hlq.gif

StevzZ3

09-20-2002, 03:41 PM

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

The HACK

09-20-2002, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by StevzZ3
See this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47246

The main benefit of that jack is lightweight. It's not low or long enough to reach ANY of the center jack points.

I'm also trying to get that same jack Kaz posted. That looks like the only jack that will clear and be long enough to get to the center jack point.

EDIT: I'm going to excercise my moderator powers and make this a sticky...I think for the DIY forum this may be the most important tool you'll ever get (next to a torque wrench).

Imola Ed

09-20-2002, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by Kaz
The jack I REALLY want is a AC DK13HLQ. Finding them isn't a huge problem; the cost of shipping is, unless the quantities are sizable.

So what is the shipping on this jack going for, just to give me an idea?

Kaz

09-20-2002, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Imola Ed

So what is the shipping on this jack going for, just to give me an idea?

I've been quoted $40-50 for a single unit from the east coast. :eek:
Or $125-$150 for qty5 palleted by truck.

Note the long-reach model I'm interested in would naturally be on the high side. What we want to find is a west-coast distributor to save on these charges.

RKT BMR

09-20-2002, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by Kaz

I've been quoted $40-50 for a single unit from the east coast. :eek:
Or $125-$150 for qty5 palleted by truck.

Note the long-reach model I'm interested in would naturally be on the high side. What we want to find is a west-coast distributor to save on these charges.
What's the price of the jack? I'm quite interested too...

Dave

Razzmatazz

09-21-2002, 06:45 AM

I have a Lincoln 2 ton floor jack. It's pretty, in dark blue metallic with a great big yellow handle. I also use a round disc of polypropylene plastic in the lifting saucer. This prevents unsightly marring.

For those times when I need to squeeze under something. I use a pair of MAXIFORCE air bags. View at www.paratech-inc.com/Maxiforce.asp These are low pressure pnuematically actuated lifting devices (about 20psi is all you need) They are about 1" thick when deflated and have no trouble lifting any size of automobile. To prevent stress on the unibody, I alway lift one entire side of the car as opposed to just a corner.

Air bag lifting cells only expand about 9" so you have to use a small square pallet underneath to raise the car for any use. I only use these when I'm doing wheel, brake work.

When the car has to be up in the air for something like transmission mounts, driveline, rear diff oil change, twin turbo installs, etc. It goes on the lift.

:mad: razzmatazz

teamdfl

09-26-2002, 08:25 AM

The AC jacks that Steve D. sells at the Ultimate Garage are gorgeous!

http://www.ultimategarage.com

http://teamdfl.com/events/brakefest/Images/24.jpg

http://teamdfl.com/events/brakefest/Images/0.jpg

The HACK

09-26-2002, 09:18 AM

Wow, that IS gorgeous...And it looks like very useful with the long reach as well. Any clearance issues teamdfl?

Maybe we can organize a group buy for So. Cal members and east coast members where they can be distributed at certain events (like say, bimmerfest?)

RKT BMR

09-26-2002, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by The HACK
Wow, that IS gorgeous...And it looks like very useful with the long reach as well. Any clearance issues teamdfl?

Maybe we can organize a group buy for So. Cal members and east coast members where they can be distributed at certain events (like say, bimmerfest?)
Count me in. I'll drive down to So. Cal to collect mine (and get a chance to meet some of you miscreants!)

Bimmerfest is too far off.

Dave

Kaz

09-26-2002, 09:37 AM

Is that a HQ or a HLQ?

Imola Ed

09-26-2002, 09:51 AM

Yeah, I was thinking along the same lines, since most of us are in Cali, we could bulk order them and organize a meet to get them. :D

teamdfl

09-27-2002, 05:44 AM

I believe mine is a DK20, the shortest reach model. I have no problem reaching the front jack point at the subframe or the diff in back on any E46 with the factory Sport Package suspension. I have not tried with something that has been lowered but it looks like there is another 1" or so of room.

