Transmission Jacks: Telescopic vs Low Profile and How to Choose One

Quick answer: A transmission jack is a hydraulic jack with a wide saddle and tilt adjustments, built to hold a transmission or other heavy drivetrain part steady while you remove or install it. Use a telescopic (high lift) transmission jack under a vehicle on a lift, and a low profile (floor) transmission jack when the vehicle is on jack stands. Choose by capacity, lift range, saddle adjustment and stage count. A floor jack is a different tool: it lifts the vehicle itself, then the vehicle must be supported on stands.

See our full range on the jacks and stands page.

What is a transmission jack used for?

Transmissions are heavy, awkwardly shaped and top heavy. Balancing one on a regular floor jack is how parts get dropped and people get hurt. A transmission jack has a saddle shaped to cradle the case, a safety chain or strap to hold it, and controls to tilt the load front to back and side to side so you can line up the input shaft and bolt holes. Shops also use them for transfer cases, differentials, fuel tanks and other heavy components.

Types of jacks for drivetrain and vehicle work

• Telescopic transmission jacks. A tall column that extends up to a vehicle on a lift. Single stage jacks have one ram; two stage jacks have a ram inside a ram for a longer lift range. On our site, the Olympic TJ 1101A is a 1,100 lb single stage jack and the Olympic TJ 1102 is a 1,100 lb two stage jack.
• Low profile transmission jacks. A wide, low frame that rolls under a car on jack stands. These are for home garages and shops without a lift.
• Floor jacks. Lift the vehicle at a jack point. The Martins Industries MFJ 2T and MFJ 3T are 2 and 3 ton floor jacks; the MFJ P2T, MFJ P3T and long reach MFJ PL2T are listed as professional models.
• Air hydraulic jacks. Use shop air to drive the hydraulic pump, for trucks and heavy vehicles. Examples include the Martins Industries 33 ton professional air hydraulic floor jack.
• Rolling and bridge jacks. Ride on the runways of a 4 post or alignment lift to raise the vehicle off its wheels. We carry rolling bridge jacks from 3,500 to 9,000 lb.

How to choose a transmission jack

1. Capacity. Choose a rated capacity well above the heaviest part you will handle. Truck and four wheel drive transmissions with transfer cases weigh far more than a small car gearbox.
2. Your lift setup. If the vehicle is on a 2 post or 4 post lift, you need a telescopic jack. If it is on stands, you need a low profile jack.
3. Lift range. Check the minimum and maximum height listed on each product page against your lift's working height.
4. Single or two stage. Two stage jacks reach higher from a lower starting height, which helps with tall lifts.
5. Saddle and tilt. Look for adjustable saddle arms and tilt controls in both directions, and a chain or strap to secure the load.
6. Pedal and release. A foot pump keeps both hands free to guide the part. A smooth, controlled release lets you lower slowly.
7. Base and casters. A wide base with swivel casters is more stable when you roll a loaded jack out from under the vehicle.

Specs explained

• Rated capacity. The maximum load the jack is rated for, often listed in pounds. Never exceed it.
• Minimum and maximum height. The lowest and highest saddle positions. The difference is the lift range.
• Stages. One or two telescoping rams.
• Saddle adjustment. How far the saddle tilts forward, back and side to side.
• Pump type. Foot pedal, hand pump or air.

Transmission jack safety

• Support the vehicle properly on a lift or rated jack stands first. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• Strap or chain the transmission to the saddle before you remove the last bolts.
• Keep the load low and centered when you roll the jack. Lower the jack before you move it.
• Move slowly on a smooth, level floor, and clear cords, hoses and parts from the path.
• Have a second person help with heavy or awkward parts.
• Inspect for hydraulic leaks or damage before each use, and follow the vendor's instructions.

Where each jack fits

• Shops with 2 post lifts: a telescopic transmission jack, single or two stage depending on lift height. See our 2 post car lifts.
• Shops with 4 post or alignment lifts: a telescopic jack for drivetrain work and a rolling bridge jack for wheel and brake work. See 4 post car lifts and alignment lifts.
• Home garages without a lift: a floor jack, rated jack stands and a low profile transmission jack.
• Truck and fleet shops: heavy duty floor jacks and air hydraulic jacks for lifting, plus a heavy capacity transmission jack.

Common mistakes

1. Using a floor jack to hold a transmission. The saddle is too small and the part can tip off.
2. Buying the wrong style. A telescopic jack will not fit under a car on stands, and a low profile jack will not reach a car on a lift.
3. Skipping the strap. Always secure the load.
4. Rolling the load high. Lower first, then move.
5. Undersizing capacity. Know the weight of what you are pulling, including the transfer case and fluid.
6. Working under a jack. Jacks lift. Lifts and jack stands support.

Floor jack buying tips

Because many people searching for a transmission jack also need a good floor jack, here are the key points. Choose a rated capacity above the share of vehicle weight you will lift at one point, a minimum height low enough to fit under your lowest vehicle, and a maximum height that lets you set jack stands at a useful height. Long reach jacks help with trucks and cars whose jack points sit far under the body. Always place the jack on a manufacturer jack point and lower the vehicle onto rated stands before you work.

How much does a transmission jack cost?

At the time of writing, our telescopic transmission jacks run from about $320 for a single stage model to about $490 for a two stage model. Floor jacks start around $230, and rolling bridge jacks start around $1,170. Prices change, so check the jacks and stands page for current pricing. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a floor jack as a transmission jack?

Transmission adapters for floor jacks exist, but a dedicated transmission jack is more stable, has tilt adjustments and is the safer choice.

What capacity transmission jack do I need?

Pick a capacity comfortably above the heaviest transmission and transfer case you work on. Check the part weight in the service information.

Single stage or two stage?

Two stage jacks reach higher from a lower start, which suits tall lifts. Single stage jacks are simpler and cost less.

Do I need a lift to use a transmission jack?

Telescopic jacks are made for vehicles on a lift. Without a lift, use a low profile transmission jack with the vehicle on rated jack stands.

Related equipment

See car lifts, lift accessories, 2 post vs 4 post car lifts and waste oil drains for fluid work. Questions? Contact us.