Jackstand usage: First time
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 71
From: Upstate NY
Jackstand usage: First time
This is going to be the stupidest thread you read today. I used to have access to a 4 post lift for previous cars but I no longer have that access. I have decided to buy 6 ton jackstands (yes I know it's overkill for a Corvette) and a 3 ton low profile jack. I"ve done dozens of oil changes on the lift, but never in my life have I used jackstands and a jack. Any major dos and donts I should be aware of? The thought of getting under the car on jack stands is a little disconcerting but I know guys do it every day. I'll be doing this for my C6 and 2 Camrys.
ETA....I already have jacking pucks
ETA....I already have jacking pucks
Last edited by H82GOSLW; Jun 27, 2023 at 02:48 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
The six ton is useful. If you lift one side of the Corvette at the front puck to your jack's full reach, then put the jack stand where the suspension connects to the cross frame, when you lower the jack, that sde will come down and the other side will go up -- both front wheels will be off the ground. So 1 6 tons isn't overkill. I did this recently when replacing a clutch master cylinder.
I have used jacks and stands and ramps for the past 40+ years. If you are concerned about relying on stands, give the car a good shake before going under. Or better, let it sit on the stands overnight. In my opinion, the danger is not that a stand will fail. I think that the greater danger is that you might tip one over in your process. I do prefer ramps for oil changes and such. And, no reason that you can't use stands and ramps in most cases.
I have used jacks and stands and ramps for the past 40+ years. If you are concerned about relying on stands, give the car a good shake before going under. Or better, let it sit on the stands overnight. In my opinion, the danger is not that a stand will fail. I think that the greater danger is that you might tip one over in your process. I do prefer ramps for oil changes and such. And, no reason that you can't use stands and ramps in most cases.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 538
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
I am under my HPDE car often. I place jack stands at the preferred vehicle jacking locations listed above. I place a short section of 2 x 4 between the jack stands and the frame.
I double up, by placing cement blocks plus spacers under the four frame contact hoist locations.
The jack stands take the load, the other four are my back up.
I double up, by placing cement blocks plus spacers under the four frame contact hoist locations.
The jack stands take the load, the other four are my back up.
Last edited by Keppler; Jun 27, 2023 at 09:02 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,633
Likes: 1,818
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I would get a set of 4 of these instead:
I think Harbor Freight sells a copy but I wouldn't trust my life to any jack stand from Harbor Freight.
You will likely need to get a low profile, long reach jack also.
Other than that, just take your time jacking the car up. Make sure the chock the wheels that stay on the ground while you are jacking.
You will likely need to get a low profile, long reach jack also.
Other than that, just take your time jacking the car up. Make sure the chock the wheels that stay on the ground while you are jacking.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 71
From: Upstate NY
Thanks for all the replies. The diagram above with the listed contact points is a good reference...wasn't quite sure where to jack the car up with the jack. Regarding Harbor Freight, I remember there was a recall on their jack stands years ago....but figured they resolved that issue so was going to buy everything there. Now I'm having second thoughts about that too!
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
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 94
Likes: 20
From: Colorado Springs CO
I use 4 6 ton ones also, for the height.
be aware that if you need to go pretty high you need to do it in two to three stages, the frame on these is really stiff, so jacking one corner will lift it off the other stands, then it starts rocking around.
I have quick jacks and they are quite good for some general maintenance but not for doing some things like lowering the engine and some other stuff, they get in the way.
be aware that if you need to go pretty high you need to do it in two to three stages, the frame on these is really stiff, so jacking one corner will lift it off the other stands, then it starts rocking around.
I have quick jacks and they are quite good for some general maintenance but not for doing some things like lowering the engine and some other stuff, they get in the way.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 774
Likes: 175
I have the esco 10499 low profile jack stands.. really like them, especially when I jack the entire side up(from the rear side jack point) I can easily slide both jacks under
an ebay store has a new pair for $132 free ship
an ebay store has a new pair for $132 free ship
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 538
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
be aware that if you need to go pretty high you need to do it in two to three stages, the frame on these is really stiff, so jacking one corner will lift it off the other stands, then it starts rocking around.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 35
From: buffalo new york
Hello, before my lift I used either 6x6 or 4x4 blocking cut at 10"long just turn the blocks like the game Jingo. Much more stable than jack stands.
home depot will cut to size free just takes a little figuring as to the height needed.
old school but safe
home depot will cut to size free just takes a little figuring as to the height needed.
old school but safe