1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

My floor jack barely lifted the Prius high enough-What else can I do to lift it higher?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ski.dive, Feb 26, 2023.

  1. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    863
    223
    0
    Location:
    Hutchinson Island,FL. Mt. Snow,VT
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius

    My floor jack barely lifted the Prius high enough-
    What else can I do to lift it higher?
    I need more room the get under it.

     
  2. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2009
    1,130
    505
    0
    Location:
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Build some ramps, these allow me to crawl under, with jack stands for safety. Removable tails for easier storage. Also build some blocking, these are sandwiched 4x6 timbers that I can stack if needed.
     

    Attached Files:

    #2 alftoy, Feb 26, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2023
    Montgomery likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,474
    38,105
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Look into 3 ton jacks, they typically have a lot more lift. A fairly typical max, unloaded cradle height is around 19", some are higher, up around 21".

    What I've done too, is make some low-rise ramps (3.5" lift), run the wheels up onto them, and then I'm able to fit shims on my jack cradle, gain a bit more lift.

    Whatever you're doing, don't compromise safety. Make sure everything's solid/stable. Never get under without safety stands placed and checked.

    One trick I follow whenever practical, is to push a squat section of tree trunk under before getting under myself, basically something solid and thicker than me. :)
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    7,797
    1,349
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Yes my 3-ton jack I think it is three and a half ton big red made by a company begins with t torin I think it'll pick the car up about 14 in close to it I usually lift under the center post for the two doors meet and lift up both wheels at the same time so I can rotate the tires boom boom no picking up at four corners that's not needed for this car at least not for me I like the car to teeter totter a little bit on the jack so I can lift up on the wheel I'm working on and bring it closer to my chest if you will.
     
  5. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2005
    3,831
    1,825
    1
    Location:
    Trumbull, CT
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    My inexpensive 2 ton hydraulic jack just barely works to raise one corner (the hydraulic pressure limit valve stops it from going higher), but I can insert a jack stand so it works. I would spend a bit more for a 3 ton jack if I had a do-over.

    JeffD
     
  6. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    3,206
    1,337
    0
    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The jack supplied with the car is only designed to allow one to change a tire. That's it.

    If you want to lift the car higher, get a better 2-3 ton floor jack and some decent jack stands to support it.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    xliderider and Montgomery like this.
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,475
    4,373
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Get a better high lift floor jack and jack stands to match. No matter what if you are a big guy its tight. Some places allow diy on their lifts for a reasonable fee.

    I have thought about getting a set of Quickjacks which are powered for $1400 and can be stored out of the way.

    93BF2AB9-26A1-457D-9E74-47A635B67CAF.jpeg