My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: squidtone on December 12, 2021, 09:15:33 PM
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I've been tooling around with no jack or lug wrench on my Willys. It turns out that I had about 3 psi in my tires (two years or so and I finally decided to check 'em), and I didn't even realize it....there was hardly a sidewall bulge (Those Indian made Speedways NDT's have quite a few plys apparently).
But, still, even if I have run-flats (haha) it still got me to thinking I'd like to get a jack in case I do have a flat, or sidewall slice or something.
So, I've begun to search for what I'd like to be a cool, high-on-the-utility-side-of-the-spectrum tire/wheel/frame jack that will stay with the vehicle. I don't want a hydraulic bottle jack. I'd like it to be manual/mechanical. It needs to fit in the Jeep tool box too. Oh and it needs to be cheap. (I'm cheap...there I said it)
I found a neat, heavy duty OEM Humvee scissor jack on ebay, but they're kinda pricey, and only have a big round boss at the business end...I'd have to fabricate a pad to go under the axle or spring perch.
There are new scissor jacks all over the 'net, but they're all overseas cheapy looking. They don't look strong enough. Besides, most of the choices have slots for modern pinchwelded rocker panel cars.
Do any of you have ideas on what OEM jacks from a junkyard or ebay offering would be good for Jeep use?
Thanks for any opinions or comments!
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I had the same quest. I ended up finding a NOS M-151 Mutt scissors jack and fabricated a handle that fit the jack on one end and had a 3/8" drive socket welded on the other end made to be the longest that would fit into the underseat tool box. A 3/8" ratchet works well to operate it and since I already carry one in the tool bag. I have also thought about making a handle that would plug into the socket.
It fits in the tool box very well.
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This came up on the 2A forum:
https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/original-jack_topic46852_post473386.html?KW=jack#473386
Mark,
I saw your post over there on 2A also about modifying to use a ratchet.
https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/found-a-great-jack_topic49326_post501310.html?KW=scissor+jack#501310
Does your jack look like this?
https://www.armyjeepparts.com/p-2672-tire-jack-assembly-jeep-nos-m151a2.aspx
I like the idea of using tools you already have on the jeep, i.e., adding the socket on the jack so it's rachet ready.
Squidtone,
Any scissors or hydraulic unit that fits in the toolbox should be more than enough to lift one wheel. The "original" style should have a rectangular base vs. the square base:
(https://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Wade/CurtisPhotos/Jack.JPG)
I used to carry around a rock - mostly for a parking brake but also as a chock for jacking. I don't know whatever happened to that rock......
Now I have a folding chock so that I can keep the vehicle still. I've never had it move before but it's still good to be safe.
As mentioned above in the 2A post, if you're looking for a bargain, consider a salvage yard shopping trip. A small vehicle search should get you a compact unit that will fit in the toolbox.
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Late getting back to this thread (shingles shot knocked me flat but better now).
Thanks for responses. Rus I looked at the links and I saw the line up of vintage screw jacks...I'd love one of those, but of course they're a bit scarce.
Mark, the M151 jack looks heavy duty...I will consider that option (along with mods to make it work)
I thought about old Blazer screw jacks, but egads, they're crazy priced on ebay.
I looked at dodge dakota scissor jacks....wow same thing
I looked at TJ wrangler jacks (these are screw jacks)...hmm many of those are 20 bucks free shipping. That may be my speed.
A few years ago CT finally allowed pick and pulls in this state. I used to visit those all the time in MA in the 80's and 90's. I will give that a try before I buy anything over the 'net.
thanks for comments
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Yes the Jack you post a link to looks exactly like mine.