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What kind of jack for a kombi?
hummel - December 21st, 2005 at 04:07 PM

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

mnsKmobi - December 22nd, 2005 at 10:55 AM

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 - December 23rd, 2005 at 09:28 PM

try one of these
terry

modulus - December 23rd, 2005 at 10:48 PM

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 ]

hummel - December 24th, 2005 at 09:27 AM

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?

modulus - December 24th, 2005 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by hummel
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

fekkinell - December 25th, 2005 at 01:09 PM

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