Last Updated on August 26, 2020 by Tim
There are plenty of racing jacks that claim to be the best on the market. However, which one do you choose when you need a jack that’s lightweight, portable, reliable, and quick to lift… all without spending a fortune? You really want the best racing jack your money can buy.
We’ve put in the research and have come up with our top picks for racing jacks currently available on the market. All are well-known brands with excellent reputations. Don’t forget a pair of aluminum jack stands before heading to the track.
Top Pick:
OTC 1532 2-Ton Aluminum Racing Jack
This aluminum racing jack by OTC stands apart from the rest and is easily our top pick. It is manufactured from an aircraft-grade aluminum and has an incredibly low profile at 3 1/2 inches, which makes it ideal for anyone working on low-profile cars.
The best part about this jack, however, is the fact that it can lift up to 2-tons of vehicle while the jack itself weighs in at a lightweight 43 lbs. Combine this with its side-mounted handles, and you get a jack that is incredibly easy to use, maneuver, and store when not in use.
This model’s dual pump pistons allow users to reach its maximum height of 18-inches in only five swift pumps. While it quickly and easily reaches the maximum height, this feature would mean nothing if it didn’t have additional support for your vehicle. That’s where the rubber saddle pad comes in, which protects your vehicle and prevents slipping when the jack is in use.
Lightweight with increased maneuverability, users love this quick lift jack. While some report that this model doesn’t have much staying power and begins to malfunction after a few years of use, the lifetime warranty should cover any problems that you encounter with this piece of equipment.
Overall, this is our top pick for the best racing jack on the market, with features you wont find in other jacks at this price point.
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum lifts two tons and weighs only 43 lbs
- Five pumps to maximum height of 18 inch
- Low profile 3-1/2 inch makes it perfect for ground hugging high performance cars
Runners Up:
Arcan ALJ2T 2-Ton Aluminum Floor Jack
This sleek, aluminum jack by Arcan may be a smaller model, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in power. It features a two-stage lift function that allows it to reach its maximum lift height (19-1/4 inches) quickly and efficiently.
It features a rubber saddle pad to protect your vehicle, a strong 2-piece handle with quick lock function, and bearing mounted swivel casters for heightened maneuverability. Another great feature of this low-profile jack lies in its ability to get under low loads with ease. Only a 3-1/2” lift height is required for use on low slung vehicles, matching the OTC jack above. There are plenty of other 2-ton floor jacks but most can’t match the portability factor of this Arcan.
Again, the only drawbacks of this aluminum jack lie within its staying power. Many users have reported that after a year or so, this product doesn’t work as well as it did right out of the box. Luckily, this company does offer a limited warranty, perfect if you are worried about this jack not keeping up with your needs after an extended period of time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows for easy maneuverability.
- LIFTING CAPACITY: 4,000 lbs.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly raises the floor jack saddle to load.
Nesco Tools 2203 3-Ton Aluminum Low Profile Jack
Our other runner up is this aluminum jack by Nesco. This product also provides for incredible ease of use and portability because of its super lightweight aluminum alloy construction.
With features that include high quality rollers and casters, a double plunger, and impressive 3-ton capacity, this jack is another great option for those looking for a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum jack with an additional ton of lift rating compared to the options above. It’s easy to assemble and has a long frame for an easier user experience.
Drawbacks to this model include its price – there are many other less expensive aluminum options on the market today. However, if you can afford it, this jack by Nesco is a fantastic choice. You may also want to consider some other 3-ton aluminum floor jacks.
- Long frame
- Super light weight aluminum alloy construction
- Working range: 3-1/2 inch - 19-1/4 inch
Jeff Carpenter says
What do you think about the OTC 1532 wall mount?
Tim says
Didn’t even know they sold something like that. I guess if space in your garage was at a premium or you want to “display” your new racing jack it might be nice but I’ll pass.
Buddy says
I think you’ll find that the wall-mount is more aimed at storing these on the side-wall inside the race trailer –
I’ve owned an OTC 1532A for 3 or so years now and while I like a lot of things about the jack, it’s about to be replaced due to one very nasty safety issue. The front “wheel” on this jack, the aluminum roller across the front end, tends to get dimpled when used on asphalt (like in the paddock) and then doesn’t roll well during lifting afterwards even on perfectly smooth garage floors. The consequence of not rolling well is that when lifting a car from the side the car tends to slide across the saddle rather than the jack rolling in under the car as the lift point moves up. I’ve had it nearly fall off the jack twice in the last few months, and this weekend it slid off and dropped a half-inch onto a new load point – damage to the car was minor, but the potential safety issue is huge. The front roller needs to have a harder surface in order to roll reliably!