If you’ve ever taken a Jeep Wrangler off-road, especially an older model like a CJ, YJ, or TJ, you know that recovery gear is essential. A high lift jack is a staple for many, offering versatility beyond just changing a tire. But finding a secure, accessible place to store that bulky, heavy tool within or on your vehicle without it becoming a hazard or taking up valuable space can be a real headache. An unsecured jack rattling around could cause damage or even injury, which is why a dedicated mounting solution is so crucial for anyone serious about hitting the trails safely and efficiently.
- Fit for Jeep Wrangler CJ 1944-1986/ YJ 1987-1995/TJ 1997-2006. Please verify that this part fits your vehicle before you purchase.
- Material: Steel, power coated surface, provide you with a lifetime of resistance against wear.
- Easy to install: Come with all bolts you need. You can custom the weight of the Jack and install on the brackets (Make sure distributes the weight of the Jack).
Choosing the Right Gear: What to Look for in a High Lift Jack Mount
When considering how to stow essential recovery equipment like a high lift jack, you need a mounting solution that is robust, secure, and conveniently located. The primary problem a mount like this solves is freeing up interior space and preventing the jack from becoming a projectile in case of sudden stops or rough terrain. An ideal customer for a hood-mounted high lift jack bracket is typically a Jeep CJ, YJ, or TJ owner who regularly engages in off-road activities and needs their jack readily available but safely stored. This type of mount is particularly appealing if interior space is limited or you prefer not to mount items on bumpers or roll cages. It might not be the best choice for someone who rarely leaves paved roads, as the jack on the hood can slightly obstruct vision or add wind noise. Also, if you frequently need to raise your hood fully (resting it on the windshield), remember you’ll need to remove the jack first. Before purchasing any mount, consider your vehicle’s specific year and model for proper fitment, the mount’s material and finish for durability against the elements, the ease of installation, and how securely it holds the jack, including options for locking it to prevent theft.
- Pair of 3 Ton (2.7 metric Ton) jack stands with 6,000-pound capacity
- Lightweight jack stands are used to support your vehicle after lifting with a jack; Wide pyramid foot base provides added strength and stable support
- Specifications:2 ton (4,000 lb) capacity for single jack stand; Lifting range from min 9.8 " to max 15"; Net weight: 10.5 lb, which suitable for most 2 Ton Low profile autos, not recommendable for...
Introducing the MOTLTECH High Lift Jack Mount Hood Bracket
The MOTLTECH High Lift Jack Mount Hood Bracket for Jeep Wrangler CJ 1944-1986 / YJ 1987-1995 / TJ 1997-2006 (Pair, Black) is designed specifically to address the storage challenge for owners of these classic Jeep models. This product is essentially a pair of sturdy brackets that bolt directly to the hood hinge points, providing a designated and secure location to mount a high lift jack horizontally across the hood. Made from steel with a black powder-coated finish, the product promises a lifetime of resistance against wear and the elements. When you purchase the MOTLTECH High Lift Jack Mount Hood Bracket, you receive the pair of brackets and all the necessary hardware for installation, including bolts, lock nuts, wing nuts, screws, and gaskets. This particular bracket is explicitly for the CJ, YJ, and TJ generations and should not be confused with mounts designed for later JK or JL models, which have different hood designs. It caters specifically to the enthusiast who wants a straightforward, model-specific solution without modification.
Here are some potential pros and cons based on product description and user feedback:
Pros:
* Specific fitment for Jeep CJ, YJ, TJ models.
* Durable steel construction.
* Protective powder-coated finish.
* Relatively easy installation process for most users.
* Hardware included for mounting brackets.
* Provides a dedicated, accessible storage location for a high lift jack.
* Offers a place to potentially add a lock for security.
Cons:
* Included hardware for mounting the *bracket* may not have the correct thread pitch for all YJ models, potentially requiring a trip to the hardware store.
* The provided wing nuts/bolts for securing the *jack* to the bracket may not be sufficient on their own and often require pliers for adequate tightening or replacement for true security/peace of mind.
* Requires removing the jack before fully opening the hood (to rest on the windshield).
* The jack remains exposed to the elements and potential theft if not locked.
Deep Dive into the Features and Practical Benefits
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the MOTLTECH High Lift Jack Mount Hood Bracket a practical consideration for vintage Jeep owners. Having used this style of mount for a while, I can attest to the tangible benefits it offers, alongside a couple of points to be mindful of.
One of the most critical aspects of any off-road accessory is its build quality and durability. The MOTLTECH hood bracket is constructed from steel. This isn’t flimsy sheet metal; it’s solid, giving you confidence that it can handle the weight and vibrations associated with carrying a heavy piece of recovery gear like a high lift jack, especially over rough trails. The steel construction is fundamental because a failing mount while you’re on the move isn’t just an inconvenience; it could be dangerous. A jack coming loose at speed or on uneven ground could cause serious damage to your vehicle or pose a risk to others. The inherent strength of the material ensures the brackets themselves won’t buckle or snap under typical loads.
Coupled with the robust material is the black powder-coated finish. Off-road vehicles, and especially their exterior accessories, are constantly exposed to the elements – sun, rain, snow, mud, and trail debris. Powder coating is significantly more durable than standard paint, offering excellent resistance to rust, corrosion, chipping, and fading. This is particularly important for a part mounted externally on the hood. The last thing you want is your new jack mount becoming a rusty eyesore after just one season or, worse, having rust compromise its structural integrity. The powder coat finish helps ensure that the bracket not only performs its function but also maintains its appearance and longevity through harsh conditions. This resistance to wear is key for something intended to be a long-term addition to your vehicle.
