LX SRT8 Jacking Solution!

[Voice of Reason]

I commented on this over at Dodge Talk, and it was suggested to pass this along to the other forums, so here ya go (hope it's not old news for you guys...)

Originally Posted by Voice of Reason

I stumbled onto a little secret--I've had one of these kicking around my garage for a few years, and who knew it was perfect for our cars??



Craftsman 50523 2-1/4 ton Floor Jack at Sears.com



Why? Well, if you look closely at the bottom of the rocker panels there are two points to jack on--one (front) is a recess, and one (rear) is a hard rubber "pad", but small in diameter--and close to the rocker panel's surface (read: flat saddle jacks work, but typical service jack saddles are 'dished' too much, and the edges will push on the rocker cover--not good).



This little jack has a small diameter saddle that will fit into the front recess (thus jacking the subframe directly) and fits the rear rubber pad perfectly. Other small jacks work (as does my other little one), but this jack has a nifty hard plastic case that makes it super easy to toss in the rear lower storage area (after you remove the "cooler") for long trips. I never go long distance without it and a spare (+ changing tools, of course). I worked in the repair biz a long time, and did lots of tires--fix-a-flat has many limitations, and the last place you wanna learn that is in BFE without a spare...and too large a puncture to fix-a-flat. FWIW, I also carry a plug kit for minor problems.

HTH!

trent...

[NZSRT8]

what does this plug kit look like? cheers Jim

[Voice of Reason]

eBay Motors: Blackjack Tire Plug Starter Kit BLJK40 (item 160014609999 end time Feb-27-07 2018 PST)

That's it, but I bought mine off the tool truck years ago. There's a "starter" kit available with plastic handles, but the heavier duty kit is the way to go. Occasionallly on very small punctures, it helps to drill the hole out to help the plug go in (3/16" usually), otherwise you'll give yourself a hernia trying to push the plug in. Technically, it's not the proper way to repair a tire anymore, but I've been doing it for years with no failures, although it's "for temporary use until a permanent repair can be performed."

NOTE: No reputable tire shop will repair/patch a tire if the puncture is beyond the inner/outermost tread groove (nearing the shoulder), although a plug can suffice to get you by...but never *EVER* plug beyond the shoulder (into the sidewall)...***EVER*** Call a tow truck or change the tire--it's not worth the risk.

trent...

[srt8danno]

Thanks for the information. We have had several threads on jacks for our SRT8’s and I believe I read that JMatt may use the Craftsman. (not sure if it’s the exact same one or not…what you say JMatt?)

It’s good to know these things since our cars come with zilch!

[Voice of Reason]

Glad to help. I honestly never gave it any thought--I've been using it since I bought mine back in '05....

Better late than never...