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Proper tools are essential if you do a lot of work on your vehicle. A transmission jack, for example, is critical if you have to remove or install the transmission on your car or truck. It’s a heavy-duty tool that’s useful for both DIYers and professionals. Our buying guide below highlights some of the best transmission jacks currently available.
Benefits of Transmission Jacks
- Easy to use. Transmission jacks use hydraulic fluid to lift a car. You only need to leverage the mechanical advantage to easily raise or lower the car. The simple motions make a jack accomplish otherwise hard tasks.
- Use of technology. Hydraulic transmission jacks are manufactured to leverage technology, which makes life easier. Without this important piece of technology, it is unimaginable how you would lift a 2-ton vehicle to change tires, for example.
- Uniform lift. With transmission jacks, you will get a uniform lift compared to other methods such as manual lifting. All you need is a transmission jack with a wide leg base at a flat plain for the best results.
- Economical. By applying force through hydraulic systems, some of the best transmission jacks make it cheap to accomplish what is otherwise a very expensive activity. While you would only need one person to operate a jack, you would probably need dozens of people to accomplish the same task without a jack.
- Saves time. You may have woken up one day to find a flat car tire as you prepare to go to work in the morning. It is an inconvenient experience. With a transmission jack, you can just change the flat tire fast. Looking for people to manually assist you in lifting the car so that you can change the tire and still reach your destination can be frustrating.
- Best Overall: OTC 2,200lbs Capacity Low-Lift Transmission Jack
- Best Value: Big Red TR4076 Torin Hydraulic Roll-Under Transmission/Floor Jack
- Most Durable: Sunex 1/2-Ton Telescopic Transmission Jack
- Most Convenient: K Tool International 1,000-Pound Single-Stage Transmission Jack
- Honorable Mention: JEGS Transmission Jack
- Honorable Mention: Gray Automotive Accessories Transmission Jack
- Honorable Mention: OTC Stinger 2,000-Pound Heavy-Duty, Low-Lift Transmission Jack
- Honorable Mention: Honhill 2 Stage Telescopic Transmission Jack
Best Transmission Jacks Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
OTC 2,200lbs Capacity Low-Lift Transmission Jack
Best Value
Big Red TR4076 Torin Hydraulic Roll-Under Transmission/Floor Jack
Most Durable
Sunex 1/2-Ton Telescopic Transmission Jack
Most Convenient
K Tool International 1,000-Pound Single-Stage Transmission Jack
Honorable Mention
JEGS Transmission Jack
Honorable Mention
Gray Automotive Accessories Transmission Jack
Honorable Mention
OTC Stinger 2,000-Pound Heavy-Duty, Low-Lift Transmission Jack
Honorable Mention
Honhill 2 Stage Telescopic Transmission Jack
Types of Transmission Jacks
Under Car Transmission Jacks
This transmission jack is height extendable to access the transmission of a car that has been hoisted on a lift jack. It is compatible with either a two-post or a four-post car lift. With this transmission jack, the operator can conveniently stand and work under the car when either removing or installing the transmission.
Low Profile Transmission Jacks
These transmission jacks are used when repairing or changing a transmission in a car that is not supported above the ground by a car lift. Most of these types of jacks feature an adjustable tilt saddle, easy-roll casters, and versatile swivel pump handles, which are useful when you are working on tight areas.
Heavy-Duty Transmission Jacks
If you regularly engage in heavy lifting in your workshops, then this is your jack. You can conveniently and safely use them on a heavy fleet truck with a weight capacity ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. They are constructed of heavy-duty steel, so they can handle heavy trucks while also being versatile enough to work on light trucks and passenger cars.
Bottle Jacks
Also known as the whiskey jack, this heavy-duty jack resembles a bottle in shape. The main component of this jack is a vertical hydraulic ram that is placed in the center. It works through hydraulic pressure via a foot pump that pushes the ram through a pressure hose. This jack is limited mostly to cars with relatively high clearance.
