Floor Jack Recommendation?

[sjz]

Originally Posted by Ultimatecarman45

The goo in the trunk works on all tires, and I haven't used it yet on the SRT, but it has worked wonders on several other cars, better than a spare usually becuase it isn't always possible to change a spare in the snow on the highway in a blizzard, as you can easily hook up the tank and press a button.

The goo may work for small leaks, but forget about using it for tears or dented rims. Also, the goo may screw up the TPM sensors in the wheel (per the owners's manual)... ironic.
For small leaks (i.e. nails, glass) I keep a Victor flat kit (consists of a gooey rope, an awl, and an install tool). Costs about $5. If need be, using it in conjunction with the compressor would be my first choice... conditions permitting.
IMO, nothing beats a spare in the trunk for peace of mind. I have a full size SRT spare, and I keep a DCX OEM jack and handle in the under trunk compartment. Yes, it does take valuable trunk space, but it's usually just the wife and I, and there is still room in the trunk for luggage.
Flatbedding is an option, (I have AAA and towing on my warranty), but who wants to wait for a truck and then deal with the driver (watch the chin spoiler!). Then maybe have the trip further delayed while waiting for a new tire, or worse yet, a rim. Great way to ruin a getaway.
I guess it's a personal choice.

[Ken Lally]

Harbor Freight Racing Jack 3000Lbs.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I have it along with like 80% of the Viper community. It's light fast low and compact.

[JMatt]

Originally Posted by Ken Lally

Harbor Freight Racing Jack 3000Lbs.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I have it along with like 80% of the Viper community. It's light fast low and compact.

That looks short - lengthwise. Will it reach all the way under to the jack points on the SRT-8?

[marnepup]

Originally Posted by aiguy

I didn't want to lug the spare around either -- but:

1. discovered that the summer tires didn't do so well in the snow/ice, so ended up with snow tires
2. discovered that my wife would be much more agreeable about my buying the snows if I put one in the trunk as a spare. (She remembers every flat we've ever had.)

So now it's off to choose a jack.

Too funny...you'd think my car fights with my wife would center on excessive wear of the rear tires (and the outside edges of the fronts...I love highway cloverleafs!), or the payment, or the premium gas, but no...she thinks it's "irresponsible" not to lug around a spare. Apparently, calling a co-worker to pick me up as soon as the flatbed driver takes off, then picking up the serviceable tire I kept from the last set of tires up from my garage and ferrying it over to the tire change place during lunch or after work "is not a plan". Ruining a TPM sensor with goop in the hope that the tire holds air...then going home to pick up the spare from the garage and going to the tire change place...wait...I actually have to stay there and wait, or get the same ride I'd need under my "non-plan"...or paying for an extra rim and buying an extra $8/month of gas to haul the spare in my trunk...those are "responsible" plans

I could see the desire for a spare on a vacation type drive...but for getting back and forth to work...it just seems that your life is equally disrupted with or without the tire in the trunk.

[sjz]

Originally Posted by JMatt

That looks short - lengthwise. Will it reach all the way under to the jack points on the SRT-8?

The jack points for using the OEM scissor jack on the 300C (works on SRT8, too) are right under the door sills. Any jack is long enough to reach these. I have an old (mid 80's) cheap Sears floor jack (5" to 15" lift) that I use at these points when in my garage.
The points that I believe you're referring to are the ones marked by the triangle in the front, and are further under the car. These are used for the contact pads on frame lifts. You would need a very long, flat, floor jack to be able to get to these.
-Steve

[srt8danno]

Originally Posted by JMatt

It doesn't work if you get a puncture and subsequently the puncturing item is removed from the hole. (i.e. running over a board with a nail sticking up. The nail pierces the tire, and instantly pulls right back out).

How do I know? Have I ever told the story of my 100 mile drive with three cans of fix-a-flat and my passenger mirror tilted down so I could watch the rear tire deflate and decide when to add another can of fix-a-flat?

I remember that story JMatt! I remember thinking I've got to come up with a spare tire of some sort. Yikes!

[Ken Lally]

Originally Posted by JMatt

That looks short - lengthwise. Will it reach all the way under to the jack points on the SRT-8?

Yup, reaches just fine- took the wheels off last spring for thier annual cleaning/waxing. It really is a nice jack- everyone is impressed with the quality when they get it...

[crhemi]

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Thanks Ken!

[1fastsedan]

Originally Posted by crhemi

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Thanks Ken!

That's the little brother of the 2-ton one Costco has by us for $99. Its a quality jack. A few of us in San Diego have it.

[JMatt]

Originally Posted by Ken Lally

Yup, reaches just fine- took the wheels off last spring for thier annual cleaning/waxing. It really is a nice jack- everyone is impressed with the quality when they get it...

Thanks then! Looks like a great recommendation. I have a Craftsman, which has worked well for me, but has horrible overall reviews. Glad to see another reasonably-priced alternative.