Every Jeep needs to go off the ground at least once for maintenance or checking purposes. To make things easier for you, Jeep Wrangler will mostly come with a scissor jack kit.
But the thing is, unlike the hydraulic floor jack, the scissor jack is mechanical. Considering that, using a scissor jack might seem like a pain.
You might think that you would be better off with a hydraulic floor one instead. But did you know that you could carry out the process with the included jack at no time?
You just need to know how to jack up a Jeep wrangler properly! Do not believe us? Let us walk you through it!
5 Steps Guide To Jacking Up Your Jeep
So, to get the Jeep off the ground, you do not have to go through too many hassles. You just need to follow the proper steps. And by the right steps, we are referring to these:
Step 1: Get the Required Materials and Tools
First of all, you will need to get the right tools and materials and keep them close to you. The things that you will need for this process are:
- Jack kit that comes with Jeep
- Jack stands
- The owner’s manual
Why the owner manual? Well, depending on the trim level and other options of your Wrangler, the process to access the scissor jack will differ.
That is where the owner’s manual will come into play. You can also get yourself an optional base plate to add more stability and height to the jack.
However, if you are getting an additional base plate, you should ensure that it is rated for the weight of your wrangler.
Getting the ones that can not take on the weight of your wrangler might cause damage to the Jeep when you try to work with it.
Step 2: Park the Jeep at a Proper Place
After learning about the necessary equipment and tools for the process, you should get the Jeep parked at a good place.
Now, you might be wondering where to jack up a jeep wrangler or where you should actually park? Well, you need to choose an area that is not inclined and is very smooth.
The soft, bumpy, and inclined areas will make the jack sink to the ground. It can even make the jack lean forward and make the Jeep fall.
And that is something that you would not want, right? For that reason, make sure that you are choosing a place with firm and level ground.
Now, when it comes to parking, you should engage the emergency brake if you are jacking up the front wheels. On the other hand, if you are jacking up the rear wheels, ensure that the transmission is in the park mode.
Step 3: Remove the Scissor Jack Kit
Next, you would have to work with the scissor kit. Now, you might be wondering where this kit is? Well, it will be in the rear storage compartment. And to access it, you will need to remove the cover that is on the trunk floorboard. Get the scissor jack out by giving a little pull to the right.
After getting the kit out, place the handle extension, jack, and lug wrench in an accessible area.
Step 4: Figure out Where to Put Jack on Jeep Wrangler
At this point, you will need to work on the location to keep the jack for the wrangler. But the good news is that Wrangler will come with factory jacking points.
That means you will not need to worry about putting the jack in the wrong place and then damaging the parts of your vehicle. Both wheel axles will come with these points.
Nonetheless, the jacking points will be on the axle tubes. And to position the jack properly with these points, you will need to keep the jack centered.
Also, if you want to get both the wheels off the ground, you can surely put two jacks on two of the axles.
Step 5: Jack up the Wrangler
You just need to work with the screw of the jack to get the Wrangler off the ground. Turn the screw clockwise using the hooked end of the handle driver.
You should also use the extension to get a little bit more leverage on the screw. That will lower the effort you need to give on the jack to increase the height.
On that note, the closer to the maximum height the jack will reach, the harder it will be for you to increase the height. So, placing a stand under the jack to get an additional boost would be a great idea. But if you do have a large-sized jack, you might not need that boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Jack do I need for the Jeep Wrangler?
A Hi-Lift HL485 will be more than enough to get the Jeep Wrangler up. However, if you check the weight of your wrangler first, you can enhance your chances of getting a proper and suitable jack for your Wrangler.
Can I use a bottle jack for the Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, you can certainly use a bottle jack for the Jeep Wrangler. But you need to ensure that the jack is capable of handling the weight of your Jeep Wrangler.
What should be the height for a jack for Jeep Wrangler?
You would need something that is at least 18 inches tall. However, anything higher than 20 inches would be better.
Final Words
Needless to say, learning how to jack up a Jeep Wrangler can surely become a piece of cake if you know which steps to follow.
And we can assure you that if you go through the aforementioned steps properly, you will be capable of getting the Jeep up in no time at all!
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