Jacks, jackstands, and jacking points
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
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Jacks, jackstands, and jacking points
I notice that some people use a jack to lift one side of the car and then lower the car onto a jackstand. Since the jack and jackstand cannot simultaneously use the same jacking point, where is the jackstand placed so that the car is safely supported and no damage done to the car underpinnings?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Camden SC
I notice that some people use a jack to lift one side of the car and then lower the car onto a jackstand. Since the jack and jackstand cannot simultaneously use the same jacking point, where is the jackstand placed so that the car is safely supported and no damage done to the car underpinnings?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
Im sure ill be flamed but that never bothers me, i jack on the puck, and then with a padded jackstand go on the frame right behind the pad. Probsbly done it 20 times now, no problems.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
Likes: 4,811
From: Camden SC
Im sure ill be flamed but that never bothers me, i jack on the puck, and then with a padded jackstand go on the frame right behind the pad. Probsbly done it 20 times now, no problems.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
Is that the same for both the front and rear of the car?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
Im sure ill be flamed but that never bothers me, i jack on the puck, and then with a padded jackstand go on the frame right behind the pad. Probsbly done it 20 times now, no problems.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
However i trust my jack on the puck if im doing single wheel changing, as done by my local wheel shop.
Could you give a bit more detail about where you place your jackstand. I want to do pretty much what you describe, that is, jack up a single wheel and then support it with a jackstand.
However, looking underneath my C7, I do not see an area in close proximity to the front jacking points that would support a jackstand. If I move "behind" the jacking point as in moving toward the rear of the car, the jack stand would rest on the composite rocker panel where it wraps underneath the frame. If I move "behind" the jacking point as in toward the center of the vehicle, I do not see an area that looks trustworthy to support the weight of the vehicle. Any elaboration on your technique would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
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A normal jack is too high in profile and too short in length to get underneath the front and reach the cradle and still operate. However, a normal jack can be easily used from the sides of the vehicle to raise a single wheel. I would rather avoid purchasing yet another jack if I could.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,556
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From: Marshall Texas
The problem I have with using the front cradle point is the car is so low that it requires a very low profile jack, one with a extra long body that can reach far enough under the front end to reach the cradle lift point and still operate the jack handle.
A normal jack is too high in profile and too short in length to get underneath the front and reach the cradle and still operate. However, a normal jack can be easily used from the sides of the vehicle to raise a single wheel. I would rather avoid purchasing yet another jack if I could.
A normal jack is too high in profile and too short in length to get underneath the front and reach the cradle and still operate. However, a normal jack can be easily used from the sides of the vehicle to raise a single wheel. I would rather avoid purchasing yet another jack if I could.
2" x 12" beside the rear wheel and under rear wheel on bottom picture. This can be used on front also to raise front of your car. Hope this helps you out.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
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Thanks JMH for the suggestion. I may end up going this route. I notice you are using Race Ramps. Have you been happy with them? They look like a nice, but somewhat expensive solution to lifting a Vette. Have you find a good way to store them so that they stay out of the way when not in use? Garage clutter is getting to be a serious problem at my house.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 276
From: Marshall Texas
Thanks JMH for the suggestion. I may end up going this route. I notice you are using Race Ramps. Have you been happy with them? They look like a nice, but somewhat expensive solution to lifting a Vette. Have you find a good way to store them so that they stay out of the way when not in use? Garage clutter is getting to be a serious problem at my house.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
I'm Batman..
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Lehigh Acres FL
Tech Contributor
Another solution may be to get a low profile race jack. I have a Craftsman low profile aluminum jack and my C7 is SLAMMED and I don't have any issues getting my jack under the pucks on the sides. I DO have problems getting the jack under the center of the front/rear to jack using the cradle though..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
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Thanks for checking. Looks like we all may be converging on the idea of using some sort of jack helper like the 2x12 suggested by JMH.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
Another solution may be to get a low profile race jack. I have a Craftsman low profile aluminum jack and my C7 is SLAMMED and I don't have any issues getting my jack under the pucks on the sides. I DO have problems getting the jack under the center of the front/rear to jack using the cradle though..
