C5 Jack?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
From: SE Minnesota
C5 Jack?
Just recently bought an 01 C5. Probably a dumb question but I'm wondering if a long reach jack has much if any advantage over just a normal low profile 3 ton jack specifically for this car?
Popular Reply
May 17, 2023, 10:53 AM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 403
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
More importantly, make sure to have jacking pucks!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,113
Likes: 669
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
I have found that the only safe way to lift a C5 is by the 4 lift points on the Frame, ( with Jacking pucks ) and then with Jack stands under the lower A arms or the suspension or center aluminum frame member front or rear. you can get a Low Profile floor jack under the rear to lift the car, but the front is too low to get even that lo profile floor jack under the front without damaging the Air Dam, and why risk it, just get jacking pucks and a decent lo-profile floor jack and some good solid jack stands and once the car is up in the air and on jack stands you can do whatever work on it you need to safely. 
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 226
Likes: 150
I personally use the 3 ton long reach jack from harbor freight, you can easily reach the rear center section and lift both sides of the rear in seconds, then put your jack stands.
same for the front, in some cases such as mine, my front sits alittle to low so I drive it up on a couple 2x10s I cut then the jack slides right under, I find this way faster for me....the jack isn't cheap but well worth it
same for the front, in some cases such as mine, my front sits alittle to low so I drive it up on a couple 2x10s I cut then the jack slides right under, I find this way faster for me....the jack isn't cheap but well worth it
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12,406
Likes: 1,750
From: DFW TX
I bought an American Forge & Foundry 2-ton pro jack and have never regretted it. it's a beast and very confidence inspiring to use.
I knocked together some low (maybe 3") ramps out of plywood to lift the front a bit, then I can get the jack under the front subframe, and up she goes.
2 stands under the front subframe and 2 under the back (setting on wood, not metal to metal) and you're golden for most any task.
I only use the side jacking points for removing wheels.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 423
I bought truck style Rhino Ramps to lift the front and so I can use my old 2 ton Sears Craftsman floor jack for the front cross member. It's not what I would call "low". Or light.
The rear I have to use a little screw jack on the side to get the Craftsman under the cross member.
Jack stands are good for the cross members and suspension but need some help to sit under the side pucks with any confidence.
My screw jack is a salvage PT Cruiser jack. Fits under the pucks and the handle fits the lug nuts. Even came with a handy vinyl sleeve.
The rear I have to use a little screw jack on the side to get the Craftsman under the cross member.
Jack stands are good for the cross members and suspension but need some help to sit under the side pucks with any confidence.
My screw jack is a salvage PT Cruiser jack. Fits under the pucks and the handle fits the lug nuts. Even came with a handy vinyl sleeve.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
I have used this for years:
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...Sy9ojAQ0HG0n28
Forget where I originally got mine from, but on a typical heavy duty jack with a removable pad, they replace the pad and lock into the frame so zero chance of coming off the jack. I have to run up on a piece of 2x10 to get clearance for my old TrakAuto 3 ton jack, but never had an issue with them.
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...Sy9ojAQ0HG0n28
Forget where I originally got mine from, but on a typical heavy duty jack with a removable pad, they replace the pad and lock into the frame so zero chance of coming off the jack. I have to run up on a piece of 2x10 to get clearance for my old TrakAuto 3 ton jack, but never had an issue with them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 884
From: Nappytown MD
Toya4Life made a video on YouTube about this very subject.
Another believer in Quickjacks, just make life so simple-
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
From: SE Minnesota
Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it. Wish I could get the quick jack. Not at this time. I picked up a Daytona lopro 3 ton. I already have jack stands and pucks coming anyday, so I should be set for a while. Already had ramps from days with my lowered Mustang. I should be good for a while., Thanks again.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 670
Likes: 357
From: Windsor, CT
Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it. Wish I could get the quick jack. Not at this time. I picked up a Daytona lopro 3 ton. I already have jack stands and pucks coming anyday, so I should be set for a while. Already had ramps from days with my lowered Mustang. I should be good for a while., Thanks again.
Quick Jacks are on my wishlist, but so is a Max Jax.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 845
From: FL Keys
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
FWIW, I use pucks and 2 low profile floor jacks with one Jack on each side and just go side to side pumping each jack 1 or 2 pumps at a time alternatively until I reach desired height then put stands underneath. Lower onto stand very slowly.