Can Power Mountain Tallboy 2-ton Bottle Jack Lift A 4Runner If Wheel Sinks In Sand On Trail?

Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 10/30/2025

Question:

Can this 2-ton Tallboy lift my 4Runner if I’m out on the trail with one wheel sunk in sand?

asked by: Bryce

Expert Reply:

Bryce, the Power Mountain Tallboy # PM44FR is strong enough to lift your 4Runner, but it does need room to fit underneath. With a minimum height just under 8", it works great for tire changes or light trail repairs - as long as your frame or axle isn’t sitting directly on the ground. If you’re really buried or bottomed out in sand, you’d need to dig out a small pocket first or use a different jack method.

The Tallboy’s wide base plate gives you stability once you’re set up, and it’s much steadier than a stock bottle jack on soft soil.

Is your 4Runner lifted or close to stock height? That’ll help confirm whether this one will fit cleanly under your frame. It should fit when on level ground, but when bottoming out, that's a different story.

Off-roaders reading this - anyone using it as part of your trail kit, or do you prefer a Hi-Lift or recovery jack for those stuck situations?

expert reply by: Andrew N

PM44FR Bottle Jack Offroad
(click to enlarge)

Bryce

11/3/2025

Good to know, Andrew. Mine’s a 2018 TRD Off-Road with a 2" lift and 33s. I carry traction boards and a shovel, but I like the idea of a smaller jack instead of a Hi-Lift. You ever use one out in the field?

Andrew N.

11/3/2025

@Bryce I personally haven't, Bryce. And yes, the Hi-Lifts are great for recovery, but for quick tire swaps or trail fixes, the bottle jack wins every time. That 2" lift on your 4Runner’s perfect for the # PM44FR too, just toss a short wood block in your kit for insurance. By the way, on those traction boards - do you run MaxTrax or a different brand? Always curious what other folks like best.