C4 on Jack Stands how to?
 

Just curious how you guys get a C4 up on jack stands safely. Safe being the key word here.

I have done this with multiple other cars, but never a 'Vette.

I lift one side at a time with a jack at the center of the pinch weld, about straight down from the side mirror. Jack up one side, place stands under or near the factory jack points front and rear, lower onto stands, then repeat for the other side. Here’s a couple pics from the last time I had all four wheels off to get tires mounted.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...10bae9453.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...5160fc10c.jpeg

I just usually use the front jack point, then throw the stand under the front. If on level ground you can get the whole side up from there and hit the back with a jackstand too. Then move to the other side. It's super easy.

Supposedly the pinch weld under door mirror will lift both side left or right tires effectively. I aim for areas were x brace would attach to floor. Jack stands near arrows for tire jack. Main thing don't catch floor by accident, and front floor is lower than pinch rail.

Is that the picture or is your driveway that angled:eek:

The picture makes it look a lot worse than it is!

To change oil/filter do you guys jack just the left front or the whole front end?

This right here.

Yeah...I saw that too. YIKES! But, if all he's doing does not require one to crawl under the car - especially when "yanking and shoving" (e.g., removing/installing the trans, for one), then I guess that isn't quite as bad as it looks. But, I HEAR YA!:eek:

God love the internet and the things people focus on, lol. That’s my car and my driveway. All of the driveways in my neighborhood are a little slanted, but the angle of that picture makes it look a lot more severe than it is. But, I will assure you all that anytime I’m doing work that requires actually getting under the car I do it in the garage where the floor is flat.

Thanks, exactly what I was wanting to see. Pictures are worth a 1000 words.


How about that slanted driveway though :hide:

Just kidding, you can see the angle of the house, subtract that from the driveway and it doesn't look too bad.

I do one end at a time, front or back, use the jack points for the jack, and position the stand just inside of the jack points on the frame.

I will probably get flamed, but I would be extremely cautious using this type of jacking method. It works, just ensure you are watching everything closely. The jack must be able to move while lifting the vehicle. All it takes is for the jack to get hung up, not move with the lift and that piece of wood will flip off and that jack is going thru the side skirt, door, or floor pan. From C7, still applicable. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-failure.html

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...793fdad3d0.png


Cheers. -Steve

Is there any jacking method that you shouldn’t be extremely cautious with? No matter what method I’m using to jack any of my vehicles, I always take it slow and watch closely to make sure the jack is rolling properly and everything is staying straight and steady. I would never throw a jack under a car and start cranking away all willy nilly no matter what jacking location is being used.

JBPC4, My post was not directed at you in any way, I apologize. Just meant as a quick note for anyone that may not have the same experience.


Kind regards,
-Steve

Question though, why the wood block. Never had to use these on my Camaros or Firebirds.

New to Corvettes... Old Timer with TPI/LTX

I’m sure it isn’t necessary, just a habit I picked up somewhere over the years and I almost always use a block of wood between the vehicle and the jack when lifting it. In this particular case, I think it makes it more stable because the pinchweld digs into the wood a little and ends up sitting in a shallow groove that helps keep it steady and prevent things from slipping around.

No worries. I apologize as well for getting a bit defensive. And you have a good point that you need to be careful and pay attention to what’s going on as it lifts. Always good advice for everyone. I tend to be more cautious than most honestly. Always go slow and check and double check everything. And especially when getting under a vehicle, I never do it without both jack stands and a back up support system like wood blocks should the jack stands fail, and I still usually leave the jack in place holding a little tension as well! Safety first!

Hey Kyle, I read somewhere on these forums (and use this method) that you should put a hockey puck in the saddle of the jack.

First because it fits right in, it won't move or flip up and will also provide the softness to prevent damage to the pinch weld.

Proper way to use a block of wood...