Shipping is probably really expensive because these things, although lighter than my old 95lb Craftsman 3 ton, still weigh 55lbs or so. Shipping a bunch by truck freight would be cheap per piece. If you don't get a huge discount on a group buy, you would still save $20 or more each on shipping if a bunch came on a pallet.

Ed

operknockity

09-27-2002, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by Imola Ed
Yeah, I was thinking along the same lines, since most of us are in Cali, we could bulk order them and organize a meet to get them. :D
:thumbup: :thumbup:

phlin

09-27-2002, 04:38 PM

i drive up onto a pair of 2x4s, which raises the front end enough so i can slip my sears 3 ton floor jack underneath. a low cost solution. ;)

JonW

09-28-2002, 06:51 PM

I got myself a 3 ton jack at Sears. It's their 3 ton jack "especially made for SUV's." It's black and yellow, narrow, maybe 55 pounds, and the jack point/circle (the part that actually touches the car) is maybe 3 inches across. The other 3 ton jack they sell is much bigger with a jack point of around 5 inches across. That one looked like it might crunch into metal and platic around where it touches the car.

Anyways, I used the 3 ton SUV jack today to rotate my tires. Works perfectly. And I was able to just roll it under the car to the front jack point. Didn't need to raise the car with a helper jack. So I'd say this is a good jack to go for. $50. But I do have a 325xi, so my car is 3/4" higher than some of the other ones. Even if the car were 3/4" lower, it might still have been OK. Maybe.

SoCalTom

10-08-2002, 03:44 PM

Even though I do virtually no work on either our Z3 or our new MINI Cooper S ("MCS")... I do like to think that someday I'll learn. For this reason I have one of those full-height rolling tool chests (with next to nothing in it, but it looks cool in the garage).

For real practical reasons, however, I have long lusted after a "real" floor jack (now we pay someone to have tire/wheel sets switched).

Our Z3's jack is a joke and our MCS came with runflats and NO jack. :banghead: But the way-cool $600 aluminum jack from Griot's would ensure endless "conversations" (not the good kind) with my better half-- and she's a BMW fanatic as well. :dunno:

Diversified Cryogenics to the rescue! They are importing a knockoff version of that $600 aluminum floor jack that is only $250. Looks great (at least in pictures, mine is in the mail), is lightweight, rated to 3000 pounds, fits under lowered cars (like ours), and the D.C. folks have had the jack taken apart to check quality and have found it to be very well made.

Although DC's supplies of this jack tend to be limited, I called today (Tue 10/8) and they had just received another shipment and so I ordered one. Ask for Mark, he's the VP there (and the only Mark, I think). Their website www.frozenrotors.com has their telephone number (their main business is actually cryo-treating brake rotors; they also do gas-slotting, cross-drilling, and nickel-plating... all of which we have had done on both our Z3 and MCS and on prior cars... these guys are first class).

Jack it up!!! :bigpimp:

scottn2retro

10-08-2002, 03:53 PM

Good to see you in the DIY.

I looked at the website and did not see the jack anywhere. :dunno:

operknockity

10-08-2002, 04:01 PM

How does the DC jack compare to the similar looking jack from Harbor Freight Tool (which is going for $199)?

scottn2retro

10-08-2002, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by operknockity
How does the DC jack compare to the similar looking jack from Harbor Freight Tool (which is going for $199)?

Just what I was thinking ;)

SoCalTom

10-08-2002, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by scottn2retro
Good to see you in the DIY.

I looked at the website and did not see the jack anywhere. :dunno:

Whoops!!! :thumbdwn:

Forgot to mention... since Deiversified Cryogenics isn't in the jack business, the jacks they are importing aren't ON their website. Give Mark (VP@ D.C.) a call at 888-323-8456 or email him at ml@frozenrotors.com.

