DJF1

Looking through the archives for opinions on an aluminum racing jack that i can fold and take with me on the track I found this thread:

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001400" target="_blank">Aluminum racing jack group buy</a>

Did you guys end up buying them? If so what is the performance of the jack so far???

Matt Vaughan

I'd be interested in one as well, provided it checks out. Lugging my Lincoln jack around isn't too much fun, although it's built quite well.

Cary

One of the best deals I know of is the jack at harborfreight.com Full size 3000 lbs jack that only weighs 37.4 lbs for only $199.99!! I got two and I know about 15 people that have bought one too and had very good luck. Check it out!

DJF1

Cary I have heard some mixed messages about the quality of the harbor freight unit. I'm glad you posted because saving all these muhla is good!
What is your car? Is it lowered? any clearance problems? Finally is the jack folding like the Powerlift?
I saw last year a lot of listers from the 993 board also opted for that jack but I have not found any feedback from them???
Matt what do you think?

Mr Michael B

I have the harbor freight unit.

1st one showed up DOA.

They sent 2nd unit even after I told them "keep it" on return of 1st.

2nd unit works as expected. Looks super & is semi lite weight.

I find that it does take A LOT of effort to pull on the VERY long handle w/ this jack. I now can obviously see why the handle is made so long however. BUT, it takes loads of effort BECAUSE the jack is pretty quick acting. I think 5 or 6 pulls & I am at full extension.

My pals are WOWed by the jacks pro look, but a few have said "3000lb's max is not much..."

I was going to send it back (when I 1st got the 2nd shippment), but now that I have used it with success (my car sits VERY low, no other normal jack will work), I am going to hold onto it. Heck its low priced.

Eric in Chicago

I am not impressed with the Harbor jack at all.
I know this digresses from DJ's orginal question but the Harbor jack is falling apart on me. I think it is a fine jack for a little home use, changing tires ect. but for heavy track side use, save your money. The jack plate (cup) has cracked in a couple of places, the jack arm has twisted and does not lift straight up, more of on an angle. I have seen other examples of these failures on other Harbor jacks at the track. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for...

Greg Fishman

I agree with you Eric. My results have been the same. All my HF one does is light home duty. My Griot's version is great and has held up well under the abuse of heavy track duty. I recommend it even if it is a few hundred $$ more.

DJF1

Thanks guys for the responces...
So I think the Powerlift should be a safe bet right?

poorb0yw

Hi guys,
Well I checked up on the weight rating of the aluminum racing jack at Speedware motorsports. It's good for 3000lbs. Also it seems to carry all the same features as the Griots version. They are on sale for the holidays at $299. I think I may go for one of these.

DJF1

Princeton let me know if this Jack will fit the bill I'll pick one up too.

Matt Vaughan

I'm in for one. I don't suppose a group buy would work since it's already on sale?

amfp

May be missing something here, but seems the $299 jack is similar to HF, rather than Griot's.

poorb0yw

mo, hmmmmmmmmm looks like you may be right. I had not looked at the harbour freight site since they were describing it as a full size. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I'll keep looking around then.

So is this the one others mentioned earlier? Or is this a different jack? It shares many characteristics with the Griot's jack but maybe the build quality is much lower.

DJF1

[quote]Originally posted by mo:
<strong>May be missing something here, but seems the $299 jack is similar to HF, rather than Griot's.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Good eye!!! It is the same.... So back to the Powerlift or the Griot's alum jack... The Griot's is 100 bucks more and at this point if this is the ticket that will ensure quality then so be it.
Maybe a group buy from Griot's will get us a better price?

dwe8922

I tried one of the HF jacks, and have been happy with it. It got shared around at the last track event, and 3 others ended up buying them as well. A friend of mine has one who does more than 20 races/track events a year, and he's happy with it except that the cradle is a weak spot. Part of the edge splintered on him, from him lifting on its very edge once.

I would expect the Griot's to be higher quality, and if I could have justifiied the $400 price difference, I probably would have gone with the higher quality unit. The HF is the only jack I have up at school, but even being an obsessive tinkerer, it still works well for the amount of use I give it.

David