jack stands for lowering?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
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From: Rio Vista ca.
jack stands for lowering?
Can't find this in Search. When searching for lowering posts I ran across a post that said you need to raise the front of the car 36" in order to remove the front spring. Where can I get jack stands that will safely raise the front this much. Also, does anyone have a link to the most detailed instructions for lowering the front.
Thanks, Kim
Thanks, Kim
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The height is about right but the angle at the jack stands is too much,try and bring the back up to reduce the angle at the jack stands but the front has to be pretty high,put the back of the car on a set of ramps.DONT BEAT ON ANYTHING,I used a brass punch on the ball joint to release it.Send me an email if you needs some tips.When I did mine it took forever to get the spring out but maybe an hour to get the car back together.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
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From: Rio Vista ca.
Thanks for all the info and photos, guys. If I have to raise it 24" to the bottom of the front rotor, what kind/brand of jack stands to you recommend? Also, What is the procedure for unloading the front spring without maiming oneself?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I used a floor jack. Just make sure it is parallel with the spring. In other words, under the rotor so to speak. It'll kick out if it's not and you don't want that!!!
I have stands from Advance, 6 ton. You'll either have to put the jack on something or something on top of the jack to get it that high. Unless you have a jack that the lift is more than about 19" or so. I lucked out because the concrete apron slopped so that helped me out with the height.
Last edited by Weav's Vet; Dec 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: Rio Vista ca.
Very carefully!!!
I used a floor jack. Just make sure it is parallel with the spring. In other words, under the rotor so to speak. It'll kick out if it's not and you don't want that!!!
I have stands from Advance, 6 ton. You'll either have to put the jack on something or something on top of the jack to get it that high. Unless you have a jack that the lift is more than about 19" or so. I lucked out because the concrete apron slopped so that helped me out with the height.
I used a floor jack. Just make sure it is parallel with the spring. In other words, under the rotor so to speak. It'll kick out if it's not and you don't want that!!!
I have stands from Advance, 6 ton. You'll either have to put the jack on something or something on top of the jack to get it that high. Unless you have a jack that the lift is more than about 19" or so. I lucked out because the concrete apron slopped so that helped me out with the height.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Under the stands themselves.....probably nothing!!! They need to be firmly planted! I was speaking of raising the jack for increased throw.
I'm gueesing the apron is probably about 1 1/2" below the floor where the rear tires are but that little bit helped a lot at the front of the car.
I'm gueesing the apron is probably about 1 1/2" below the floor where the rear tires are but that little bit helped a lot at the front of the car.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
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From: Rio Vista ca.
Under the stands themselves.....probably nothing!!! They need to be firmly planted! I was speaking of raising the jack for increased throw.
I'm gueesing the apron is probably about 1 1/2" below the floor where the rear tires are but that little bit helped a lot at the front of the car.
I'm gueesing the apron is probably about 1 1/2" below the floor where the rear tires are but that little bit helped a lot at the front of the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I went the cheap route on the jack itself. Got it at Advance when I got the stands. About $100.00 I think, it's been a while. It's throw is 19" that is why I was mentioning the lumber to make it raise it higher. You may be able to get it to a centain point and then reposition the jack to a different location that is a little lower than the jack points are and do it that way. You'll figure it out! Just get started, it will fall into place. Sounds like you're on the right track with all of your research.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
I probably have the same jack as him. Is it a blue aluminum "low profile" racing jack? If so, I have that one and found out it's the same one sold by Harbor Freight for less. It's a good, solid jack though. Using wood underneath the jack will help get you to the right height, but it requires long and wide pieces of wood that can get a little cumbersome at times. That is why I have 3 hydraulic bottle jacks now (20 ton, 10 ton, 4 ton) and can lift the car in no time. They are small, easy to transport, easy to pump, more controlled in their release (IMHO), and are cheaper than a regular jack. For stands, weav's AutoZone stands look like my 3 ton high-lift Craftsman jack stands.
Good luck and be safe,
Jonathan
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Rio Vista ca.
Thanks for all the help and encouragement, guys. I am pretty intimidated by this lowering project but as soon as I think I have enough info to do it safely without screwing up my car I'm going to go for it!
I don't know anything about hydraulic bottle jacks. Where can I get some info on them? I don't put my car in the air all that often so if I can get by without a floor jack all the better. I have a small Craftsman floor jack (1.5 ton I think) but have only used it to lift one wheel at a time so far.
I don't know anything about hydraulic bottle jacks. Where can I get some info on them? I don't put my car in the air all that often so if I can get by without a floor jack all the better. I have a small Craftsman floor jack (1.5 ton I think) but have only used it to lift one wheel at a time so far.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
Thanks for all the help and encouragement, guys. I am pretty intimidated by this lowering project but as soon as I think I have enough info to do it safely without screwing up my car I'm going to go for it!
I don't know anything about hydraulic bottle jacks. Where can I get some info on them? I don't put my car in the air all that often so if I can get by without a floor jack all the better. I have a small Craftsman floor jack (1.5 ton I think) but have only used it to lift one wheel at a time so far.
I don't know anything about hydraulic bottle jacks. Where can I get some info on them? I don't put my car in the air all that often so if I can get by without a floor jack all the better. I have a small Craftsman floor jack (1.5 ton I think) but have only used it to lift one wheel at a time so far.
On the corvette, I first use the low-profile jack to jack it up. Then I can put a bottle jack underneath there and lift it up much higher than the regular jack can. If you already have a floor jack, you don't have to buy a bottle jack - I just find it makes everything easier for me. And remember to block the rear wheels, use the E-brake, and put in Park with an Automatic.
Last edited by janarvae; Dec 13, 2008 at 01:01 AM. Reason: Realized you already have a jack....
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Im in Fremont,maybe I can stop by and give you a hand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
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From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
On the corvette, I first use the low-profile jack to jack it up. Then I can put a bottle jack underneath there and lift it up much higher than the regular jack can. If you already have a floor jack, you don't have to buy a bottle jack - I just find it makes everything easier for me. And remember to block the rear wheels, use the E-brake, and put in Park with an Automatic.
I've done this also. You know if you have a small portable compressor, after you've blocked the rear tires, you can let half the air out of the rear tires to gain another inch in difference. When done just refill.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
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From: Rio Vista ca.
I'd like to take you up on that offer to help me lower my car. I live in Rio Vista in the Delta so it's a bit of a drive. I've got a 2 car garage to work in and an assortment of hand tools. I need to get some jack stands and a better floor jack as well some more tools appropriate for the job at hand. Any advice on this stuff will be appreciated. Needless to say, lunch, beer, and your gas will be on me. I'm retired so I'm available any time. You can PM me with any questions or advice.
Thanks, Kim
P.S. Even though my name is Kim, I'm a dude. Don't want you to think that you'd be helping out a Pamela Anderson look-alike.
