Jack Stand Safety Question
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
Jack Stand Safety Question
How do you guys jack up your rig and then transition to supporting the axles with jack stands? Seems to me the jack is always in the way of the intended point where I want to place the jack stand (under or near the leaf spring). I'm asking for when I'm doing wheel and axle work where the suspension remains under the vehicle's own weight, not for getting the frame on jack stands. Was wondering if there is a trick or technique you guys would recommend.
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
in the rear I I put the jack under the pumpkin and lift both sides, stands under the axle out as far as practical
in the front I jack in the center of the axle just next to the pumpkin and put the stands out next to the C yokes.
if you have the stock stamped steel cover you will want to either trim it or use a block of wood to keep from contacting the cover or it can bend and leak.
in the front I jack in the center of the axle just next to the pumpkin and put the stands out next to the C yokes.
if you have the stock stamped steel cover you will want to either trim it or use a block of wood to keep from contacting the cover or it can bend and leak.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
in the rear I I put the jack under the pumpkin and lift both sides, stands under the axle out as far as practical
in the front I jack in the center of the axle just next to the pumpkin and put the stands out next to the C yokes.
if you have the stock stamped steel cover you will want to either trim it or use a block of wood to keep from contacting the cover or it can bend and leak.
in the front I jack in the center of the axle just next to the pumpkin and put the stands out next to the C yokes.
if you have the stock stamped steel cover you will want to either trim it or use a block of wood to keep from contacting the cover or it can bend and leak.
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 164
Perhaps if you were using that as the only lift poi t and keeping it that way for an extended period I could see that as being a valid concern. But for a 30 seconds it takes to lift and place a jack stands I would not worry about it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: SoCal
I use a Hoffman Mini Lift. It's a single post lift that picks up the vehicle at the wheel. You then place a stand or stands wherever you want. I try not to lift at the pumpkin. I would post pictures, but the site doesn't like the HEIC format, and I haven't figured out how to convert photos back to JPEG.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
I have heard doing that could risk bending the axle housing because they're not designed to handle the weight of the truck on the pumpkin. You have a lot of experience with suspension and axles so I trust you guidance. Could you explain further so I can get a better understanding of why it really is okay?
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
my guess is someone figure that because the rear axle weigh rating is 5250 lbs and it normally supports the vehicle in 2 points each support point can only handle 2650 lbs. the problem with that line of thinking is this is static, If you go jump your EX off a curb or hit a pot hole at at 60mph your axle load is higher by a magnitude speed x distance and yet it doesn’t bend.
normally we use heat when straightening and a 20 ton jack, Without a gauge I don’t know how many tons it actually take but a good bit more than 3.
pic is straightened a bent tube which is where the actually bend when you bottom out.
yes I’ve also chained each end and jacked under the pumpkin. Just don’t have a pic of it.
anyhow, now you have my curiosity do I’m gonna need to find out the number.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
Thanks @pirate4x4_camo I'm curious to know what you find out too. I appreciate your real world experience and willingness to share it here. I'll stop worrying about jacking on the pumpkin and chalk it up to internet nonsense.
Cheers,
Jasonodsky
Cheers,
Jasonodsky
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
I use a Hoffman Mini Lift. It's a single post lift that picks up the vehicle at the wheel. You then place a stand or stands wherever you want. I try not to lift at the pumpkin. I would post pictures, but the site doesn't like the HEIC format, and I haven't figured out how to convert photos back to JPEG.
Thanks,
Jasonodsky
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: SoCal
It is pricey, but very handy. I used it move around those 6-7 hundred pounds differentials. Either I'm getting older, or these parts are gaining weight. 2 of them would be slick. I know I have read in Ford shop manual somewhere not to use the differential as a lifting point.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 235
Likes: 56
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Floor jack and 6 tonjack stands here. Had it on the 6 tons on the axles for 2 months with no issues when Project Scurvy first came home. Hoping to add a 4 post though now that we goy plenty of space at the new homestead.
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