Air Jack

[Southern]

I am considering replacing my existing hydraulic jack for this Arcan air jack:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11071422&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1

The 1.8 ton model seems to have the lift I need for my Astro van.

I figure that since I have a heavy duty air compressor in my garage why bother with another hydraulic jack. I figure that the air jack may be quicker and certainly easier than my cheap chineese hydraulic jack.

Anyone have any experience with air jacks?

[TheDon]

looks interesting.. never used one but im guessing it would be the same exact thing as an airbag suspension..

[Nate]

40lbs??? jeeze that thing's a tank.


I'd be scared of an air controlled jack, because of the valves.... I know valve stem seals go bad within a few years... but I don't actually know how either one works.

Hydraulic jacks have been around longer, I think... Right?

~Nate

[Southern]

Like any jack, I never get under the car until it's resting on jack stands. And I sure as hell don't trust ramps.

As far as the air valve leaking, my hydraulic jack no longer holds when under load but thats because it's a cheap one. I'm guessing that the Arcan uses a check valve to hold the air pressure.

Nate, I'm guessing that you have an aluminum jack based on your comment that 40lbs is a tank.

[Brian Carlton]

They look excellent. Nice and compact and no 6' lever that always gets in the way.

My only negative on that jack is the minimum height. At 6.5", it may not be suitable for getting underneath the forward frame or, even below the diff, if you need it.