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 Scissor Jack 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 low-travel utility SXS, making chassis lift points the preferred option for most repairs.
Our recommended rear lift point is the chassis tube located approximately two inches inboard from the outside edge of the vehicle.
You can locate it by feeling for the raised section in the skid plate that covers the tube.
When lifting:
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Position the scissor jack directly beneath the chassis tube.
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Confirm the jack is centered under the lift point.
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Lift slowly until the vehicle begins to rise.
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Verify stability before continuing.
Because the chassis tube runs parallel to the ground, it provides an excellent lifting surface for a scissor jack.
The tire is off the ground and you're ready to perform your repair.
Alternate Rear Lift Point - Rear Skid Plate Crossmember
If access to the side chassis tube is limited, an alternate rear lift point is available beneath the vehicle.
To use it:
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Position the jack beneath the rear crossmember located between the front and rear suspension mounting points.
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Center the jack beneath the crossmember.
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Lift slowly while monitoring stability.
Because this lift point uses the steel skid plate area, it can be more slippery than lifting directly from the chassis tube.
For that reason:
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Lift slowly.
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Verify stability before working on the vehicle.
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Use extra caution on uneven terrain.
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.
Locate the chassis tube by finding the raised section in the skid plate approximately two inches inboard from the outer edge of the vehicle.
When lifting:
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Center the scissor jack beneath the chassis tube.
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Verify alignment before applying load.
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Lift slowly and monitor vehicle stability.
This creates a stable lifting platform and minimizes movement during the repair.
The tire is off the ground and you're ready to perform your repair.
Alternate Front Lift Point - Front Skid Plate Crossmember
If lifting from the side of the vehicle is not possible, the front skid plate crossmember can also be used.
To use this lift point:
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Position the jack beneath the chassis crossmember where the front suspension attaches to the vehicle.
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Bias the lift toward the side being repaired.
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Verify the jack is centered and stable before continuing.
Like the rear skid plate lift point, this surface is steel and can be slippery.
Use extra caution and verify stability before beginning any repair.
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 has relatively little droop compared to long-travel sport side-by-sides.
That means:
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Less lift height is required.
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The tire leaves the ground quickly.
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Chassis lift points are easy to access.
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The scissor jack remains in a more stable operating position.
Because the side chassis tubes run parallel to the ground, they provide one of the best possible lifting surfaces for a scissor jack.
For most repairs, they remain our preferred lift points.
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:
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Break the lug nuts loose before lifting.
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Use the vehicle's weight to keep the wheel from rotating.
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Make wheel removal easier once the tire is off the ground.
The Defender uses a 10 mm wheel stud and requires a 17 mm socket for lug nut removal.
Keep Lug Nuts Clean
As lug nuts are removed:
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Try to keep them out of dirt and sand.
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Store them somewhere clean and secure.
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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 damaged wheel studs and unnecessary repairs.
Start Lug Nuts By Hand
Always start lug nuts by hand before using an impact wrench.
This helps:
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Prevent cross-threading.
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Ensure proper thread engagement.
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Avoid damaged studs and lug nuts.
The few extra seconds are well 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 seating and reduces the chance of lug nuts loosening later.
If available, torque lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification before returning to the trail.
Trail Safety Tips
Move To A Safer Work Area
If the vehicle can still move under its own power:
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Move off the trail.
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Find flat, stable ground.
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Avoid rocks, roots, and loose debris.
A safer work area usually results in a safer and faster repair.
Create A Secondary Support Point
If you'll be working around or underneath the vehicle:
Place something underneath the vehicle to act as a backup support.
Good options 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
If something unexpected happens, that secondary support can help prevent the vehicle from falling completely to the ground.
Can-Am Defender Lift Guide FAQs
Where should I lift a Can-Am Defender with a Scissor Jack?
For most repairs, we recommend lifting from the chassis tubes located along the sides of the vehicle.
Why are chassis tubes preferred when using a scissor jack?
The chassis tubes are parallel to the ground and provide a more stable lifting surface than many suspension components.
Can I lift a Defender from the skid plate?
Yes. The front and rear skid plate crossmembers can be used as alternate lift points when necessary. However, they are not the preferred lift locations because the steel surfaces can be slippery.
What size socket do Can-Am Defender lug nuts use?
Most Defender models use a 17 mm socket on a 10 mm wheel stud.
Is it safe to work under a lifted Defender?
Always follow proper safety procedures and use 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 Scissor Jack 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.
