Jack for my CJ toolkit by Richard Cook

A few weeks ago I lost a sidecar wheel bearing. Luckily I was close enough to home to limp back, but when I pulled the wheel it was a battle. The bearing was partially seized on and I had to use a jack and hammer the wheel off. This made me realize that there was no way I could have done this repair on the road without a jack or friends and blocking. I needed a jack that was small when collapsed that fits in my toolbag.

I happened to have a scissors jack that someone gave me. It was covered with dust and cobwebs and a bit rusty but just the right size. They were used on many vehicles and I have no idea what this came from but junkyards have lots of them.

1)   Since I did not have the handle and it would be too large anyway I ground down the drive to where I could just hammer on a spare half inch socket. I carry a half inch ratchet in my toolbag and extensions so no need for a handle.

2)   Next I bent some steel strapping in my vice, it does not need to be perfect just set up so the jack won't slip off the frame.

3)   Then I welded the strap to the jack on top.

4)   A coat of black paint.

5)   I always have the carpet like side of Velcro around as projects that stick to carpet don't need that side. I used a piece in the U on the jack to protect the frame.

6)   Now test lift the bike and it works fine. I'll lightly lube the screw before I put it in the toolbag. I hope I never use it!