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 Sport 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, which allows most repairs to be completed by lifting directly from the chassis.
Our preferred rear lift point is the chassis tube located just inside the rear door opening area.
To lift safely:
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Open the rear door if your vehicle is equipped with one.
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Position the lifting pad directly beneath the chassis tube.
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Start with the foot of the jack slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top of the jack.
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Verify two points of contact:
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The lifting pad contacting the chassis tube.
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The body of the jack contacting the vehicle.
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Starting with the foot of the jack slightly farther inward allows the jack to move toward a vertical position 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.
You can locate the chassis tube by finding the slight raised section in the skid plate approximately two inches inboard from the edge of the vehicle.
When lifting:
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Position the lifting pad directly under the chassis tube.
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Keep the foot of the jack slightly farther underneath the vehicle than the top.
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Verify both contact points before continuing the lift.
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Open the front door if equipped to provide additional working room.
This creates a stable lifting platform and minimizes movement as the suspension unloads.
The tire is off the ground and you're ready to perform your repair.
Why We Prefer Chassis Tube Lift Points On The Defender
Unlike long-travel sport side-by-sides, the Defender has very little suspension droop from ride height.
That means:
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Less jack travel is required.
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Lifting is faster and easier.
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Suspension geometry has less influence on stability.
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Chassis lift points are easy to access.
For most trail-side repairs, lifting directly from the chassis tube is the simplest and most efficient method.
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 working with hand tools:
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Break lug nuts loose before lifting.
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Use the weight of the vehicle to keep the wheel from rotating.
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Make wheel removal easier once the tire is off the ground.
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 debris from entering the threads.
If a lug nut falls into the dirt, simply clean it before reinstalling.
Clean threads help 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.
A few extra seconds now can save a major headache later.
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 before driving away.
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 Manual Jack Sport?
For most repairs, we recommend lifting directly from the chassis tube located along the side of the vehicle.
Why not lift from the suspension?
Because the Defender has limited suspension droop, lifting from the chassis is simpler, faster, and generally more efficient for most trail repairs.
How do I locate the chassis tube?
Look for the raised section in the skid plate approximately two inches inboard from the outside edge of the vehicle. The chassis tube is directly above that area.
Do I need to open the doors before lifting?
If your Defender is equipped with doors, opening them provides additional clearance and helps prevent accidental contact between the jack and body panels.
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 Manual Jack Sport 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.
