Jacking C5
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Jacking C5
I did a lot of searching when I purchased my 04 Z06. I autocross both NCCC and SCCA so the car get jacked quite a bit.
I found information that suggested that the jacking should be done on the front and rear "crossmember" pieces for changing tires. This is a bit of a pain as the front needs to first go on ramps to get the jack under.
This past weekend I saw someone just using the hockey pucks on the side and lifting the entire left/right sides from one position.
So the question is is it really bad to lift from the sides?
I found information that suggested that the jacking should be done on the front and rear "crossmember" pieces for changing tires. This is a bit of a pain as the front needs to first go on ramps to get the jack under.
This past weekend I saw someone just using the hockey pucks on the side and lifting the entire left/right sides from one position.
So the question is is it really bad to lift from the sides?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 722
From: Chicago N/W Suburbs
When I put my Vette up on pucks-on-blocks over the winter, I jack one rear puck high enough to get the front puck on blocks. I do both sides that way. Then with the front pucks on blocks, I jack up the rear end under the suspension center, lifting both rear wheels together.
I wondered about frame twist, but it's all done very slow and easy. It seems to work out just fine.
I wondered about frame twist, but it's all done very slow and easy. It seems to work out just fine.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
A racing jack from Harbor Freight will alleviate that and save quite a few pumps of the handle, too. They go on sale all the time for less than $100 and are PLENTY low to fit. Also, you don't need to drive up on ramps, you just need some 2x12s to drive up on for enough clearance. I do it all the time, and there is no pain level. Good luck at the races!!
Glen
Glen
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
Originally Posted by Dolfan
I did a lot of searching when I purchased my 04 Z06. I autocross both NCCC and SCCA so the car get jacked quite a bit.
I found information that suggested that the jacking should be done on the front and rear "crossmember" pieces for changing tires. This is a bit of a pain as the front needs to first go on ramps to get the jack under.
This past weekend I saw someone just using the hockey pucks on the side and lifting the entire left/right sides from one position.
So the question is is it really bad to lift from the sides?
I found information that suggested that the jacking should be done on the front and rear "crossmember" pieces for changing tires. This is a bit of a pain as the front needs to first go on ramps to get the jack under.
This past weekend I saw someone just using the hockey pucks on the side and lifting the entire left/right sides from one position.
So the question is is it really bad to lift from the sides?
I'm wondering if it was my post that you were referring to, in this thread started by IrishFan: Disaster while changing the oil...
So far, I've done two oil changes to my 04 Z using this method (jacking pads at all 4 corners, floorjack under front jackpad to lift one complete side, place a ramp under front tire, place a jackstand at rear jackpad, lower floorjack, and repeat for the opposite side), no issues thus far that I can tell but...
I started to wonder if this method will create any potential issues down the road with other items i.e with the wheels/wheel bearings/suspension due to excessive side loads from jacking the vehicle up? For a few minutes, while I switch from one side to the other, my Z is sitting at about a 30 degree slant on one side before I can lower/move the floorjack and move it over to the opposite side...not sure if this is ok to do or not which means I may try another approach for my next oil change
Maybe a someone experienced with structural loads could chime in here
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
I guess I do need to be a bit more clear.
When I said ramps I meant a set of 2X12 ramps I use at races. This gives me the room to jack. I have a very good Craftsmen racing jack so it is low and is a 2-3 pump type jack.
I like only jacking 2 times vs 4 times for time and additional flex. I use the suspension cross members front and rear witha piece of wood to distribute the load not directly on the jack pad.
My only thought with the hockey puck method is all I would need to pack in the tire trailer is the pucks and jack, elliminating all the wood ramps and wood jack piece?
I don't want to hurt the car though just to make things a little easier.
When I said ramps I meant a set of 2X12 ramps I use at races. This gives me the room to jack. I have a very good Craftsmen racing jack so it is low and is a 2-3 pump type jack.
I like only jacking 2 times vs 4 times for time and additional flex. I use the suspension cross members front and rear witha piece of wood to distribute the load not directly on the jack pad.
My only thought with the hockey puck method is all I would need to pack in the tire trailer is the pucks and jack, elliminating all the wood ramps and wood jack piece?
I don't want to hurt the car though just to make things a little easier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
Where exactly is it safe to place the jack?
I ran across a similar issue this weekend. I wanted to take off the front wheels to give them a good cleaning a waxing but my floor jack wouldn’t reach the recommended location according to my 02 owner’s manual. I started to jack the car up from the metal area under the floor board but I chickened out. Can someone post a picture where it is safe to place the jack and hockey puck, or in my case 2-1/2 lb dumbbell weight, to lift the front of the Vette?
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by stormrider
I ran across a similar issue this weekend. I wanted to take off the front wheels to give them a good cleaning a waxing but my floor jack wouldn’t reach the recommended location according to my 02 owner’s manual. I started to jack the car up from the metal area under the floor board but I chickened out. Can someone post a picture where it is safe to place the jack and hockey puck, or in my case 2-1/2 lb dumbbell weight, to lift the front of the Vette?
Great pictures that will help you out. The front crossmember is the one the "X's" in the middle.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 579
Likes: 1
From: Kennesaw GA
St. Jude Donor '10
I have frame savers installed which makes the entire rocker panel a jacking point. Have only 1 3/4" ground clearance so still have to drive on 2/10 ramps to get the jack under. Still a good idea to release the hatchback, doors, and hood. or so I've been told
Last edited by bassvet; Jul 14, 2006 at 11:10 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 231
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by bassvet
I have frame savers installed which makes the entire rocker panel a jacking point. Have only 1 3/4" ground clearance so still have to drive on 2/10 ramps to get the jack under. Still a good idea to release the hatchback, doors, and hood. or so I've been told
Frame Savers are the little wheels that mount to front skid plates.I have them but still jack over the spot where the pucks would insert.
DH
