Can-Am Defender Vehicle Lift Guide
Safely lift your Can-Am Defender using the AGM Scissor Jack. Tested on a real vehicle during real trail repairs.
Estimated Read Time: 1–2 Minutes
Quick Answers
★★★★★ Preferred Rear Lift: Side chassis tube beneath the rocker panel
★★★★★ Preferred Front Lift: Side chassis tube beneath the rocker panel
★★★★☆ Alternate Rear: Rear skid plate crossmember
★★★★☆ Alternate Front: Front skid plate crossmember
Avoid: Plastic body panels, unsupported skid plates, slippery steel surfaces, unstable ground.
You're in the Right Place If...
• You have a flat tire on a Can-Am Defender.
• You want the safest lift points.
• You're using an AGM Scissor Jack.
• You want to avoid damaging your vehicle.
• You want to get back on the trail quickly.
Flat Tire Repair
• If using hand tools, loosen the lug nuts before lifting.
• Lift from the preferred lift point.
• Place a cooler, toolbox, spare tire, or similar size solid object under the vehicle as a secondary support.
• Remove the lug nuts, catching each one if possible.
• If a lug nut falls into dirt or sand, clean it before reinstalling so threads are not damaged.
• Install the replacement wheel.
• Start every lug nut by hand.
• Tighten in a star pattern.
• Torque to Can-Am specifications whenever possible. If a torque wrench is not available, tighten with an impact gun to get you home.
Preferred Rear Lift
Lift Here
Side chassis tube beneath the rocker panel.
Why
• Preferred rear lift point for the AGM Scissor Jack.
• Strong structural lifting location.
• Chassis tube runs parallel to the ground.
• Requires less lift height on the Defender.
Watch Out
• Locate the raised section in the skid plate about two inches inboard from the outside edge.
• Position the jack directly beneath the chassis tube.
• Confirm the jack is centered before lifting.
Trail Tip
Use the raised section in the skid plate as your reference for the chassis tube underneath.
Alternate Rear Lift
Lift Here
Rear skid plate crossmember between the front and rear suspension mounting points.
Why
• Good backup if the side chassis tube cannot be used.
• Uses a structural crossmember beneath the vehicle.
• Helpful when side access is limited.
Watch Out
• Center the jack beneath the crossmember.
• Steel skid plate surfaces can be slippery.
• Lift slowly and verify stability before working on the vehicle.
Trail Tip
Use extra caution on uneven terrain when lifting from steel skid plate areas.
Preferred Front Lift
Lift Here
Side chassis tube beneath the rocker panel.
Why
• Preferred front lift point for the AGM Scissor Jack.
• Provides a stable lifting platform.
• Helps minimize movement during the repair.
• Chassis tube runs parallel to the ground.
Watch Out
• Locate the raised section in the skid plate about two inches inboard from the outside edge.
• Center the Scissor Jack beneath the chassis tube.
• Verify alignment before applying load.
Trail Tip
Lift slowly and watch the vehicle as it rises so you can catch movement early.
Alternate Front Lift
Lift Here
Front skid plate crossmember where the front suspension attaches to the vehicle.
Why
• Useful when side access is limited.
• Strong alternate front lift point.
• Allows the lift to be biased toward the side being repaired.
Watch Out
• Position the jack beneath the front suspension crossmember.
• Bias the lift toward the side being repaired.
• Steel skid plate surfaces can be slippery.
Trail Tip
Verify the jack is centered and stable before continuing the repair.
Common Mistakes
• Lifting on plastic body panels.
• Lifting from unsupported skid plate areas.
• Rushing the lift on slippery steel surfaces.
• Removing the wheel before confirming the vehicle is stable.
• Starting lug nuts with an impact.
• Crawling under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Trail Safety Checklist
✓ Move off the trail whenever possible.
✓ Park on level ground.
✓ Vehicle in Park.
✓ Four-wheel drive engaged if needed.
✓ Chock a tire if necessary.
✓ Use a secondary support before putting any part of your body underneath the vehicle.
Questions We Hear Most
Where should I lift a Can-Am Defender with a Scissor Jack?
For most repairs, lift from the side chassis tubes located along the sides of the vehicle.
Why are chassis tubes preferred when using a Scissor Jack?
The chassis tubes run parallel to the ground and provide a stable lifting surface for the Scissor Jack.
Can I lift a Defender from the skid plate?
Yes, but only from skid plate areas with a crossmember or chassis structure underneath. Avoid unsupported skid plate areas.
What is the best front lift point on a Can-Am Defender with a Scissor Jack?
The side chassis tube is the preferred front lift point. The front skid plate crossmember can also be used as an alternate.
What is the best rear lift point on a Can-Am Defender with a Scissor Jack?
The side chassis tube is the preferred rear lift point. The rear skid plate crossmember can also be used as an alternate.
What size socket do Can-Am Defender lug nuts use?
Most Defender models use a 17 mm socket on a 10 mm wheel stud.
Continue Learning
Watch
▶ Watch the Can-Am Defender Lift Video
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