Let's keep the good ideas coming guys.
Need suggestions for jackstand locations
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Need suggestions for jackstand locations
I'm getting ready to start the install on a set of headers. I've got my car up 17" at the top of the jackstands. Right now it's being supported at each of the 4 jacking positions, but I gotta tell ya, that don't look too stable. Where do you guys set your jackstands when you need the car up good and high? Thanks in advance for your help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
There is a gusseted section of frame there where the rails kick in
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I appreciate everything you guys are saying. The safest seems to be the ramps/2x12's combo, but as a supersized individual (6'3",305lbs) I'm kind of hoping to have side access along w/ front access. My ramps would preclude that. Keep 'em coming guys, this forum is where I find all the best ideas. Thanks again.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
When I installed my TPIS LT headers, I used Jack stands, and then used ramps (with bricks in the front) as a backup/failsafe. I know the bricks aren't reliable in an emergency situation, but they were what I had at the time.
Here is a pic:
Here is a pic:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
there's not enough room to do that. I think I'm gonna have to break down and get some lumber and build a couple of heavy-duty safety platforms to rest the front wheels on as a fail-safe in case of any other failure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
I have had mine 18" clearance under the sills to slide trans out and perfectly stable.
Can shake the #@*& out of car ( I always check first before climbing under ) and no movement whatsoever.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I genuinely appreciate everyone's suggestions so far.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 3
From: MD
I gotta say, my car spent 12 months on 4 jackstands while I did the engine, transmission, rear, and a complete suspension rebuild (shocks, bushings, etc). The car was fine, although I got sick of lying on the ground. Whatever you do, though, test it before crawling under (shake it real good).
BTW, as a side note the C4 chassis is stiff enough that on my less-than-level garage floor the car would rock (pivot) on the two diagonal stands rather than flex to touch all 4 at once. Scared the crap outta me the first time I pulled on a wrench and the whole car rocked an inch onto the other jackstand...
BTW, as a side note the C4 chassis is stiff enough that on my less-than-level garage floor the car would rock (pivot) on the two diagonal stands rather than flex to touch all 4 at once. Scared the crap outta me the first time I pulled on a wrench and the whole car rocked an inch onto the other jackstand...
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
I have had my 1990 since October now. I have not jacked it yet, but I am thinking about it. This thread is helpful. I am thinking about jacking my car to replace the fuel filter, but given what I have read about changing the fuel filters on these cars, I am thinking about letting a shop do it next time I have thet oil changed.
*** Hey Corvette-Bob, let us know what you end up doing. I too am a big guy (6'2, 300 pounds), so height is an issue for me too. Thanks!
*** Hey Corvette-Bob, let us know what you end up doing. I too am a big guy (6'2, 300 pounds), so height is an issue for me too. Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
I gotta say, my car spent 12 months on 4 jackstands while I did the engine, transmission, rear, and a complete suspension rebuild (shocks, bushings, etc). The car was fine, although I got sick of lying on the ground. Whatever you do, though, test it before crawling under (shake it real good).
BTW, as a side note the C4 chassis is stiff enough that on my less-than-level garage floor the car would rock (pivot) on the two diagonal stands rather than flex to touch all 4 at once. Scared the crap outta me the first time I pulled on a wrench and the whole car rocked an inch onto the other jackstand...
BTW, as a side note the C4 chassis is stiff enough that on my less-than-level garage floor the car would rock (pivot) on the two diagonal stands rather than flex to touch all 4 at once. Scared the crap outta me the first time I pulled on a wrench and the whole car rocked an inch onto the other jackstand...
I see this every time I have to jack up my 94 at all four corners. I do the front with a single floor jack placement under the engine brace. After up in the air, I set the two front jack stands at their "factory front-side locations". Then I have to jack up the rear one side at a time since I don't have one of those "Jack-a-Vette" dudes for a floor jack that allows you to jack up the whole rear at once using the rear differential as the jacking point.
So, as I am jacking up one side of the rear, the other side comes off the ground as well and kind of teeters diagonally until I get the jack stand set on that side and move quickly to the other side to get it jacked up and place the Jack stand on that last side. Cumbersome. But I can’t afford (and my garage isn’t big enough for) a hoist.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
I agree. This is as WIDE as you can get. But I'm looking at the amount of overhang, especially on the front of the car. I know there's been a whole lot of vettes worked on using the 4 jacking points without a single injury. But as it would happen, I've inherited an accident prone history from the parents. I'm just trying to be better safe than sorry.
I genuinely appreciate everyone's suggestions so far.
I genuinely appreciate everyone's suggestions so far.
There is too much weight on the back for the engine and front end to See-Saw downward using your front jack stands as a fulcrum.
The Cantilever effect is in full swing using these jack points. I am not sure the rear of the car would lift even if you stood on the very front of the bumper
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Negaunee MI