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Right way, wrong way?

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Old Jan 28, 2026 | 11:07 AM
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Default Right way, wrong way?

Is there a definite way that quickjacks should be positioned? I appreciate the forum members knowledge and opinions on most subjects that come up. I stole one picture from the tech board and one picture is mine. Maybe it makes no difference at all because as the pictures indicate it will operate either way. What say you?



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Old Jan 28, 2026 | 11:23 AM
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Works either way. Depends on where you want the pump and which direction you want the car to move as it comes up. Remember it moves about a foot as it comes up.
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Old Jan 28, 2026 | 04:41 PM
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The way I have been using mine, the bottom picture, it moves up and back. That puts most of my hoses and pump toward the front of the car, which if you are working on the engine and front end makes things a little more cluttered. If indeed it really doesn’t matter I’ll have to consider that when I next position them for the job at hand.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 12:56 AM
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Never gave it much thought. I position mine like the top pic. Since it moves a bit forward it helps as I squeeze another car in behind the Vette. Next time I'm doing trans/rear diff work I'll have to try them the opposite way.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by f6john
Is there a definite way that quickjacks should be positioned? I appreciate the forum members knowledge and opinions on most subjects that come up. I stole one picture from the tech board and one picture is mine. Maybe it makes no difference at all because as the pictures indicate it will operate either way. What say you?


According to the Quick Jack instructions. The Label Side should be facing toward the HEAVY side of the vehicle.

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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 09:40 AM
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Interesting, well for my Corvette and Durango, both being close to 50/50 front to rear weight balance, then it technically doesn't matter. But for the wife's FWD sedan, there is only one "correct" way.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 09:42 AM
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QuickJack also says you can turn the frames 90 degrees to the car. Just remember the car will move sideways when you lift it. Also a C5 is almost 50/50 weight distribution.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 11:08 AM
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More food for thought. Our cars are nearly 50-50 until you start removing heavy stuff or an equivalent of multiple parts. I don’t suppose it’s ever been a real issue, but I’ll keep that in mind when doing any heavy work and consider additional supports in the event the balance changes while doing any “heavy” work.

I had not even considered the option of using them 90 degrees to to the frame, I suppose there are possibilities there too.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 11:28 AM
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If I am working under the Durango, I place jack stands under the Quick Jacks, just encase of the worst thing happening.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 12:21 PM
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^ That’s a really good idea. Safety first.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 12:35 PM
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I've done it both ways on my C5Z. My garage doesn't have a lot of length so I'll typically position them to maximize fitment in my garage (whether Quickjacks are up or down) and working space at the appropriate end of the car when Quickjacks are up.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by jcj63
QuickJack also says you can turn the frames 90 degrees to the car.
I would like to know where you read this? I went through my entire operator's manual. Nowhere does it say that you can turn the lift frames 90 degrees.

This is the only illustration in the operator's manual.


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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 05:25 PM
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Thanks for the info. I’ve long considered getting a Quick Jack but haven’t really pulled the trigger yet.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 06:14 PM
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Either way is fine, especially on a C5 with near 50/50 weight distribution.
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Old Jan 29, 2026 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by c5BlackBeauty
Thanks for the info. I’ve long considered getting a Quick Jack but haven’t really pulled the trigger yet.

I recommend them wholeheartedly. Would I like to have a lift that I could walk under, absolutely, but my situation is not ideal for even a Max Jack. The quickjack has proven to be reliable and good quality.
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Old Jan 30, 2026 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Trickskier
I would like to know where you read this? I went through my entire operator's manual. Nowhere does it say that you can turn the lift frames 90 degrees.

This is the only illustration in the operator's manual.
Here is a QuickJacks video showing QuickJacks used sideways.
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Old Jan 30, 2026 | 09:36 AM
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I noticed she mentioned that the 90 degree placement works best with a vehicle with close to 50-50 weight distribution. Good information to have even if I never have a situation that I might use them in that fashion.
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Old Jan 30, 2026 | 10:35 AM
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Yes, you can use them transversely as well.
There is a Facebook Group for the QuickJack which is moderately helpful. It's a lot of people asking the exact same questions though. Everyone wants to be spoon-fed.
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Old Jan 30, 2026 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by c5BlackBeauty
Thanks for the info. I’ve long considered getting a Quick Jack but haven’t really pulled the trigger yet.
I’m not a mechanic, but the Quickjack allowed me to attempt jobs on my own. First set of shocks and sway bars I ever did was on my c5. First brake job ever was on the C5. I can change oil on all my cars now, rotate tires. My first coolant drain and fill was on the C5. Repair shops are expensive and I’ve been wrenching and learning. And the Quickjack made it safe. I actually want a 2 post lift now. I don’t think that will fit the garage. They do make 2 post lifts that are low profile for garages too. Wrench on your own cars and it will save you lots of money. I’m not good at diagnosing like others, I don’t have a multimeter or scan tool, but for changing fluids, I highly recommend a Quickjack. It’s not easy working on your back. I may tackle a trans and diff fluid change in about 2 years. Lots of videos out there if you want to DIY.

Good luck, and be safe.
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Old Feb 5, 2026 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jcj63
Here is a QuickJacks video showing QuickJacks used sideways. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1u1E45Tyh0
Thank you!
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