Whether you're changing a tire, replacing a CV axle, repairing suspension components, or handling an unexpected trail-side repair, knowing where to safely lift your Can-Am Defender can make the job faster, safer, and less frustrating.
The AGM Manual Jack PRO was designed specifically for off-road repairs where traditional vehicle jacks often struggle. In this guide, we'll show you the recommended front and rear lift points on the Can-Am Defender, along with practical lifting and safety tips that can help you get back on the trail quickly.
Before You Lift
Before beginning any repair:
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Move the vehicle off the trail whenever possible.
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Park on flat, stable ground.
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Avoid rocks, branches, mud, and other debris.
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Place the transmission in park.
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Chock a tire using rocks, wood, or other available materials.
A stable vehicle is safer to work on and helps prevent unwanted movement during lifting.
Rear Lift Points
Primary Rear Lift Point - Chassis Tube
The Can-Am Defender is a shorter-travel utility SXS, which means there is very little suspension droop at ride height. Because of this, we prefer lifting directly from the chassis rather than the suspension.
The rear chassis tube is located approximately 2 inches inboard from the outer edge of the vehicle. You can typically identify its location by the slight raised section visible in the skid plate.
To lift safely:
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Adjust the Manual Jack PRO to the correct height.
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Position the lifting pad directly under the chassis tube.
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Start with the bottom of the jack slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top.
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Create two points of contact:
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The lifting pad against the chassis tube.
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The jack body against the side of the vehicle.
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Starting with the bottom of the jack slightly farther inward allows the jack to move toward vertical as the vehicle rises, creating a more stable lift.
The tire is off the ground and you're ready to perform your repair.
Front Lift Points
Primary Front Lift Point - Chassis Tube
The preferred front lift point is the front chassis tube located along the side of the vehicle.
Just like the rear:
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Locate the chassis tube beneath the vehicle.
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Position the lifting pad directly under the tube.
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Start with the bottom of the jack slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top.
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Verify both contact points before lifting.
If your Defender is equipped with doors, open the door before lifting to ensure the jack body has adequate clearance.
The tire is off the ground and you're ready to perform your repair.
Why We Prefer Chassis Tube Lift Points On The Defender
The Defender's suspension design allows the tires to leave the ground with relatively little chassis movement.
Because of this:
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Less jack travel is required.
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Lifts are faster.
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Chassis lift points are easy to access.
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Suspension components do not need to be used as primary lift points.
For most trail repairs, lifting directly from the chassis tube is the simplest and most efficient option.
Improving Stability On Uneven Ground
Occasionally, one side of the jack may be sitting on softer dirt than the other.
If you notice the jack beginning to shift or pivot:
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Lower the vehicle safely.
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Rotate the collar 90 degrees.
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Reposition the jack.
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Continue lifting.
Changing the collar orientation changes the direction the jack pivots, helping keep the load centered and improving stability on uneven terrain.
[INSERT COLLAR ROTATION IMAGE]
Trail-Side Tire Change Tips
Once the vehicle is safely lifted, a few simple habits can help prevent bigger problems later.
Break Lug Nuts Loose Before Lifting
If you're using hand tools instead of an impact gun:
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Break the lug nuts loose while the tire is still on the ground.
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Use the vehicle's weight to keep the wheel from rotating.
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Make removal easier once the vehicle is in the air.
Keep Lug Nuts Clean
As you remove lug nuts:
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Try to keep them out of dirt and sand.
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Store them in a safe location.
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Prevent contamination of the threads.
If a lug nut falls into the dirt, simply clean it before reinstalling.
Keeping debris out of the threads helps prevent damage to both the lug nut and wheel stud.
Start Lug Nuts By Hand
Always start lug nuts by hand before using an impact gun.
This helps:
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Prevent cross-threading.
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Ensure proper thread engagement.
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Avoid unnecessary trail-side repairs.
The few extra seconds are worth it.
Tighten In A Star Pattern
When reinstalling the wheel:
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Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
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Pull the wheel evenly against the brake rotor.
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Verify everything is fully seated.
A star pattern helps prevent uneven wheel seating and reduces the chance of lug nuts loosening later.
If available, lower the tire until it just contacts the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification.
Trail Safety Tips
Move To A Safer Work Area
If the vehicle can still move under its own power:
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Get off the trail.
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Find level ground.
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Avoid loose rocks and debris.
A better work area usually means a safer and easier repair.
Create A Secondary Support Point
If you'll be working on the vehicle for more than a few minutes, place something underneath it as a backup support.
Examples include:
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Cooler
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Toolbox
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Spare tire
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Large rock
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Log
Even if it isn't touching the vehicle, it can help stop the vehicle from falling completely to the ground if something unexpected happens.
Can-Am Defender Lift Guide FAQs
Where should I lift a Can-Am Defender with a Manual Jack PRO?
For most repairs, we recommend lifting from the chassis tube located along the side of the vehicle.
Why not lift from the suspension?
The Defender has relatively little suspension droop, allowing the tire to leave the ground quickly when lifting from the chassis. This makes chassis lifting simple, fast, and effective.
How do I find the chassis tube?
Look for the slight raised section in the skid plate approximately 2 inches inboard from the outer edge of the vehicle. The chassis tube is located directly above that area.
What should I do if the jack starts to slide?
Lower the vehicle, rotate the collar 90 degrees, reposition the jack, and continue lifting.
Is it safe to work under a lifted Defender?
Always use appropriate safety precautions and create a secondary support point whenever possible before working around or underneath a lifted vehicle.
Related Can-Am Defender Resources
Lift Point Guides
Additional Lift Guides
Recommended Products
Premium Off-Road Jacks That Make Recovery Safe and Simple
The AGM Manual Jack PRO was designed to help make trail-side repairs faster, safer, and more predictable. By using the correct lift points and proven lifting techniques, you can spend less time fighting with equipment and more time enjoying the adventure.
Because how you lift it matters.
