Proper Jack Location
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Liverpool, NY
Proper Jack Location
Hi everyone,
I just purchased a 3 ton jack for my 99 Expy (4x4) and I was wondering what the best location was to raise the front. I also purchased a pair of 3 ton jack stands. I tried the side rail below the front doors and that raised it well, but I want to make sure before I do any work under the vehicle.
Thanks,
Keith
I just purchased a 3 ton jack for my 99 Expy (4x4) and I was wondering what the best location was to raise the front. I also purchased a pair of 3 ton jack stands. I tried the side rail below the front doors and that raised it well, but I want to make sure before I do any work under the vehicle.
Thanks,
Keith
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 878
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From: Cornelius, Oregon
Personally I'd be carefull with the side rails, I don't know about the Expys but some times you can crush the sheet metal right there pretty easily.
I'd stick with either the frame, or the suspension A-arms, depending on what you're trying to do.
I'd stick with either the frame, or the suspension A-arms, depending on what you're trying to do.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 125
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From: Liverpool, NY
I thought that the side rail was part of the frame. Am I wrong? It definitely wasn't sheet metal that I was jacking up. I need to get underneath to change out my starter.
Keith
Keith
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Liverpool, NY
Maybe that is what I meant. Sorry about that. Do the frame rails run front to back? That is what I jacked up.
Keith
Keith
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Fleet Owner
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From: Blue Hill Township
Yes, they run the length of the truck. When I lift our expy, i either jack under the rear diff, or under the engine crossmember.
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did anyone care to read the directions that came with the stock jack? Up front you are supposed to jack the A arms, there is a little lip where you are supposed to place the jack. In the back, you should jack on either side of the differential.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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so then raise the truck by the side rails as you did before, and then lower it onto the jackstands that you place under the lip of the A arms... You have a jackstand under each a-arm, and the front of the vehicle is safely off the ground.
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