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Updated December 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
OTC
1000-lb Capacity Air-Assisted High-Lift Transmission Jack
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Bottom Line
This auto-shop quality transmission jack boasts a 2-stage lift system that hits an impressive maximum height of 76.5 inches.
Pros
Foot pedal rapidly raises mounting head, thanks to air-assist. Hand-pump hydraulic secondary stage for more exact operator control. Easy-grip knobs make it simple to adjust mounting head. Safety chain. Wide leg base with 4-inch polyurethane swivel wheels. Brakes on 2 wheels. Lowest position is 7.625 inches; with a 76.5-inch maximum height. Maximum forward tilt 42 degrees, 46 degrees back. Side tilt 12 degrees each direction.
Cons
Hydraulic fluid may leak from time to time, so be sure to check levels.
Best Bang for the Buck
OTC
1000-lb Capacity Low-Lift Transmission Jack
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Bottom Line
Responsive, steady tilting action makes for easier transmission jobs. Just be sure to keep an eye on the hydraulic fluid level.
Pros
Universal mounting head with adjustable brackets. Pump handle rotates 360 degrees. Head tilts front to back and side to side. Safety chains hold transmission. Easy to position under vehicle thanks to wide wheel base, 4 swivel casters, and 2 handle grips. Safety overload prevention. Takes up 43 by 42 inches of floor space. Flash-chromed ram keeps rust out of hydraulic system. Height ranges from 6.5 to 29.5 inches. Solid construction.
Cons
Hydraulic system may leak.
Torin
Big Red Hydraulic Transmission Floor Jack: 1/2 Ton (1,000 lb) Capacity
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Bottom Line
A good pick for home use, this jack's cradle is best suited for automatic transmissions, but can be adapted for use with standard transmissions.
Pros
Roll-under transmission jack. 1,000 pound capacity. Hydraulic lifting. 360-degree rotating handle. Saddle allows for full side-to-side and front-to-back adjustment. Reinforced base with a wide stance. Factory tested for safety and reliability. Steel swivel bearing casters Minimum clearance of 8.66 inches. Maximum height of 22.64 inches.
Cons
The provided chains are not of the best quality. Jack occasionally fails when loaded.
Alltrade
Powerbuilt Heavy-Duty 4000-lb Triple Lift Jack
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Bottom Line
Many use this strong, versatile jack for transmission work on both unibody and traditional frame vehicles. Just keep in mind that it's a multipurpose tool, so its head doesn't pivot like a traditional transmission jack.
Pros
4,000-pound lifting capacity. Holds vehicles with lift points as low as 8.625 inches. Maximum height is 18.625 inches. Bottlejack and jackstand in one. Removable lift saddle and padded lift rails. Can adapt to multiple types of vehicle frames like cars, trucks, and ATVs. Locking safety bar keeps jack in place once raised; no need for jack stands. Meets or exceeds ANSI standards.
Cons
Better for taking a transmission out than putting one back in; mostly because it does not have a pivoting head.
Torin
Big Red Telescoping Hydraulic Transmission Floor Jack: 1/2 Ton (1,000 lb) Capacity
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Bottom Line
This pedestal-style transmission jack is intended for use in combination with in-ground and above-ground lifts.
Pros
Half-ton capacity pedestal-style jack. Lift range of 49.6 to 68.7 inches. Steel and dipped-enamel finish. For use with in-ground and above-ground lifts. Adjustable saddle. Safety chain. 4-leg base with 3-inch steel wheels. Wheels swivel a full 360 degrees on ball bearing casters. Release valve.
Cons
Look for something taller if you are much over 5-foot 8-inches tall.
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews
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