Lightweight jack for the track box

[AndyW]

So my old heavy steel one broke...any suggestions on a 1.5 or 2 ton lightweight low profile jack that has a removable handle and doesn't take up much space?

[iminhell1]

Find the OE jack from a FD RX7, if you're looking for scissor style.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Find the OE jack from a FD RX7, if you're looking for scissor style.

or from a Mercedes C300

[AndyW]

I didn't think about those types of jacks...was looking at a lot more expensive floor jacks...but those would fit the bill AND take up a lot less room! Thx!

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by gjm120

or from a Mercedes C300

The Merc is Aluminum too?

[AndyW]

Got an RX7 one for $40 on ebay...hopefully it's it good shape (pics looked good and seller had good rep). Thx again for the pointer.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by AndyW

Got an RX7 one for $40 on ebay...hopefully it's it good shape (pics looked good and seller had good rep). Thx again for the pointer.

Not bad. I've seen them sell for almost $200.

You'll be amazed how light it really is once in your hand.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Not bad. I've seen them sell for almost $200.

You'll be amazed how light it really is once in your hand.

Yeah, I saw a few over $100. This is the one I got: https://www.ebay.com/itm/MAZDA-RX7-j...72.m2749.l2649

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

The Merc is Aluminum too?

Yes

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Not bad. I've seen them sell for almost $200.

You'll be amazed how light it really is once in your hand.

You weren't kidding...very light! Glad I got it.

[ayao]

I bring a HF 1.5 ton "racing" jack to the track. It's frequently on sale.
https://m.harborfreight.com/15-ton-a...ump-60569.html

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by AndyW

You weren't kidding...very light! Glad I got it.

Now do some trimming and make it fit snug in the factory jack pucks. Safety first and all.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Now do some trimming and make it fit snug in the factory jack pucks. Safety first and all.

Didn't think of that. Good idea.

[drunkenup]

First time at the track I had to rebleed brakes and slip back on a hotside ic coupler, not really possible to lift the car on center points with scissor jack unless you're a contortionist, it would've ruined my second day.

It's a huge bitch to load into the car but my 3 ton low pro HF jack saved a track day more than once. LW floor jack for sure, HF.

[Bimmer-Bob]

If money is no object, Brunnhoelzl makes the best aluminum low-profile jack I've ever seen: https://shop.jackpointjackstands.com...ck-BRI-002.htm

It gets low AF, and works great with JackPoint jackstands, if you're familiar.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

If money is no object, Brunnhoelzl makes the best aluminum low-profile jack I've ever seen: https://shop.jackpointjackstands.com...ck-BRI-002.htm

It gets low AF, and works great with JackPoint jackstands, if you're familiar.

jebus!

At that price I think you could have a local CnC shop make one.


And it'd be far cheaper/easier/lighter to just buy a second AL scissor jack and call over a buddy to man it.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

jebus!

At that price I think you could have a local CnC shop make one.


And it'd be far cheaper/easier/lighter to just buy a second AL scissor jack and call over a buddy to man it.

Yeah, it's not cheap.

I guess you could have a shop make one, but wouldn't you need to have plans or something? I doubt it would be nearly as high quality as the Brunnhoelzl, anyway. I mean, all they do is design and build legendary racing jacks, versus some random CnC machinist, who maybe has never made a jack before?

I just know I've gone through a couple of cheaper aluminum jacks in the $100-$200 range, and they just don't last. Within a year or two, the seals are busted and they're leaking hydraulic fluid, and I don't feel safe using them. There are some that are rebuildable, but they seem to be about the same cheapo build quality, as far as I can tell. I don't know how many times I've seen threads like this on car forums, where someone asks for advice on a quality aluminum jack because their previous one broke. I guess, to a point, it would still be cheaper to buy a Chinese-made HF jack every couple of years, but it sure seems wasteful.

The Brunnhoelzl is made in the USA and built like a tank, but still very portable. And the action is silky smooth - it's like the Swiss watch of jacks, lol. Plus, the saddle height is almost a full inch lower than the typical "low-profile" aluminum jacks, which required me to get my car onto ramps before using. I think it's 6 pumps to full height, which is a good compromise between speed and ease of use (i.e., effort required per pump). I think a 3-pump version is available, as well.

But yes, it's stupid expensive.

[tock172]

I've had the lightweight Harbor Freight jack in my garage for several years now and love it. For the price, you can just buy another when yours wears out. I also have their lightweight aluminum stands, in addition to a few other heavy duty jacks and regular stands.

All that being said, the FD RX-7 jack is the tits. A factory piece made of aluminum that you can grab on eBay? I may need to add one to the collection.

[OkieSnuffBox]

I use the big, heavy steel HF 3 ton jack. Very low and has been solid for 7+ years now?

Sure it's heavy, but I don't have a problem picking it up and moving it around.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Now do some trimming and make it fit snug in the factory jack pucks. Safety first and all.

Do you have a pic of how you trimmed yours? DId you cut down the sides or make slots so it fits in the car slot?

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by AndyW

Do you have a pic of how you trimmed yours? DId you cut down the sides or make slots so it fits in the car slot?

I don't have one.
I'd just remembered trying to fit a buddies under my car. As I recall it was pretty close to fitting but it didn't pop right in and he didn't want to sell it so I didn't play too much.


You'll have to be the judge of where and how to trim, or just make an adapter ... wood block that fits into car, plywood, wood box around jack for no slip.

[ayao]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

If money is no object, Brunnhoelzl makes the best aluminum low-profile jack I've ever seen: https://shop.jackpointjackstands.com...ck-BRI-002.htm

It gets low AF, and works great with JackPoint jackstands, if you're familiar.

Reminds me of the interior of a Pagani. Borders on a work of art...