Hi-Lift Jack - 48" or 60"?

[T4Rfun]

I've done a search but didn't find a thread covering my question, so here goes.

For those that wheel the 4th Gen 4Runner, and own and have had the opportunity to use their Hi-Lift jack, I'd like to hear your comments on preferred size. My son bought me the 48" Extreme Hi-Lift and I prefer it over the 60" for the weight savings and easier storage. Before I commit to the 48" though, I'd like to hear opinions from those using Hi-lifts. Should I keep the 48" or move up to the 60"?

It will be used on my 06 V8 with moderate(3+") lift and 285/70-17's. I have sliders and the Shrockworks bumper. I plan to carry this inside if possible, but will probably move it outside on my roof rack or rear bumper in the future. For inside, 48" comes into play again, but I won't sacrifice trail usefulness for interior mounting. I know the easy move is to just go with the 60", but if the extra length isn't needed, then I'd prefer to reduce the weight and the 48" would be easier to store with more location options.

[04 Rocko Taco]

I DON'T wheel a 4th gen anything, obviously, but I have the 48" and even though the 60" would have come in handy a couple of times, I dont think I would jump past my 48". If you cant fix what you need on the trail with a 48" hi-lift, then the hi-lift isnt the tool for the job anyway.

Just my .02.

[4x4mike]

I don't have a 4th Gen either but the 48" is the way to go. For one, yes it's lighter. For two, 60" is way big for the inside. And for 3 with a 60" you're able to lift the vehicle too high. I don't carry my hi lift any more but when I did half way up the 48" is all I was comfortable. The things are a valuable tool on the trail and have gotten me out of a lot of tough spots over the years. Mine also almost killed me a few times. The scariest one was on flat ground on my parents driveway. Let's just say the vehicle didn't fall or anything but the handle hit me under the chin and I swear it came really close to hitting my head off my body, think T-ball. I dropped my old truck off on once but I was using it to get unstuck. All the tires were on the vehicle but the trail was all ice. The jack slipped out and the jack shot up right through the handle on the tail gate. I would suggest to be careful with the jack, learn how to use it, maintain it and bolt it down when traveling. My first child is due around March, I could only hope to get sweet offroad presents from him/her (we're waiting to find out).

edit: forgot to mention that you don't want to lift the vehicle higher than you need to. I'd rather have to carry some ratchet straps to strap an axle to the frame than lift the snot out of everything just because of suspension droop.

[Robinhood4x4]

48 for your 4runner. A 60 can come in handy if you need to winch with it, but how often does one need it for that? If you had a truck then I might change my mind and go with a 60 because it's easier to store bolted to the bed.

[X-Tool Pimp]

I run a 60 in both my p/u and my buddys runner but were on 38s. If your not SASed and running large tires go with a 48 like everyone is saying its easer to store.....

[T4Rfun]

All good input so far. I agree with the sizing of the 48 and don't really see the need to go 60, so anyone with opposing opinion fire away.

I would usually opt for the 60 just in case and deal with the size and weight, but I'm trying to be logical here. I know some situations where the extra length would be valuable, but I'm considering how rare those occasions might be. I have a winch, so the winching option would be rare if at all.

[X-Tool Pimp]

My 60 barely fits in the bed
[img width=800 height=598]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc245/tonytoolpimp/bee/P1010010.jpg[/img]

[4runnerchevy]

Just go with the 48", just make sure you get straps or chains to go with it. Its a farm jack they are meant to fall over.

[Good Times]

48" hi-lift will be more than sufficient for your configuration. Also the the 60" will be harder to store due to the length.

[glenyoshida]

Another yes vote for the 48". You're not getting a lot of benefit for the added hassle of finding a good place to store a 60".