Jackguard
The days of wrestling with your muddy, rusted, and jammed Hi-Lift jack (or JackAll for you Canadian readers!) are finally over. Jackguard.com has created a product called the Jackguard that protects your Hi-Lift from the elements, and your truck's interior from the Hi-Lift.
The Jackguard is a tough, lockable polyethylene container that fits up to a 48" Hi-Lift style jack. With this product, you can now stow a Hi-Lift in your truck without worrying about mud and grease staining your interior or your cargo. There are no sharp edges to catch on or tear your upholstery. The large, smooth handle also makes it much easier to carry the jack. It sounds like a small benefit but you'll definitely appreciate its ergonomics if you need to carry your jack from your 4x4 at the back of a convoy to help someone out.
Of course, the biggest benefit of the Jackguard is that it protects your jack from the elements. If you're like me, you've got your Hi-Lift mounted on the outside of your vehicle. Although there are many advantages to doing this, it also means that the jack gets exposed to all the elements that makes fourwheeling such an adventure.
The end result is that when you snap an axle shaft and you grab your trusty Hi-Lift to begin a repair, you have to spend ten minutes prodding, poking, and pouring various liquids on it to work properly. Why? Because the wind, dust, mud, rain, snow, etc. has dried out the lubrication and created a perfect environment for rust on the jack's working parts. With the Jackguard, your Hi-Lift is protected in a high impact plastic cocoon that ensures that once the jack is lubricated, it will remain lubricated and ready for flawless operation whenever you need it. I don't know about you but when I'm faced with a four-hour trail-side repair job, or I have to spend the afternoon using the Hi-Lift to hand-winch my 4x4 out of a mudhole, the last thing I want to fight with is my jack.
Optional features include an extension to handle a 60" jack and a set of stainless steel quick release brackets that allow you to mount the Jackguard inside or outside your vehicle. I highly recommend the brackets because they provide a clean and easy way to mount the jack to your vehicle. Remember, even if you store it inside your 4x4, you need to fasten it down. A jack still weighs a lot, even if it is inside that pretty case, and it still has the potential to cause some impressive blunt object trauma in the event of a vehicular rollover.
...lars
The jack is secured inside the Jackguard at two points. This is the
top pin that goes through one of the holes in the jack leg.
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The lid at the bottom of the jack is secured by this hitch pin although
a lock can be used in its place.
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These stainless steel mounting brackets are highly recommended.
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The Jackguard was a perfect addition to Project YJ's tire/cargo rack.
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The Jackguard's design makes it easy to handle the otherwise unwieldy jack and keeps the interior of your 4x4 clean.
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