Can't wait to go to the next Z3 Tech Session and bring our new jack :bigpimp: - even if I will have to come in the MINI Cooper S...

scottn2retro

10-08-2002, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by SoCalTom

Can't wait to go to the next Z3 Tech Session and bring our new jack :bigpimp: - even if I will have to come in the MINI Cooper S...

Before you place the order, make sure and read the other thread (I think it was in the Z car forum) on the Harbor Freight jack. There were some concerns on it being low enough and long enough to reach the critical jack points. If it will work fine on the Z cars, can't wait to try it out. We'll have to see when the Z guys are itching for another tech day. :)

JLee

10-08-2002, 07:30 PM

just caught up on this thread, anyone think we can get a group purchase on either the AC jack or the harbor freight jack ?

the harbor freight one does look alot like the griots lightweight one

Kinesis Motorsports was also selling some jack that look like the AC one, very very thin

jeff

SoCalTom

10-08-2002, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by scottn2retro

Before you place the order, make sure and read the other thread (I think it was in the Z car forum) on the Harbor Freight jack. There were some concerns on it being low enough and long enough to reach the critical jack points. If it will work fine on the Z cars, can't wait to try it out. We'll have to see when the Z guys are itching for another tech day. :)

The DC (Diversified Cryogenics) jack is on its way to me and I'll let you know how it works out. If it's as good as the other stuff we've ordered (rotors, brake pads) from www.frozenrotors.com, we'll love it (but don't look on their site, you have to call them and ask for the jack for some reason).

Stay tuned :yikes:

The HACK

10-08-2002, 10:52 PM

Guys, The Ultimate Garage is having a monthly sale on the AC DK13HLQ jack...This is THE ideal jack for the BMW, it's long reach, high lift, and low profile makes it easy to reach the jack points on our car.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/weekspec.htm

Okay, southlanders...Anyone REALLY interested in a group buy of these jacks?

JLee

10-09-2002, 06:15 AM

hmmn, i won't be up in NJ till early december...anyone from DC area gonna make a run up there ?

better yet, anyone in the DC area know where you can pick this up locally ?

thanks

jeff

scottn2retro

10-09-2002, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by The HACK
Guys, The Ultimate Garage is having a monthly sale on the AC DK13HLQ jack...This is THE ideal jack for the BMW, it's long reach, high lift, and low profile makes it easy to reach the jack points on our car.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/weekspec.htm

Okay, southlanders...Anyone REALLY interested in a group buy of these jacks?

Okay, I'm a cheapskate. Maybe we can do a group buy to go in for one and just leave it at HACKs house :D

Hey HACK, why no group buy on the car lift :)

The HACK

10-09-2002, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by scottn2retro

Okay, I'm a cheapskate. Maybe we can do a group buy to go in for one and just leave it at HACKs house :D

Hey HACK, why no group buy on the car lift :)

Not enough height in the garage? :dunno:

Actually, I am just going to buy one if they'll ship it regardless of the group buy...You guys are welcome to stop by my place to use it, or I'll bring it with me to tech sessions.

RKT BMR

10-10-2002, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by The HACK
Guys, The Ultimate Garage is having a monthly sale on the AC DK13HLQ jack...This is THE ideal jack for the BMW, it's long reach, high lift, and low profile makes it easy to reach the jack points on our car.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/weekspec.htm

Okay, southlanders...Anyone REALLY interested in a group buy of these jacks? I'm in HACK, even though I'm quite a ways north of you. I'd relish the opportunity to drive down the coast to the la la land and pick it up.

I'd PM you on this, but of course you can't be PM'd!

Dave

The HACK

10-10-2002, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by dwallersv
I'm in HACK, even though I'm quite a ways north of you. I'd relish the opportunity to drive down the coast to the la la land and pick it up.

I'd PM you on this, but of course you can't be PM'd!

Dave

Sorry Dave, I have PM turned off. You can always email me at danwu1@yahoo.com.

