hi-lift jacks are dangerous and should only be used when absolutely necessary, like for trail repairs or very mild trail extractions. having said that, i have used my hi-lift every time i needed the tires off the ground and i have also used it for a not-so-mild extraction or 2. it also stuck and then let go on me once, luckily there were jack stand under the frame and it only dropped about 3/4 of an inch and i was no where near being under the vehicle. but i often get pretty freaked out how it allows the vehicle to lean and to pivot to one side, especially when i've already positioned the jack-stands under the frame, because i'm afraid of it crashing down on them and punching holes through things like the gas tank and floorboards. just my opinion. heard plenty of references to "the widowmaker" as the hi-lift's nickname.