Jack and jack stand points for 53-56 Ford Truck
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Jack and jack stand points for 53-56 Ford Truck
I want to make sure I jack up my old 53 Ford truck properly as well as place the jack stands in the right location. Does anyone have a good description, pics, or video. I’m guessing in the rear, I jack up right on the center of the “pumpkin” or rear diff? Thank you so much for any feedback.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 507
From: clinton,tn
When I jack up my 49 in the front I put the jack in the center of the straight axle and put the stands near the king pins. On the rear put it in the center of the rear end and jack stands near the shock mounts, Give the truck a good shake to make sure it is stable and start the work.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 892
Likes: 85
From: Western Massachusetts
When I jack up my 49 in the front I put the jack in the center of the straight axle and put the stands near the king pins. On the rear put it in the center of the rear end and jack stands near the shock mounts, Give the truck a good shake to make sure it is stable and start the work.
I started jacking that way once and stopped when the deflection got my attention. I worried about bending the axle?? Mine is a 54 with the stock 223.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 520
If I am jacking up a straight axle, I place the floor jack near where the leaf spring mounts. I try to leave enough room to place a jack stand on, or near, the spring mount location.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
I jack up mine the same way as 1949F1. I just put the trolly jack under the center of the front straight axle and pump away. To make it easier and consistent I measured and marked the exact center of the front axle with a paint pen. I have noticed mine deflects a little too, but I figure it will flex back out when I let it down again. After the front of the truck is as high as I need it, I slide each jack stand under the axle between the the leaf spring U bolts. But I like 1949's idea of putting them under the king pins and will try that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I do what the other say when using a floor jack. I have '48-52 trucks but I'm certain there isn't much difference from the newer trucks.
I have a two post lift in my shop and I position the lift pads as close to the spring mounts as I can. The frames on this truck are very stout and I don't think there's much worry about bending anything. When lifting my '49 F-2 I have to use the truck adapters for the lift turned all of the way out and then the lifts arms are up against the bottom of the running boards. Always good idea when using a lift is to the wheels off the ground a few inches and give the front and back bumpers a bounce to make sure everything is balanced. My wife has a '16 Fusion, that car is a joy to position the lift arms under. Most of the underside of the car is plastic, only one place to position the lift pads in each corner. Impossible to get a floor jack under the car.
I have a two post lift in my shop and I position the lift pads as close to the spring mounts as I can. The frames on this truck are very stout and I don't think there's much worry about bending anything. When lifting my '49 F-2 I have to use the truck adapters for the lift turned all of the way out and then the lifts arms are up against the bottom of the running boards. Always good idea when using a lift is to the wheels off the ground a few inches and give the front and back bumpers a bounce to make sure everything is balanced. My wife has a '16 Fusion, that car is a joy to position the lift arms under. Most of the underside of the car is plastic, only one place to position the lift pads in each corner. Impossible to get a floor jack under the car.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,680
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
I use the front axle as well. Then I put my jack stands usually on the frame just behind the spring perches. Putting them under the axle is a good idea to get a little more height.
Now for my truck, I can get under it with a creeper without jacking it up.
I refrained from replying because I wasn't sure if the axle was a great place, but it sounds like this is what others do. Since everyone should use jacks stands at all times, you aren't leaving the pressure on the axle.
My dream is to have a lift.
Now for my truck, I can get under it with a creeper without jacking it up.
I refrained from replying because I wasn't sure if the axle was a great place, but it sounds like this is what others do. Since everyone should use jacks stands at all times, you aren't leaving the pressure on the axle.
My dream is to have a lift.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I don't see what the concern would be for using stands under the axles. The two majors parts of the vehicle that takes the most beating is the axles and suspension. Gently lowering the weight on to axles isn't going to do any damage. Also, if you need to support the truck at another spot to do suspension work placing the stand as close to the frame spring mounts is another good spot. Look at the underside of these trucks, they're made of pretty heavy metal. It would take a lot to bend them or cause damage. Now if you had the bed filled to capacity and tried to support the truck by the frame you might cause some damage. It wouldn't be a good idea to try to left the truck with a full load in any case.
Now newer vehicles are an entire different scenario. As with my wife's car you have to be extremely carful where you lift and support the car, it's build of thin metal and plastic.
That was my dream for over 40 years. I bought a used Manitowoc two post lift for $2000, worth every penny and it paid for itself within a month. Your back and knees will thank you.
Now newer vehicles are an entire different scenario. As with my wife's car you have to be extremely carful where you lift and support the car, it's build of thin metal and plastic.
That was my dream for over 40 years. I bought a used Manitowoc two post lift for $2000, worth every penny and it paid for itself within a month. Your back and knees will thank you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
Mine too. Along with having a nice shop building to put it in. But at least I got one dream to come true. Just being able to have an old Ford truck. Til a shop building comes along (if ever) its just getting creative to work on it in my garage, driveway, or even where I garage it in a storage unit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,680
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
I really enjoy my new shop. I'm still working on it, but it's great. My son in law had some noise coming from his truck. So be brought it into the shop and quickly diagnosed a wheel bearing.
We were able to get it changed quickly It was so nice to have it inside with all my tools handy. Next big things are a lift, heat, and organization.
We were able to get it changed quickly It was so nice to have it inside with all my tools handy. Next big things are a lift, heat, and organization.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aftrmidnite
General Automotive Discussion
2
Jul 19, 2010 12:14 PM
Flywest
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Jan 16, 2007 01:51 PM