Whether you're changing a tire, replacing a CV axle, inspecting suspension damage, or making 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 Electric Jack PRO was designed to make trail-side repairs faster and easier with powered lifting and stable lift points. In this guide, we'll show you the recommended front and rear lift points on the Can-Am Defender, along with a few practical tips that can help make repairs easier when you're miles from home.
Before You Lift
Before starting 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, debris, and uneven terrain.
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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 easier to repair and helps reduce the risk of unwanted movement during lifting.
Rear Lift Points
Primary Rear Lift Point - Chassis Tube
Because the Can-Am Defender is a shorter-travel utility SXS, we prefer lifting from the side of the vehicle rather than from the suspension.
For the rear lift, locate the chassis tube just inside the rear door opening. If your Defender has a rear door, open it before lifting so the jack does not press into the door.
When positioning the jack:
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Locate the chassis tube a few inches underneath the body.
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Make sure the lifting pad is fully underneath the tube.
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Start with the lifting pad slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top of the jack.
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Create two points of contact: the lifting pad under the chassis tube and the jack body against the vehicle.
Starting with the lifting pad slightly farther inward helps the jack move toward vertical as the vehicle rises, creating a more stable lift.
Your tire is in the air and you're ready for the repair.
Front Lift Points
Primary Front Lift Point - Chassis Tube
The front of the Defender uses the same lifting approach as the rear.
Because the vehicle has limited suspension travel, there is usually no need to lift from the suspension. The chassis tube along the side of the vehicle provides a simple, stable lift point.
When positioning the jack:
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Locate the chassis tube beneath the side of the vehicle.
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Place the lifting pad fully under the tube.
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Start with the lifting pad slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top of the jack.
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Verify two points of contact before lifting.
If the jack begins to slide because of uneven ground, lower the vehicle and adjust the setup before continuing.
Your tire is in the air and you're ready for the repair.
Reducing Jack Movement On Uneven Ground
If the jack starts to slide or pivot during the lift, you can rotate the collar 90 degrees on the jack body.
This changes the direction the jack pivots and can help:
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Improve stability.
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Keep the lifting pad better aligned.
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Shift more load onto firmer ground.
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Create a more controlled lift.
This is especially helpful when one side of the jack is sitting on harder ground than the other.
Why We Prefer The Chassis Tube
The Can-Am Defender is a utility-focused SXS with relatively limited suspension travel.
That means:
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Tires come off the ground quickly.
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Less jack travel is required.
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Suspension lift points are usually unnecessary.
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Repairs can often be done from the side of the vehicle.
For most trail-side repairs, lifting from the chassis tube is simpler, faster, and more stable than working around suspension components.
Trail-Side Repair Tips
Once the vehicle is safely lifted, a few simple habits can help prevent bigger problems later.
Using Hand Tools?
If you're using a lug wrench instead of an impact gun:
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Break the lug nuts loose before lifting the vehicle.
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Use the vehicle's weight to keep the wheel from rotating.
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Avoid working against a drivetrain that is already in the air.
This simple step can make trail-side repairs much easier.
Keep Hardware Clean
Whether you're removing a wheel, suspension component, or driveline hardware:
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Keep nuts, bolts, and fasteners out of dirt and sand.
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Store hardware in a pocket, tray, magnetic holder, or container.
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Prevent contamination of threads and mating surfaces.
If something falls in the dirt, no big deal. Knock off the debris, blow out the threads, and store it somewhere safe until you're ready to reinstall it.
Clean hardware goes back together faster and helps prevent damaged threads.
Start Threads By Hand
Before reaching for an impact gun:
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Start all lug nuts and fasteners by hand.
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Verify smooth engagement.
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Confirm nothing is cross-threaded.
A few extra seconds now can save a much bigger repair later.
Tighten Evenly
When reinstalling wheels:
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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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Double-check all lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.
If available, lower the vehicle until the tire lightly contacts the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification.
This helps prevent wheel movement and keeps the repair secure once you're back on the trail.
Two Quick Safety Tips
Move To A Safe Location
If the vehicle is still driveable:
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Move it off the trail whenever possible.
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Choose flat, unobstructed ground.
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Avoid rocks, brush, mud, and standing water.
A safer work area usually means a safer and easier repair.
Use A Secondary Support Point
If the repair is going to take longer than a few minutes, place something underneath the vehicle to act as a backup support.
Good options include:
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Hard-shell 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 catch the vehicle if something unexpected happens.
That extra layer of protection can help keep you safer and get back on the trail quicker.
Can-Am Defender Lift Guide FAQs
Where should I lift a Can-Am Defender with an Electric Jack PRO?
For most repairs, we recommend lifting from the chassis tube along the side of the vehicle. The Defender has limited suspension travel, so side lifting is usually simple and effective.
What is the best rear lift point on a Can-Am Defender?
The rear chassis tube just inside the rear door opening is our preferred rear lift point.
What is the best front lift point on a Can-Am Defender?
The front chassis tube along the side of the vehicle is our preferred front lift point.
Why should I rotate the collar if the jack starts to slide?
Rotating the collar changes the direction the jack pivots, which can help improve stability on uneven ground.
How do I safely lift a Can-Am Defender on the trail?
Move to flat ground whenever possible, place the vehicle in park, chock a tire, and always use a secondary support point if you may need to work underneath the vehicle.
Related Can-Am Defender Resources
Lift Point Guide
Additional Lift Guides
Recommended Products
Premium Off-Road Jacks That Make Recovery Safe and Simple
The AGM Electric 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.
