Exhaust jack on Sand

Matt,

I don't have one but it seems fair to say avoid hot and pointy bits. I understand they make quite an impressive BANG if you don't exercise due care :)

Matt,

I have one and can certainly recommend them.

I usually place the jack underneath the body-side of the vehicle and lift the whole lot up. The height obtained will easily lift the wheels off the deck so that you can get underneath.

I also include a couple of squares of carpet top & bottom to provide additional mechanical protection.

So far, no problems. Easy As.

Matt,

We use the exhaust jack on our driver training course. We lift a vehicle so that one or more wheels are off the ground. The vehicles that we jack up are different every time, so they do work on all vehicles and we do use the exhaust jack on the sand.
A few things to keep in mind when using the exhaust jack.
The exhaust pipe has to be good with no leaks.
A diesel motor is better than a petrol only because there is more exhaust pressure in a diesel.
A small petrol engine will need the revs kept up to supply the pressure to inflate the bag.
If the exhaust is not good or the motor can not be started on the stuck vehicle you can always use another vehicle.
Find a good lifting spot on your vehicle, at home in the driveway before you have to use the jack is best.
The best spot is one that is close to the wheel that has to be raised, that has a cross member on the chassis. The gear box cross member is a good one for the front.
On the back you could use the fuel tank or side steps.
With the jack they supply mats to protect the bag, they are alright but we have found carpet squares even better. They are thicker and protect the bag from sharp objects and heat and when not in use can be stored flat in the vehicle.
To get the bag to go up straight we first inflate the bag then squash it down flat, then place it under the vehicle, that way it should go up straight.
You will at least 2 people to use the jack, one to watch the bag and to make sure it goes up straight, and the other person to hold the hose on the end of the exhaust. This is not the job to have.
It might take a couple of goes to get it right, so it might pay to practise at home first.
The exhaust are rated to lift 4t but when you think of it, it is only lifting one corner and not the full weight of the vehicle.
Avoid using the large bag on a Suzuki as they might flip it on its side when fully inflated.

Wayne

Is your truck a turbo deisel?
The driver training fraternity say that you cannot use one with a turbo as impeller damage can occur, when the pressure is on.
Just what I have been told, no experience with any damage.

Cheers Pesty

The first exhaust jack that I had was tall with a very narrow base that made it very unstable when inflated - in fact it was Bloody dangerous. Some guy wanted to buy it even when I showed him what it was like so I sold it and purchased a different brand. That original brand has now changed the dimensions of the bag and the new model is fine. I mention my experience just in case you decide to buy second hand. Also remember not to get under ANY vehicle when you have it jacked up !

TJM sell one now, which is a bit more expensive, but has all the reinforcements and protection so that no further protection is needed (so they say) Might be worth investigating. (I think it has a thick rubber protection top where it contacts the vehicle, and bottom where it sits on the ground, and makes it much more stable because it is more flat than round)

D-Jack

I've got the ARB one. For about $100 more, you can get one that can be used with an air compressor as well as the exhaust. Only real advantage is that one person can use it if necessary. As said before, you need 2 people to use the exhaust.

Another advantage is if you damage the exhaust while getting bogged, you can still use it.

Is it worth the extra $100. Dunno, but I got one anyway. Haven't tried it with the compressor yet.

Thanks everyone for all the replys it looks like their a go-a I’ll check the ARB and Bushranger ones out.
Thanks again.

Matt

just one minor point if youy tail pipe end is cut at an anglethe cone on the hose may not seal sufficiently to provide enough pressure to lift the vehicle,i squared mine with a hacksaw it works well now..

There's no need to cut the end of the exhaust on a patrol anyway simply push the cone on then down and it will seal. Unless you need the whole side of the vehicle off the ground it's safer to use the bag on the side under the diff particulary in mud .And my last tip is if you have those heavy floor mats they work a treat as protectors saves on weight. johnsie

I imagine the exhaust jacks are good but I doubt they could be used in all cases and if the jack you have doesn't get the wheels off the ground I would be replacing that. truck wreckers might be a good starting point