Proper procedure for jack stands??
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Proper procedure for jack stands??
I've been putting my 72 on 4 jackstands when doing minor repairs and have only lifted the car about 10 inches off the ground. I want to lift the car to the full 22 inches (top height of my jacks) and was wondering if it needs to be done gradually or if I can just lift the left front of the frame with a jack to 22 inches while the remaining 3 wheels are on the ground and then lift the right front and then the back wheels.
If I lift the left front of the frame 22 inches with 3 other wheels on the ground will I damage the frame or will the left rear tire go up as well.
Is there a proper way to do this without damaging the car and myself?
Thanks.
If I lift the left front of the frame 22 inches with 3 other wheels on the ground will I damage the frame or will the left rear tire go up as well.
Is there a proper way to do this without damaging the car and myself?
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
I won't quote proper procedure because I am not exactly sure. But, I can tell you that when I lifted mine about 15"-16", the entire side of the car lifted, so I did one side at a time. Make sure you block the opposite side rear tire when lifting.
Good luck,
Dino
Good luck,
Dino
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 687
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If you lift one corner 22" the other 3 corners will not be on the ground or you have serious problems. When I put 4 jacks under my car I lift the entire front or rear of the car at the same time. For the rear I place the stands on the frame right in front of the kick-up, floor jack under the camber rod bracket. On the front, depending on what I working on, I either place the stands under the lower a-arm, next to the shock mount, or on the frame next to the anti-sway bar bushing (either in front or in back). Floor jack under the front crossmember with a piece of 2x4. I know a lot of guys put the front jacks on the frame between the front wheel and the door. I think my way is better in terms of frame flexing. I would definently raise the car in steps; 22" is alot. Be careful, the higher you lift the car the more unstable it becomes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
when placing my vettes on stands and always do it in steps. I lift one side up about 1/2 way and than do the same on the other side than back to the 1st side and raise it the rest of the way and than finish raising the second side.
Personally I'm not so concerned about the frame flex so much as I don't like the idea of having one side too high compared to the other side while than trying to jack up the lower side - while you are lifting the low side the raised side is pivoting on the jackstand itself and the higher the one side is compared to the other side it's more of a pivot and a greater chance the car may shift off the stand or the stand(s) become unbalanced.
i'm not really sure if it really makes that much of a difference but it's more of a comfort level thing for me
Personally I'm not so concerned about the frame flex so much as I don't like the idea of having one side too high compared to the other side while than trying to jack up the lower side - while you are lifting the low side the raised side is pivoting on the jackstand itself and the higher the one side is compared to the other side it's more of a pivot and a greater chance the car may shift off the stand or the stand(s) become unbalanced.
i'm not really sure if it really makes that much of a difference but it's more of a comfort level thing for me
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Likes: 66
From: New Franklin, OH
When I put 4 jacks under my car I lift the entire front or rear of the car at the same time. For the rear I place the stands on the frame right in front of the kick-up, floor jack under the camber rod bracket. On the front, depending on what I working on, I either place the stands under the lower a-arm, next to the shock mount, or on the frame next to the anti-sway bar bushing (either in front or in back). Floor jack under the front crossmember with a piece of 2x4.
I always jack up the entire front or rear, even when i'm just taking off one wheel, it just makes me feel a lot better doing it this way... 
See ya, Sonny
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Good Topic.
Allways be on a Flat Level surface, then If you have a "Good" Floor Jack , where the wheels pivot and roll freely on the Bearings, Lift The front end from under the crossmember, The Big steel area right in front of the Crank Pulley.Dont use wood on the jacks contact Pad, That only makes the contact point less stable. The car may roll and the Jack will roll a few inches as the center of gravity stays adjusted right beneath the car, this is Ok and stable so long as the car is on a Flat Surface(same principal as when unloading Suspension springs).
Then Put the front jack stands in place at equal height. Then center the Floor Jack underneath the rear end(spring Clamp), Lift from there. Be aware the Car wont roll Now only the floor jack will roll, so be sure the wheels keep moving freely under the center of gravity. Put the rear jack stands in place,at equal height.
If you dont Have a Good Floor Jack, Lift each corner incrementally a little at a time and reset the stand each time until theyre all up and equal height.(a Lot more work, and less safe too). Get a Good Floor jack.
AnyHow, Through the school of hard knocks this is How Ive learned to do it. There may be better ways..
Allways be on a Flat Level surface, then If you have a "Good" Floor Jack , where the wheels pivot and roll freely on the Bearings, Lift The front end from under the crossmember, The Big steel area right in front of the Crank Pulley.Dont use wood on the jacks contact Pad, That only makes the contact point less stable. The car may roll and the Jack will roll a few inches as the center of gravity stays adjusted right beneath the car, this is Ok and stable so long as the car is on a Flat Surface(same principal as when unloading Suspension springs).
Then Put the front jack stands in place at equal height. Then center the Floor Jack underneath the rear end(spring Clamp), Lift from there. Be aware the Car wont roll Now only the floor jack will roll, so be sure the wheels keep moving freely under the center of gravity. Put the rear jack stands in place,at equal height.
If you dont Have a Good Floor Jack, Lift each corner incrementally a little at a time and reset the stand each time until theyre all up and equal height.(a Lot more work, and less safe too). Get a Good Floor jack.
AnyHow, Through the school of hard knocks this is How Ive learned to do it. There may be better ways..
Last edited by 69vettester; Apr 11, 2007 at 09:44 AM.
