Bottle Jack

I have a 1st gen Tacoma and I recently tried to take a tire off only to realize that my jack isn’t big enough. I have the stock bottle jack 09111-04020 and it won’t lift my 31” tire off the ground. I am going to buy a new jack but don’t know what size I should get.

 

The harbor freight jack + wooden blocks always works for me!

 

I don't have a 1st gen, but would my post #16 apply at all? This was the fix I used for lifted + big tires. It wouldn't be my first choice in my drive way, but it'll get me home on the trail....

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overthought-spare-tire-mod.762031/#post-27189071

 

https://safejacks.com Buy once cry once.

 

Well, no one has asked it yet, so I will... Which wheel/tire are you trying to remove and where are you placing the stock bottle jack?

For the rear wheels, you can jack the rear axle housing. The jack should be plenty tall for this (on level ground).

For front wheels, can you stack some 2x6's under the foot of the jack? How short is the jack when fully extended? Most folks don't run tires larger than 33", which means the jack only needs to go 1" higher than it would with stock 31" tires...

 

I was trying to take the front passenger tire off and was planning to install spacers before I realized that the jack wasn’t tall enough. I need to measure the jack when I have time because I wasn’t able to find anything on the internet that gives the length. I think I’ll just have to see how long my current one is and upgrade it.

 

Gotcha. Yeah, you definitely need more height for the front wheels, since you jack off the frame there.

One thing you may or may not be running into is that the stock bottle jack extends a lot more than you might think it does. There are two or three or four layers (I forget exactly) of tubing that can come out of that little jack. Sometimes, if it's not frequently used (and who would want to use it frequently?), they can get gummed up in there and it can seem like the jack is fully extended when it's not actually fully extended.

Here's a phot with it pretty well extended. Note: I didn't know what I was doing at the time - this was one of my very first adventures in the Tacoma - and so jacked the rear tire off the ground with the jack on the frame (and a rock for some extra height) rather than on the rear axle, which would have worked a whole lot better. Anyway, I share the photo, just so you can see how far it can really go.

All that said - for jacking the truck up at home, I wholeheartedly recommend a floor jack. So much more convenient, safer, and can do so many more jobs. Any 3-ton jack from HF or floor jack from amazon will be just fine. Pick up some 6 ton jack stands while you're at it, for safety.

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That rock is pretty sketchy. Could have dug some holes and drove the truck in the holes to get the frame lower if you're carrying a full size shovel. Airing down some tires could also do the trick if you have CO2 or air compressor.

 

LOL, it's as though you didn't read what I wrote, .

 

one thing to keep in mind is if you get another bottle jack that when it is closed it will fit under the truck with the tire flat!!

I learned this the hard way lucky for me The factory set up was in the compartment under all the interesting things that end up behind the seats.

I carry both the Toyota Jack and a 4Ton Hydraulic Jack and at least a 2" and 4" pieces of wood Plus at least something to support the truck besides the jack

At home my 3 ton floor jacks work great

 

With 31's (stock size) there is no reason the stock bottle jack shouldn't be tall enough assuming you're on flat ground. For front wheels, you lift of off the lower control arm. Rear wheels you lift off the axle.

As others have said, if you're at home doing regular maintenance/upgrades, get a floor jack and a set of 6 ton and 12 ton jack stands. You don't need them for the weight, but the height. The 12 tons are tall enough to be able to support on the frame and still have the wheels off the ground when doing suspension work. If you're just changing a tire, no reason not to lift off the control arm or the rear axle, and never rely just on the floor jack to support the weight.

For off road, there are all sorts of solutions out there. Bottle jacks can still work just fine (in some cases) off road, but you'll want some sort of alternative as well. Hi-lift, hydro floor jack, etc... Whatever you choose, learn how to properly and safely use it.

 

Yes, first time I used the stock jack on the road I thought it would not lift the truck high enough but actually there are different recommended jacking points - one for a base truck vs 4x4/prerunner. I read the manual at the time but the first page shows the base truck, next page shows 4x4 and I did not see that so my bad (or something like that, going from memory) . Of course the stock jack has to work on a stock truck. But you can fit a couple of 2x6x6 wood blocks in that storage area to make it easier or for soft ground.

 

Yeah, lots of people have made wider bases for their bottle jacks for just such a reason. Mostly to prevent it form sinking into soft ground but it also adds a little height.

 

i bought a bottle jack from harbor freight and carry some 2x6's. Works great just be careful

 

https://www.vevor.com/floor-jacks-c...jack-lift-repair-power-vehicle-p_010249600735

 

I carry a set of RV leveling blocks. Each is about 1" thick. They stack & interlock.