What kind of jack for a kombi?

hummel Learner Dubber

18 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 21 Dec 2005, 4:07 pm

#440109

G'day all,

As some of you may know, the standard kombi jack isnt the best in the world, therefore im looking to buy a new jack. It will be a general purpose jack, mainly for servicing, changing wheels etc.

I've been looking at the ones in supercheap etc, but i dont think they will have the reach for the kombi as they're standard car types. What would you suggest to purchase? I'll need to use it on a four wheeler motorbike aswell. Any ideas? Where would i buy one from? and how much would i expect to pay?

Cheers

1974 Westy - Organe/White - Very rusty!
1979 Campmobile - Green - Reg'd and Driven!

mnsKmobi Wolfsburg Wizard

589 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 10:55 am

#440338

Those standard scissors jacks don't reach without a couple of inch thick block of wood. The best solution IMHO is a trolley jack at home and the scissor jack + wood for the road. Also get ramps or axle stands if you're getting under a jacked up vehicle.

subibaja Wolfsburg Wizard

501 posts · joined Sep 2005 · 23 Dec 2005, 9:28 pm

#440855

try one of these
terry

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anyone who says it's bad to put subaru motors in vw's.....
hasnt got a clue about smoooooooooth

terry
brisbane
0403252522
you know who i am

modulus Veteran Volks Folk

2,009 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 23 Dec 2005, 10:48 pm

#440876

Hi hummel,
The standard Kombi screw jack is weak and unstable. The gear mechanism at the top is a weakness, and the overall strength is low.

There are several options:
- exhaust jack; at $250 these aren't cheap, but theyre good for snow, sand and mud.
- high-lift jack; these ratchet type jacks can get you out of ruts but there are really no good lifting points on a kombi; nevertheless a godd option for the hardcore kombista
- better bilsteins; I have a Bilstein from another car which is *way* better built than the Kombi one, but I don't know its provenance; Mercedes perhaps?

This is something I'd like to get to a conclusion in the New Year; anyone welcome to suggest other options!

[ Edited on 23-12-05 by modulus ]

Peter Hill
1975 Type 2 Double Cab
modulus.com.au

hummel Learner Dubber

18 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 24 Dec 2005, 9:27 am

#440925

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep 'em coming.

I've looked at the exhaust jacks, but they're really only for emergenancy situations, correct?

I would like something that would enable me to work on the bus aswell as allow me to easily change a tyre etc.

Are those exhaust operated ones trust-worthy enough, Say i connect it up and put axle stands under the bus to hold it up...
Suggestions?

1974 Westy - Organe/White - Very rusty!
1979 Campmobile - Green - Reg'd and Driven!

modulus Veteran Volks Folk

2,009 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 24 Dec 2005, 11:45 am

#440966

hummel wrote:Are those exhaust operated ones trust-worthy enough,

*No* jack is trustworthy enough; you probably know that, but for others reading along, *never* work on a car relying on jacks, always use jackstands or ramps.

More to the point, the exhaust jacks don't work well on slippery surfaces or any sort of slope; they can slide when conditions are like that, so I guess they're at best for an emergenccy.

hth

Peter Hill
1975 Type 2 Double Cab
modulus.com.au

fekkinell Wolfsburg Wizard

655 posts · joined Jun 2005 · 25 Dec 2005, 1:09 pm

#441126

Try a hydraulic 4X4 jack... they are relatively small and can easily and safely lift a landrover... should work fine on a kombi.