Do you need the right jack to lift your truck safely? It can be challenging, but with prior knowledge, it can be easy. Before you learn how to jack up a truck, you should know how to choose the right jacks for lifted trucks.

You must check the load capacity, maximum lifting height, and service type to find the right jack to lift your truck. These features will ensure you can safely and efficiently lift your truck to your desired height.

But what size and load capacity should you pick? Sit tight, as we will answer all your questions. We will also tell you how to use the jacks and what some of the best jacks you can buy are. 

What are Jacks for Lifted Trucks?

Jacks for lifted trucks refer to an automotive device that assists you in lifting up a truck to work beneath the vehicle. It helps you apply a greater force to lift up any truck.

When you push the lever, the jacks apply hydraulic forces to lift the vehicle. It is used when you are doing regular maintenance or troubleshooting your vehicles under the truck. People also use it for changing tires.

Jacks can be of many types, but the most popular are floor and bottle jacks. Floor jacks can lift the vehicle higher than bottle jacks. That’s why the latter is mostly used on vehicles with low ground clearance. Not to mention, bottle jacks have a higher load capacity.

What Jack Do I Use for a Lifted Truck?

Before you learn how to lift a truck using a jack, it is essential to pick the right device. People often use the wrong jacks, which leads to accidents.

Here are some tips for picking the right jack for lifted trucks:

• Service Type: Jacks are available for various vehicles such as cars, SUVs, trucks, and others. Different jacks have different strengths. You need a jack with high strength to ensure it can lift the truck. Always check the description of the jack to ensure it is suitable for trucks. 

• Load Capacity: Trucks are usually heavier than other vehicles. That’s why the jacks should also have a higher load capacity. Generally, a jack with 3 tons more capacity is fine. Still, it’s best to check the weight of your truck to ensure what load capacity you need. You may find the weight on the truck’s manufacturer’s description.

• Lifting Height: Every jack has a specific lifting height. It means they can only lift your truck to a certain height. How much you want to lift your truck depends on your requirements.

Besides these factors, you may also consider the construction material and other features while purchasing a jack. But these are the most important features to ensure you can lift your truck safely and do the work comfortably.

How to Use Jack for Lifted Trucks?

Following proper guidelines for using jacks for lifted vehicles is essential to ensuring safety. We are here to save you if you are unsure how to do it.

Before you start lifting your truck, here are the things you need:

• A right jack

• A couple of jack stands

Now follow the three simple steps below to use a jack to lift a truck safely:

Step 1: Planning & Preparation

First, find a suitable workplace and put your truck in park mode. A flat surface is recommended for lifting up the car. It ensures the truck does not roll away.

Different trucks may have different jack points where you need to set the jack to lift easily without any issues. You can find that in the user manual.

Also, place the jack stands nearby so you can quickly set them up after lifting the truck. 

Step 2: Raise the truck

Now put the jack in place and start pumping the handle. It will slowly raise the truck. Once it reaches the desired height, stop raising it.

Don’t go underneath the truck yet. This is due to the fact that your truck cannot be supported by a jack alone.

Step 3: Set the jack stands

Lastly, set the jacks to ensure safety. Two jack stands usually do the job if you only raise one side of the truck. But if you need to lift the whole car, use four stands.

Place them on both sides of the truck or the four corners of the truck. Then lower the jack so the truck can sit firmly on the jack stands. Give the truck a little shake to ensure it is stable.

Best Jacks for Lifted Trucks

It can be difficult to find the proper jacks for your truck. Here is a comparison of the top 3 jacks for lifted trucks to save you the trouble:

1. BIG RED Torin Hydraulic Trolley Service/Floor Jack

BIG RED Torin Hydraulic Trolley Service/Floor Jack is one of the best jacks for lifted trucks because it is built with super strong industrial-grade steel. It has a maximum load capacity of 3 tons and can lift up to 20.88 inches.

Pros:

• Lift up trucks efficiently without sinking

• It is easy to adjust in position

• The safety bypass system prevents overloading for security

Cons:

•  It is a little bit heavy

2. Powerbuilt 3 Ton, Bottle Jack and Jack Stands in One

If you want both jack and jack to stand in one device, then the Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack can be an excellent choice. Its maximum lifting height is 21 inches, and its load capacity is 3 tons. It has a locking feature that holds the truck at a certain height.

Pros:

• A safety pin and an automatic lock ensure maximum safety

• It uses good-quality aluminum to ensure excellent durability

• The wide base provides extra stability

Cons:

• The 2 piece handle is tough to lock

3. BIG RED T91003B Torin Hydraulic Welded Bottle Jack

If you prefer a bottle jack that can lift up to 10 tons, the BIG RED Torin Hydraulic Welded Bottle Jack is what you need. Besides, it can lift trucks up to 17.63 inches. The glide-action pressure pump ensures you do not need to apply too much pressure to lift your truck.

Pros:

• Compact design that fits all trucks well

• It has an excellent grip and holds up trucks well

Cons:

• The handles are  not user-friendly

FAQs:

1. How to Lower a Truck Using a Lift Jack?

To lower a truck, place the jack in the same location you used to lift it up. Then lift the truck a little bit and remove the stands. Then slowly lower the jack to get your truck on the ground.

2. Can I use the same jack for different types of lifts?

No. It is not safe to use the same jack for different lifts, as every vehicle has its own requirements. For example, a truck will be too heavy for a jack that is for lifting small cars.

3. Do you carry a jack other than stock?

Yes. Although stock jacks can do the job well, they are not the safest option. That is why it is recommended to carry extra jacks if you need to lift your truck.

4. What’s safer than jack stands?

Mini ramps are the safest alternatives to the jack stands. However, if you need to change the tire or the wheel, then jack stands are the best.

Conclusion

Jacks for lifted trucks make automotive work easier. But always maintain safety and never work without using jack stands. Besides, try to use wheel chocks while lifting your truck to prevent accidental moving.