The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Correct Jackstand Locations For Safety?

I've got my '46 up on four jackstands because I'm redoing the brake system completely. The two jackstands in front are right underneath the front axle just inside of the springs. The other two jackstands are underneath the rear axle also to the inside of the springs. Question is, is this safe? I know at some point I'm going to have to crawl underneath this truck to do some work running new brake lines. I feel a little uneasy and need to hear from others if they think I'm going to be OK? All of the jacks are rated for 2 tons each. The front jackstands make me the most nervous because that is where most of the weight is on the truck. Any other safety suggestions would be appreciated!

Oh, BTW, these jackstands were made in China and were purchased at my local FLAPS! No way around it. I just hope one can believe the rating on them!!

Another thing, I can't find any information on just where on the truck you would locate a jack for changing a tire! Anyone know where the correct location would be? It's not in the owner's manual nor in the shop manual.

I have a couple of those too. Seems that's all ya can get anymore! :mad:

If I use 'em, I lay a couple of old heavy-truck rims on their sides under each side of the frame. If the cheap junk snaps (and I've heard horror stories about that), the frame will land on the rims and hopefully I won't get smooshed.

JMO.

I like to spread my jack stands wider when possible. I haven't been under an Art Deco truck is many years and can't remember what they look like so I can't suggest any better.

The quality of the jack stands might be a more important issue. Just because they were made in China does not mean they are bad, but the kind and quality of construction will make or break your safety when under the truck.

When I put the truck on jack stands, I always try and rock it to see if it is stable. Because there is no give with the frame and a concretet floor, sometimes a stand will sit on three legs instead of four. Usually this means that one leg is maybe 1/2"ff the floor but the top of the stand is flush with the frame.

I usually put my stands just as you have them but for an extra measure of safety I also put the floor jack right up against the front crossmember if I'm working in front.

I too have put jackstands just as you have, but I like putting them under the frame further back rather then the axle only because it provides more area under my 3100 to move around.Wherever you place them, I think the really important thing is to make sure the stands are fully engaged and as suggested,rock the truck after it's on the stands to check for stability. Keep in mind that the stands with a slide bar of teeth and locking lever actually rely on weight to keep them tightly engaged. When shopping for stands,checking for safety f-eatures is a must. Most truck jacking points for flats are under the axle,not on the body .

It depends on what you're doing. If the weight of the vehicle is on the springs, such as it will be with the jack stands under the axles, don't unbolt anything that carries spring loads. For instance, releasing the torque tube with weight on the rear axle housing will slam the ball end toward the floor. If you're under it, bad news! Sometimes it's better to support the frame, and let the suspension hang down with the springs unloaded.
Jerry

If you go under it, just bolt the tires back on if possible. Then if it does fall, the is some clearance between you and the truck. I put mine under each axle as wide as possible. If working on a axle, I put them just behind the spring hanger on the frame, usually setting on solid concrete blocks, DON'T USE HOLLOW BUILDING BLOCKS! My jack stands won't go high enough to get the axles off the ground with out setting on something.
Always rock it around for good measure.

Joe

I always use the frame. If your stands are not tall enough invest in new stands. Use a jack to deal with axles and keep as many tires on as possible.

You cannot violate the laws of physics and in this case that means gravity. All these suggestions are good to consider.

I use jack stands on the axles as well as stacks of 4x6 blocks as back up.

If you have the brakes done and are working on the lines, put the wheels on and use car dollies. The dollies lifts my truck up high enough to crawl under without having to use stands.