Jacking points vs pucks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Crofton MD
Jacking points vs pucks
So in the manual it shows places on the frame and suspension to place the lift or jack while using a block in between. However, it seems everyone uses the jacking pucks that pop into the corners.
Is there a reason they are not mentioned in the manual? Any benefits either way?
Thanks!!
Is there a reason they are not mentioned in the manual? Any benefits either way?
Thanks!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
So in the manual it shows places on the frame and suspension to place the lift or jack while using a block in between. However, it seems everyone uses the jacking pucks that pop into the corners.
Is there a reason they are not mentioned in the manual? Any benefits either way?
Thanks!!
Is there a reason they are not mentioned in the manual? Any benefits either way?
Thanks!!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 420
Likes: 63
From: Earth
I think it depends on what you are going to do and how high or supported you need the car to be. I like to jack by the puck locations and put jack stands under the other jacking points but could also jack up at the jacking points and support the car with jack stands at the puck locations. So there are options depending on the task to be done and your comfort level about jacking/supporting.
If you got a long low profile jack and simply jacked up at the jacking points, front and back, you can easily pop some jack stands at the puck locations and have the car fully supported.
If you got a long low profile jack and simply jacked up at the jacking points, front and back, you can easily pop some jack stands at the puck locations and have the car fully supported.
Race Director
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From: Las Vegas NV
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: corpus christi Texas
Race Director
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Las Vegas NV
Race Director
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
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Pro
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Here's how I do it: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ng-method.html
I have no reservations about being under the car with this setup, nor am I hesitant to heavily wrench on anything that requires it even when I am under the car. With these stands properly positioned at the jack puck locations, you would have to actively try to knock the car over.
If you're not getting under the car (e.g., brake service, etc.), this method also allows you to leave the jacks in place for extra insurance (you won't need it though).
Ask yourself how much you're willing to spend to make sure that your car doesn't fall and injure yourself or someone else and you'll find that super high quality stands like the ones I've linked to are pretty cheap.
I have no reservations about being under the car with this setup, nor am I hesitant to heavily wrench on anything that requires it even when I am under the car. With these stands properly positioned at the jack puck locations, you would have to actively try to knock the car over.
If you're not getting under the car (e.g., brake service, etc.), this method also allows you to leave the jacks in place for extra insurance (you won't need it though).
Ask yourself how much you're willing to spend to make sure that your car doesn't fall and injure yourself or someone else and you'll find that super high quality stands like the ones I've linked to are pretty cheap.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: North Texas
My understanding is that the pucks are mainly used to prevent damage to the rocker panels. I just bought some from Southern Car Parts and am very pleased. Less than $50 and free shipping.
Race Director
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
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Doing this in any normal situation (read: you don't HAVE to lift the car NOW to fix an immediate issue or to help someone stuck under it) is a generally bad idea because hydraulic jacks have the potential to leak, causing the car to slowly (or rapidly if you're unlucky) drop on you. For a quick task, it's probably fine, but not recommended. Definitely a no-go if leaving the car up any longer than 15 minutes or if it's ever out of your direct supervision.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
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From: Lincoln CA
Yeah, never depend on a hydraulic jack to support your car when you are working on it. When I bought my Vette I invested in a low profile 3 ton floor jack which I use to lift the car from one of the jacking pads at the end opposite the one I want to work on. I then slip a jack stand under the pad on the end I will be under and lower the car onto the stand. Same procedure on the other side and then I give the car a good lateral push to insure that it is stable on the stands. Also get in the habit of using wheel chocks to insure the car won't roll off the stands while you are under it. Takes a little more time but you get to stay alive.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Crofton MD
All great info!! Another question- it was mentioned its a bad idea to leave the pucks in bc it doesn't allow water to drain from the frame- is this something (removing the pucks) that should be followed? Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,318
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
I had not heard that before, I leave mine in all the time but then I rarely drive in rainy or wet conditions. But I would think given the way they fit that any water would be able drain out around them. Will be curious to hear what others think.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: North Texas
The ones I installed are loose enough to allow water to drain.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
I use both methods for lifting the car depending on if using a floor jack or a lift. It really doesn't matter as long as you raise on the mfg recommended jacking points. Locking pucks are fine for most things but when raising the car both front and back I use the cradle lift points. Always use proper jack stands for safety.