One of the first things I learned surfing the web was that nearly everyone who goes off-road takes a Hi-Lift jack along with them.  I used to keep a long bumper jack with me when I went with my CJ-2A and even as bad as that jack was, it got me out of several binds.  So there was no doubt that I would get a Hi-Lift jack as one of my first pieces of off-road gear.  I decided to get all the trimmings and go for the 60-inch model since I am not expecting to get a winch anytime soon, and the extra length may come in handy if I have to winch myself using the jack.

From the beginning I planned to mount the jack on my roof rack since I didn't much like the alternatives.  That meant getting some sort of mounting system.  I ordered the LocRAC but received instead the 4XRAC.  Rather than hassle with returning and swapping it, I went ahead and installed it.  I used some conduit brackets and   stainless steel hardware.  I replaced the cadmium plated wing nuts with stainless steel twins.  I bought two matched-key locks to prevent casual thieves from having too easy a job.

11/23/01 Update!  - I found an interesting and perhaps better storage case and mounting system.  Click here for info.

I splurged on the Jack Protector.  This was in part due to vanity - I wanted a cleaner look; and partly due to the belief that if the jack was kept protected it would rust less and be nice and clean when I need to use it.

11/23/01 Update!  - I found an interesting and perhaps better storage case and mounting system.  Click here for info.

I got the repair kit so that I would have it if and when I need it, no matter where that happens to be...

I added to the mounting hardware some rubber washers that I found in the hardware store.  The thinking here is that they provide a shock mounting effect that allows the wing nuts to be nice and tight but still easy enough to remove without tools.   The rubber washers also protect the Jack Protector from the metal washers.

Once I got the whole thing situated I went for a test ride.  I was disappointed to find that the base and handle rattled badly.  I cured the handle rattle by using the supplied Velcro band to secure it against the jack body.

For the base, I used two heavy-duty rubber shock cords  to anchor it so that it will not move in any but the most extreme conditions.  This has worked well.  To prolong the life of the shock cords I treat them with Armor All and rotate them with others stored inside my roof rack-mounted storage boxes.

I affixed a large magnet to the base as a place to catch magnetic items when working on the trail and have loose bits that need to be retained.

I got the off-road jack kit so I could use it as a come-along, and the base so it wouldn't sink out of sight in soft ground when used as a jack.

Off-Road Kit

Kit Includes:

• 1 Custom Nose Attachment

• 1 5/8" Shackle

• 1 8ft. Tree Saver Strap

• 1 Pair Hi-Lift Gloves

• 1 Carrying Case

The Jack is still great.  I have no doubt that this is an essential tool to have with you at all times.  But there is some sage advice about doing upgrades to your Jeep:  "Shop long and hard, ask lots of questions, and make sure you have evaluated all the options before you buy".   While this usually applies best to things like lift kits, and associated mods related to a well engineered lift, it can also apply to accessories too. 

I found this Jack Case surfing the web last night by accident - it looks to be much more up my alley than the 4XRAC and Jack Protector case I bought and describe below...  More later when funds allow me to purchase it.  As you can see from the photos, it fits my design motif (Jeeze, that sounded yuppie...) and engineering requirements (Jeeze, that sounded geeky...)