When it comes to working on your Ford F150 truck, having the right tools simplifies the tasks. If you use inadequate tools, it will lead to many problems such as frustration, waste of time, broken car parts, injuries, and much more.
One of the most useful and trusted tools in most garages is the floor jack. This tool can help you lift your Ford F150 and make repairs safely. However, choosing the right floor jack is challenging. Want to learn how to choose the right floor jack?
Keep reading!
What Is a Floor Jack?
A floor jack is a manually operated hydraulic device with a mounted cylinder allowing users to lift vehicles. Designed for heavy vehicles such as the Ford F150 truck, it has a long arm. Together with the horizontal cylinder, they provide vertical motion for lifting.
Often found in garages, floor jacks come with wheels/castors which makes it easy for users to position under the car. They also have large lifting pads that provide support under the vehicle’s frame. Want to know how a floor jack works?
The floor jack works by compressing hydraulic fluid in the cylinder using a pump plunger. Here is how it happens. When the plunger pulls back, hydraulic fluid gets drawn from the reservoir into the cylinder. Now, when the plunger moves forwards, the fluid flows back into the cylinder. This movement increases pressure in the cylinder which in turn lifts the heavy vehicle.
What Size Floor Jack Is Needed for a Ford F150?
Many people who own a Ford F150 pickup truck often ask, how big of a floor jack do I need for my truck? The Ford F150 pickup truck weighs between 1,824 to 2,274 kg (4021 to 5013 pounds). It has a towing capacity of 3,719 to 6,260 kg (8198 to 13800 pounds) and a gross vehicle weight rating of 2,726 to 3,243 kg (6009 to 7150 pounds).
Now when it comes to lifting your pickup truck, you don’t need to lift the whole truck off the ground. Professional and experienced mechanics have huge hydraulic floor jacks that can do the job.
Since you don’t have to lift the entire truck, you can get a 2-ton floor jack for simple jobs. However, we recommend that you purchase a 3-ton or one with more capability. Basically, the selected floor jack’s capacity should reach about three-quarters of your pickup truck’s overall weight.
An unloaded Ford F150 pickup truck weighs 2513 kg (5540 pounds). This means you need a floor jack with at least 1855 (4155 pounds) to raise the rear end of your truck. If your truck has cargo in the back, 680 kg (1,500 pounds) or more, this means you require a floor jack with at least 2395 kg (5,280 pounds) capability or more.
So, we recommend going for heavy-duty floor jacks with at least 2722 kg (6,000 pounds) capability if driving a Ford F150 pickup truck. Because if you invest in a floor jack that’s near its maximum capacity, a slight bump when in use can result in serious injuries.
How to Choose the Best Floor Jack for a Ford F150
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best floor jack for your Ford 150 pickup truck.
Materials
The most common materials used in the making of floor jacks are steel and aluminum. You can find models made entirely of steel, aluminum, or both metals. As you already know, steel is tough, corrosion-resistant, and malleable. Aluminum is also malleable, has corrosion-resistant properties, and is easy to cast.
Floor jacks made of steel tend to be heavier unlike those made of aluminum which is light. The former is also more durable and affordable compared to the latter which is more expensive and less durable. However, you have hybrid designs that make use of both metals. As such, you get a lighter floor jack that’s affordable and can get the job done.
Weight
A Ford F150 pickup truck weighs 1,824 to 2,274 kg (4021 to 5013 pounds). For most simple jobs, you can always use a 2-ton jack. This is true especially if you are lifting an unloaded pickup truck. However, it’s recommended to go for a floor jack with maximum capability. Basically, your ideal floor jack should have more than three-quarters of your Ford F150 pickup truck’s overall weight.
Lifting Height Range
A typical jack can lift only 12 to 14 inches. This is not high enough for a pickup truck such as the Ford F150. This is because such vehicles require to be lifted to heights of more than 16 inches. So, when shopping for a floor jack, look for models with a rating above 16 inches of clearance.
A Couple of Suitable Floor Jacks for a Ford F150
Arcan ALJ3T 3-ton Floor Jack
Made of aluminum, the Arcan ALJ3T is a three-ton floor jack that weighs 25.4 kilograms. Available with a side-mounted handle, the lightweight aluminum body allows for easy maneuverability.
It comes with dual pump pistons that help you to quickly raise the floor jack saddle which in turn raises your pickup truck to your desired height. The floor jack has a minimum lift height of 3.75 inches and a maximum lift height of 18 inches. As such, it’s ideal for lifting your pickup truck or SUV.
BIG RED – T83002, 3-ton Floor Jack
Constructed with heavy-duty steel, the BIG RED – T83002 is a three-ton floor jack designed for daily and industrial use. It comes with a safety bypass system that ensures safe operation and prevents overloading.
With a minimum lifting height of 5.5 inches and a maximum lifting height of 20.5 inches, not only is the floor jack is suitable for your Ford F150 pickup truck. But it’s also ideal for most cars and SUVs.
It has two 360-degree swivel casters and two large steel casters making it easy for you to maneuver and position the floor jack under the vehicle. To ensure the floor jack provides service for many years, the manufacturer powder-coated the unit. As such, it is rust and corrosion-resistant.
Which Is Best Steel or Aluminum?
Both are great as they have their strengths and weaknesses. Steel floor jacks are strong and durable, but they are heavy and difficult to maneuver. When it comes to aluminum floor jacks, they are lightweight and can handle the required load, but they are less durable and expensive.
So if you need a heavy-duty floor jack for your tasks, we recommend steel floor jacks. However, for lighter duties, go for aluminum floor jacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a 2-ton size floor jack enough for lifting an F150 truck?
The simple answer is no. A two-ton floor jack is ideal for cars, but when it comes to pickup trucks like the Ford F150, you need a three or four-ton floor jack. This will lift your truck while giving you a margin of safety.
2. Aluminum or steel- which material floor jack is worth lifting the Ford F150?
Steel floor jacks are worthy of lifting your Ford F150 pickup truck. This is because steel is durable, stronger, and suited for heavy-duty tasks, unlike aluminum floor jacks.
3. What are the benefits of using a floor jack?
Floor jacks have a hydraulic cylinder, a rubber saddle, a lift arm, and castors. All these features allow you to easily move and position the floor jack under the car and then easily lift it to your desired height.
Floor jacks are safe and easy to use. They are durable and easily lift your pickup truck with minimal effort.
Final Words
Your Ford F150 is a heavy pickup truck. If you want to change tires, rotors, brake pads, or change your oil, you need a heavy-duty floor jack. This means that you need a three or four-ton floor jack made of steel.
Such a floor jack will handle the weight of the truck plus the maximum lift height needed to perform the tasks above safely. Remember, always use the floor jack on flat and level ground. Don’t forget to use bricks or chocks to brace your Ford F150 pickup truck wheels. Finally, apply your truck’s parking brake before lifting it.