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n00b Jack Stand Ques.

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Old Nov 30, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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n00b Jack Stand Ques.

I hate sounding like a FNG. But apparently I've never actually put jack stands under anything, much less a 3/4 ton truck.

I have a bottle jack, and no funds for a floor jack anytime soon ( but it's now the next thing on the "must have" list). Hows the best way to get a solid front axle up on stands without jacking it up from the diff with a floor jack? The bottle won't fit under the diff, and the stand won't go in with the jack on the outside of the diff.

I'm being a wuss because wearing an F-250 as a hat after I fail with the jack stands would really ruin my week.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2008 | 11:22 PM
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Yeah, the floor jack is right on top of the list. TSC has one for a hundred, but I'll look at Sears if I ever make it to the mall. I bought a cheapo bottle jack from wal mart after I got 3 flats in as many months, the stock screw brings teh suck, and it was at least easier to change the tire out with.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 01:32 AM
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To tell you the truth man, lift equipment is not something you should take shortcuts with. Wait until you have the funds so that you can do it properly. A floor jack has a much wider saddle, has more control, and lets you keep more distance when you lower the vehicle onto the stands. Don't skimp here.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 10:20 AM
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Right - get a floor jack, even a cheap one. Sears always has their 2 1/4 ton jacks on sale for $25-$30 this time of year. It's not the greatest, but is better than a bottle jack..
 
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 04:47 PM
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Yeah, proper equipment helps keep the clothes clean.

When I was a teenager, I used the bumper jack on my car for all under auto work. At least until the time the car dropped on me but luckilly I wasn't squished. The cost of some proper jackstands was mighty cheap to me after that and I learned something to pass on to my boys, the color code for underwear, "yellow in front, brown in back".

Next after jack stands are floor jacks. I have my old Sears that I bought back in the 70s and it is still going strong. Ditto the 4 jack stands I bought. Awful cheap when spread out over 30+ years.

And, a car or truck can still fall off stands and floor jacks so always be careful and chock your wheels etc.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson
 
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 05:46 PM
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i applaud you asking BEFORE acting!! SAFETY FIRST!!! when in doubt, step back, look, and THINK!!! your truck ain't worth s--- if your dead!
 
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by NewEnglandHerdsman
Right - get a floor jack, even a cheap one. Sears always has their 2 1/4 ton jacks on sale for $25-$30 this time of year. It's not the greatest, but is better than a bottle jack..

Well I wasn't totally truthful when I said I didn't have a floor jack. I have a 2ton cheapo that works great under a car, but when I put it under the diff on my truck, I can't get it to lift. 7500# truck, with a lot up front with the diesel pushing on it is way to much for it to handle.

These are my options:
I like that both have 20ish inches of lift, that'll help when I get the 35s under the truck.
Tractor Supply Company - 3 1/2 Ton Floor Jack

Craftsman 4 ton Floor Jack - Model 50156 at Sears.com

Either would go nicely with my 12 ton jack stands.
 
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