gkbmj1

first time 1998 c5 vette owner - any tips on how and where to use floor jack??

hd-wingnut

There are SEVERAL threads on this forum on how to do this.
I searched for "How to jack up C5" and got more than enough results.
You can also search for "Ramps for C5" if you want some advise on what ramps and procedures work good.
Adam

99 FRC Vette

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ting-pads.html

This is a link from the DIY sticky. I built the ramps and wood lifting pads similar to these a few weeks ago. Just about all the typical problems and fixes can be found in the DIY sticky Thread.

hornet7

I use a 2X6 board that spans the length of the suspension / engine cradle. This helps distribute the load between the jack surface and the cradle.

ShootCraps

I use the frame lifting points. They have a slot and are just behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. I run the associated wheel up on a 2x8 to give me clearance and use a hockey puck on top of the jack as a lifting pad.

BlckbuteeC6

How do you jack up a C5 without damaging the body?

ShootCraps

There is no body panel at the frame lifting points. The hockey pucks fit perfectly to cushion between the jack and the frame.

waddisme

Some of the track guys jack from the crossmember joint if you want to lift the whole side of the car at one time. I tried it this past weekend, and it works fine. Don't forget to use stands also.

lionelhutz

I typically jack at the back on one side of the crossmember or at the front fender from the side on the frame.

I just don't like the middle of the crossmember because it seems to bow slightly when the jack is lifting. The car will lean a bit but not much really. Also, I then have room to put a 6-ton jack stand under the opposite side of the crossmember before moving the jack to position the second stand where the jack was. Once you use the bigger stands you just won't trust the cheap little ones any more.

The easiest is to put rocker rails or rocker protectors on the car. Then, you just stick the jack under them and lift. Also, they keep the rockers from getting all scratched and damaged when you high center the car. I did that and now will sometimes go in the middle of the rocker and take up the whole side.

Peter

BlckbuteeC6

Thx Peter, good info. Showing my ignroance here but what is a "rocker protector"?

Dale002

I would say they are the hockey pucks that you would put between the jack and frame jack point.
This are almost a must,while you can jack the car up without them.
There is a greater risk of damaging your rocker panels.
I bought mine on fleabay at a reasonable price.
Also a low profile type jack work better as you woudn't have to drive the car up on 2x6 to get clearance for the jack.

BlckbuteeC6

Thx Dale, that makes perfectly good sense.

lionelhutz

It's an alminum rail that attaches to the strip of frame rail beside the rocker along it's length. Basically, a piece of bar stock. It will stick down further than the rocker and then you just jack anywhere on it.

Also, the rocker rail will protect the rocker when you high center the car. This is not not an if it happens thing, it will eventually happen somewhere. I really hung mine up in a parking garage a few months ago and it dragged badly but there was no damage was done. The things are must have, especially on a lowered car.

Peter

theadmiral94

But then again, I better, I wrote it...

But seriously, please read the above link, it is long, but it will keep you from making some serious mistakes...