I just double checked their website...This price is only good for PICK UP orders only. I'm not in the mood to drive all the way to N.J. :(

I'm still looking for a good price/distributor, so far the best price I've found on this particular model is $360.

Will keep you all posted.

scottn2retro

10-10-2002, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by The HACK
I just double checked their website...This price is only good for PICK UP orders only. I'm not in the mood to drive all the way to N.J. :(

I'm still looking for a good price/distributor, so far the best price I've found on this particular model is $360.

Will keep you all posted.

That's only $15 more than the special price. Where is that price from?

The HACK

10-10-2002, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by scottn2retro

That's only $15 more than the special price. Where is that price from?

Sorry, gotta stop smoking crack...It's $369 from here:

http://www.automotivetools.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-ACH-DK13HLQ.html?E+scstore

RKT BMR

10-10-2002, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by The HACK
Sorry Dave, I have PM turned off. You can always email me at danwu1@yahoo.com.No sweat, HACK. Curious tho... Why do you have it turned off? Especially since you just gave us all your email address? :D I just double checked their website...This price is only good for PICK UP orders only.

I'm not in the mood to drive all the way to N.J. :( I hear ya. I was willing to rocket down your way tho, and still am, so keep me in mind if you find something.

Thanks!

Dave

The HACK

10-10-2002, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by dwallersv
No sweat, HACK. Curious tho... Why do you have it turned off? Especially since you just gave us all your email address? :D I hear ya. I was willing to rocket down your way tho, and still am, so keep me in mind if you find something.

Thanks!

Dave

I have no idea. I think initially when I set up my profile I just had it turned off by default...Never feel the need to use it since my email address is posted all over the place and I check that probably more often then I would check a PM box. :dunno:

teamdfl

10-12-2002, 02:44 PM

I dropped Steve at the Ultimate Garage an e-mail regarding possible reduced pricing on AC floor jacks for bulk purchase. He sent me this:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/acgp.htm

His regular AC jack page:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/acjacks.html

Ed

SoCalTom

10-12-2002, 05:59 PM

If case you're not aware, there's a tech session in Southern California on Saturday, October 20th. It'll be a S.A.D. session (Scott, moderator of the "Z-Series" forum here on Bimmerfest, and The HACK, moderator of this "DIY" forum) and will cover a number of things. Boys being boys, there will of course be comparison of who has the biggest, longest, uh... jack. :bigpimp:

I just ordered a DC jack that will arrive before the HACK session, I think there will be an AC jack, and HF jack, and who knows what else. So if you happen to be in So Cal, drop by. Otherwise, just check out that thread for more jack info. Either way, here's the link to that thread:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=156195#post156195

:yikes:

Kaz

10-13-2002, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by teamdfl
I dropped Steve at the Ultimate Garage an e-mail regarding possible reduced pricing on AC floor jacks for bulk purchase. He sent me this:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/acgp.htm

His regular AC jack page:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/acjacks.html

Ed

Ooh, I'm SO in!

The HACK

10-14-2002, 08:44 AM

Ugh! I saw this post this morning regarding the AC jack group buy, after I had place an order for it over the weekend...:(

Darn it! They just called this morning to confirm the shipment too.

scottn2retro

10-14-2002, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by The HACK
Ugh! I saw this post this morning regarding the AC jack group buy, after I had place an order for it over the weekend...:(

Darn it! They just called this morning to confirm the shipment too.

:banghead: Who'd you end up getting it from? It sounds like this group buy thing may be a while off from completing, and then where is the shipment going to go? :dunno:

The HACK

10-14-2002, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by scottn2retro

:banghead: Who'd you end up getting it from? It sounds like this group buy thing may be a while off from completing, and then where is the shipment going to go? :dunno:

See the link I posted earlier in this thread...

The jacks will be shipped to home, they said it'll be there by Wednesday at the latest. Oh well, at least I can bring it with me to the Techsession.