The specific vehicle fitment is another significant feature. This high lift jack mount is designed explicitly for Jeep Wrangler models CJ (1944-1986), YJ (1987-1995), and TJ (1997-2006). These generations of Jeeps share a similar hood hinge design, allowing for a bolt-on application. The benefit here is that you don’t need to drill new holes or make complex modifications to your hood or bodywork. The brackets are engineered to align with existing factory mounting points, making installation much simpler for the target audience. This precision fit saves time and effort and avoids potentially damaging your vehicle’s body. Verifying your specific Jeep model and year is crucial before purchasing to ensure compatibility – while the listing covers a wide range, confirming it matches yours prevents frustration down the line.
Speaking of installation, the process is generally straightforward, which is a major plus. The product comes with all the necessary hardware to mount the brackets to the hood hinges. Based on feedback and experience, a key tip for installation is to work on one bolt at a time on each hinge. The hood hinges typically have three bolts. If you remove all three at once, the internal bracket that the bolts thread into behind the fender can shift, making reinstallation frustratingly difficult. By removing just one bolt, installing the new bracket hardware in that spot loosely, and then repeating for the other two bolts, you keep the internal bracket aligned. Most users report being able to install the brackets themselves in under an hour, some even quicker, making it a very accessible upgrade even for those with limited mechanical experience. While the bracket-to-hood installation is generally smooth, it’s worth noting here (as mentioned in potential cons) that some users, particularly with YJ models, have reported that the thread pitch of the included *bracket* mounting bolts was incorrect for their factory hood nuts, necessitating a quick trip to a hardware store for correctly sized bolts (often 5/16-18 thread for YJs). This is a potential minor hiccup, but easily solvable with inexpensive standard hardware store bolts.
Once the brackets are securely mounted, the primary function is to securely hold your high lift jack. The design typically utilizes bolts and wing nuts that pass through the jack’s lifting points and attach to the brackets. This horizontal orientation across the hood keeps the jack accessible but out of the way. The benefit of having the jack mounted externally is immediate access in a recovery situation – no need to unpack the back of the Jeep. It also frees up precious cargo space inside, which is often limited in these older, smaller Jeep models. However, securing the jack itself to the bracket warrants attention. While wing nuts are provided for hand-tightening, user experience shows that these are rarely sufficient to hold a heavy jack firmly in place on rough terrain. You will almost certainly need pliers or a small wrench to really cinch down the wing nuts or bolts holding the jack. Failing to do so can result in the jack rattling loose, potentially causing damage or even falling off. Some users opt to replace the provided wing nuts and bolts for securing the *jack* with heavier-duty hardware or quick-release pins for easier access that can still be secured tightly.
Another important aspect of this hood bracket design is the provision for adding a lock. While the mount itself is bolted on, the jack is held on by the wing nuts or bolts. The brackets are designed with holes or slots that allow you to thread a padlock or cable lock through the jack and the bracket. This is a crucial feature for preventing theft, especially since high lift jacks are valuable tools and are exposed on the exterior of the vehicle. While it adds an extra step when you need to use the jack, the peace of mind knowing your investment is secure is well worth it. Relying solely on tightly fastened bolts isn’t a substitute for a physical lock if theft is a concern in your area or where you park.
Finally, consider the practicality of hood clearance. When the hood is partially open for routine checks, the mounted jack typically clears the windshield and cowl area. However, if you need to open the hood fully, resting it against the windshield (as is common practice for maximum access on these Jeep models), the high lift jack *must* be removed first. The length and position of the mounted jack would otherwise interfere with the windshield frame, potentially causing damage to either the jack, the hood, or the windshield. This is a design consideration inherent to hood-mounted jack solutions and not a flaw of this specific jack mount, but it’s an important point to remember during vehicle maintenance. Overall, the features provided by this hood bracket offer a blend of utility, durability, and convenience tailored for the specified Jeep models, addressing the core problem of securely storing a high lift jack externally.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
I’ve browsed through feedback from various users who have installed this mount on their Jeeps, and the overall sentiment is largely positive, aligning with my own observations. Many appreciate the straightforward installation process, often noting it took under an hour. Users frequently commend the sturdy, thick metal construction and the quality of the powder coating, feeling confident in the bracket’s ability to withstand trail abuse. A recurring theme is the good value for the money these brackets represent compared to other mounting options. While some mention the bracket mounting hardware being a perfect fit, others specifically for YJ models reported needing to source different bolts with the correct thread pitch from a hardware store – a minor inconvenience but easily overcome. Several users also highlight the importance of using pliers or alternative hardware to really secure the high lift jack to the brackets, as finger-tightening the included wing nuts isn’t sufficient for bumpy rides, and they also appreciate the built-in provision for adding a padlock for theft deterrence.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Solution for You?
Proper storage of a high lift jack is more than just convenience; it’s a safety consideration when you’re off the beaten path. An improperly stored jack can be a hazard inside your vehicle or become damaged if simply left loose. The MOTLTECH High Lift Jack Mount Hood Bracket offers a practical and relatively easy solution for Jeep Wrangler CJ, YJ, and TJ owners. Its durable steel construction and weather-resistant finish mean it’s built to last in the challenging environment of off-roading. The design provides a secure location for your jack, freeing up valuable interior space. If you’re an owner of one of these classic Jeeps and need a reliable way to carry your high lift jack externally, this bracket is certainly worth considering. To learn more or purchase this mount, Click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-08-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API