Key Features
Durability
Most heavy truck components, such as differential units and gearboxes, are heavy. Using poor quality jacks may take a toll on the life of the jack. For maximum durability, you should shop for jacks constructed of sturdy, heavy-duty steel for the safety of the operator.
Weight Capacity
How much weight a transmission jack can handle without caving in is one of the most important features to look out for when buying a jack. For home use, a jack with a weight capacity of fewer than 1,000 pounds capacity should suffice. For commercial tasks, you should consider using jacks with a 2,000-pound rating in weight capacity.
Range of Motion
This feature determines the adjustable height of the transmission jack. It is indicated as the minimum and maximum height. Generally, a vertical distance of 35-75 inches is considered spacious enough. You should do an accurate approximation in order to safely fit the transmission on the underside of the vehicle.
Ease of Assembly
While the assembly process of the jack is easy, some products have instructional manuals that are hard to understand. It would be fatal to work with a poorly assembled transmission jack. Learning how you will work with your new jack cannot be overemphasized for its efficiency and safety.
Other Considerations
- Price and Warranty. While the price of the jack may be important, you need to make other considerations. For example, a comprehensive warranty of the tool may be equally valuable. A few more dollars on another product with a better warranty may be worth the money if only for peace of mind.
- Hydraulic Pressure. Some jacks are equipped with a foot-operated pump and lowering pedal to gauge the transmission’s position. This feature does not come cheap and may account for a higher price. However, that may be a minor cost when you consider the need for the versatility of the transmission jack.
- Stability. While maneuverability is important, you also want a jack that is stable enough to keep the transmission firm. For this to happen, the jack must have a wide ground contact base for stability. A wide base leg firmly anchors the transmission to the ground to avoid tilting or slipping when raising or lowering the transmission for repair work.
Transmission Jacks Pricing
- Under $150. Transmission jacks in this category may not have a high weight rating. They are mostly suitable for handling lighter weights such as motorcycle engines and small cars.
- $150-$500. You will find some of the best transmission jacks in this category. The majority of transmission jacks are in this price range.
- $500 and up. Mostly favorable for commercial operations, transmission jacks in this class have a higher weight rating. They are made of heavy-duty steel and often have more premium features.
Tips
- A good-quality transmission jack can double as a transmission stand. After you remove the transmission, you can fix it on the jack, and then put it back into your vehicle.
- Consider purchasing a transmission jack that has a higher capacity than you need for your vehicle. That way, you can use it on various types of vehicles, including larger ones you may buy in the future.
- Transmission jacks can be costly, but if you purchase a premium brand it will last an incredibly long time. You may want to spend more initially rather than buy an inferior product that doesn’t last very long.
- Be sure to purge a telescopic jack before you use it. It may get air inside of it during shipping. Typically, you can release the air by turning a screw on the jack a few times, pumping the foot pedal, and following a few other instructions.
FAQs
A: First, drain all the fluid out of the transmission and close the valve. Make sure it’s centered on the jack platform, and strap a chain over it. Then line up the device, elevate it, find the proper angle, and then unhook the transmission and lower it down.
A: Yes. A floor jack transmission adapter works with a standard jack, so you don’t have to purchase a separate tool. However, a floor jack with an adapter is much less maneuverable. It will also have fewer capabilities, such as a lower weight capacity, and it isn’t as reliable as a dedicated transmission jack.
A: Yes. Transmission jacks are quite versatile when it comes to car maintenance. You can use them to remove other heavy components in your vehicle, such as subframes, differentials, and driveshafts.
Final Thoughts on the Best Transmission Jacks
Our pick for the best transmission jack is the OTC 2,200 lb. Capacity Low-Lift Transmission Jack. It’s a professional-grade jack that makes working on heavy-duty trucks much easier.
Our recommendation for a great value is the Big Red TR4076 Torin Hydraulic Roll-Under Transmission/Floor Jack. It is heavy-duty, yet easy to use.