Re: sudden drop when releasing a floor jack. This is NOT uncommom and the previous explanation is right on. It's something one get used to and learn to overcome. Just at the moment the release mechanism "cracks", let off a bit. Once it's loose, you can then regulate the drop quite well.
Re: low profile jack. These have been around for a while but are quite pricey compared to stuff @ Sears, WallyMart, but should last a great long time. The trouble with cheapies is that they eventually start to leak through their seals and won't hold the weight very well. So what do you want? Buy one really good one that'll last a long time or a bunch of cheaper ones to get you through the same period of time? Do you want 1/2 doz eggs or just 6?

 

I have the Sears Craftsman floor jack and I also experience the sudden drop problem. I have learned to loosen the release valve REAL SLOW and minute increments. Due to all the talk on this board about jacks not fitting I was surprised that my jack was able to crawl underneath the front of the S2000. Very little clearance but it did fit.

 

Best floor jack I've found. Over-all lower height with longer reach than the one from Griot's Garage.


MODEL 71240
2-1/4 TON CAPACITY LOW PROFILE

INTENDED USE
For vehicle restoration, exotic cars and use on dealer showroom floors.
FEATURES

Same as model 71155 but with 4" overall chassis
height and extended chassis length for additional
reach under low profile exotic autos.
Non-marring front wheels and rear caster wheels
protect dealer showroom floors.

http://www.norcoind.com/norco/fljack.htm

 

KenS2k,

That website's products look very nice. I didn't find any prices though. Do you have any more info?

James

 

James,
I don't have any more info. But they do have an information request form you could try. Link is on the left hand side of the following page:

http://www.norcoind.com/norco/

 

I bought the 3.5 ton jack from Sams. and could not be happier
it is very controllable and the contact piece comes off to make it lower, or it comes with a taller one to work with my truck. cost was $59.00.

 

Here is a 2 1/2 ton floor jack that will work with some of the lowered cars. I'm not sure about quality, though. I was at an alignment shop and saw there catalog on there desk and thought I'd share.

http://www.midquip.com/qwik_lift.jsp#33025

 

Sears has resolved my floor jack problem by replacing the defective unit. The relief valve was not operating properly and the new unit is much smoother in operation. It just barely fits under the rear jack point, but I need to drive up onto wood blocks tofit the jack under the front.

 

I know absolutely nothing about this but want to get into it.

Do you use the hydraulic in the front and use the jack stands at the sides?

How many do I need?

Basically I want to buy a set. What do I need? a hydraulic and 4 jack stands?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Howie
[B]I know absolutely nothing about this but want to get into it.

Do you use the hydraulic in the front and use the jack stands at the sides?

How many do I need?

Basically I want to buy a set.