Hi-Lift Hood Mount Opinions

Bethlehem · 09-27-2008, 01:29 AM

I've been looking for the best way to mount my Hi-Lift jack. I personally think the hood mount looks cool and is probably the most practical. I've seen all the various methods of mounting the Hi-Lift inside the cab. They are fine ideas. And I've seen the bumper attatchements which also serve their purpose. But I refuse to mount mine inside the cab because I'm a new father and I'm paranoid about stuff flying around in the cab with the baby in the event of an accident. And I'm leary of cases that may hold water that will rust the jack.

So what can be done? Can I just keep a fresh coat of wax on the hood-mounted jack? Should I keep it in a case, or should I just let it weather and repaint it when the time comes?

The hood mount looks great IMO. But my Hi-Lift is brand new and I'd hate to see it rust...

**JeeperDon** · 09-27-2008, 06:09 AM

If you do put it on the hood, be sure it is in such a way that you can open the hood without removing the jack. Having it on the hood also means you can not lower the windshield. Hi-lifts are for off-road, people like windshields down off-road. [side question: If it's 'bone stock', why do you need a hi-lift?]

Bethlehem · 09-27-2008, 04:05 PM

Yea, I might decide to let the windshield down sometime. I need to try and see if it will even go down with the side-mounted lights on it. They are very flat and it just might fold down without them hitting the hood.

Quote:

[side question: If it's 'bone stock', why do you need a hi-lift?]

Oh yea... I'm going to have to update the profile soon as my new springs are on the way as well as new tires. Besides, the stock jack is annoying and more difficult to use by comparison. At least I think so.

**Jerry Bransford** · 09-27-2008, 04:49 PM

As a father who has raised three kids, I'd have no qualms about u-bolting a Hi-Lift to the backside of the rear rollbar as has been done for many years without problem. It's out of the way, out of the weather, and won't make you look like a newbie or wannabee by mounting it on the hood.

zachbh · 09-27-2008, 05:25 PM

i like the look of it on the hood.......

but everyone is entitled to their opinion

CopperCJ7 · 09-27-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachbh

i like the look of it on the hood.......

but everyone is entitled to their opinion

I wonder if you'll like it if you have some sort of accident and that heavy farm jack goes through your windshield and into your face. I would bolt it to the back of the rear loops on your rollcage - behind the back seat. The other dumb place for the jack is in front of the front bumper.

Bethlehem · 09-27-2008, 11:15 PM

Quote:

As a father who has raised three kids, I'd have no qualms about u-bolting a Hi-Lift to the backside of the rear rollbar as has been done for many years without problem.

That actually sounds like a good alternative. I never thought about using U-bolts. I've only seen them mounted with metal straps and even zip-ties.

The metal might stain and cut the roll bar cover though (Not a big deal really). I had a Tuffy overhead console when I bought my Jeep that left terrible stains and cuts in the roll bar cover. I finally removed it when my wife broke her nose on it while in the back seat and going a little too fast off road.

Bethlehem · 09-28-2008, 01:32 AM

Oh, and yes, I am a shameless noob.

**JeeperDon** · 09-28-2008, 05:24 AM

Couldn't find a shot of her off the phone, hey. Typical.

zachbh · 09-28-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

I wonder if you'll like it if you have some sort of accident and that heavy farm jack goes through your windshield and into your face. I would bolt it to the back of the rear loops on your rollcage - behind the back seat. The other dumb place for the jack is in front of the front bumper.

haha i just said i liked the look of it, not that it was practical or safe in any way shape or form......

joe's_yj · 09-28-2008, 08:48 PM

ran some longer bolts through the hinge, couple washers, nuts and lock washers and its good to go. heres the most recent pic

**default_user** · 09-28-2008, 09:16 PM

nope...not a fan. Ditched my Hi-lift a long time ago and don't even bring it along.

Dmax5er · 09-28-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe's_yj

ran some longer bolts through the hinge, couple washers, nuts and lock washers and its good to go. heres the most recent pic

Will you post a close up pic of you jack mounts, i think that's what i want to do.
thanks

smcurry83 · 09-29-2008, 06:46 AM

I've never heard of anyone actually having a hood mounted hi-lift breaking loose in an accident, but the thought of it stopped me from mounting it there. Plus it seemed like it would be harder to get to, especially on a lifted jeep.

I'd say behind the seat on the roll bar would be a good choice. I chose to mount mine on the tire carrier.

**JeeperDon** · 09-29-2008, 09:03 AM

I guess Mr. OP, seems like the answer is: If you want to put a HL on your hood, go ahead. If you do it right it likely won't kill you. They are also carried all over the Jeep by folks and it all works fine for them as long as secure. I'm 50/50 for 'should I carry one or not'. I tend not to because my clubmates do. I carry other stuff to help them, so it works out.