The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Parking Lot General Truck Talk Hydraulic Floor Jack Lifting Points?

This morning I went out to Wally World and purchased a 2 ton floor jack. I want to put Lucille up on four 2 ton jack stands so I can get a better idea of what is going on with my brake system. I have jacked up the rear axle and placed two of the jack stands just inside the springs underneath the axle. My question is, on the front can I lift the truck up at the center of the front axle with out doing any damage to the axle? I mean that's allot of weight up there! I'm planning on placing the other two jack stands under the axle right under the springs. Will that be OK? I've never had the whole truck up on jack-stands before and am a little nervous.

We jacked up a lot of them that way for many years without a problem. If you're concerned about the possibility of axle damage, just jack up one side at a time by using one of the spring mounts on the frame. Straight axles are built rugged enough to handle bumps at road speed, which will create a lot more stress than using a jack on a stationary vehicle. These things aren't toys- - - -they used to WORK to earn their keep!

BTW- - - -that "2 ton" jack is a toy- - - -don't put any part of yourself under the truck until it's supported firmly by jack stands. Those little bitty floor jacks are deathtraps! Here's one I'd consider to be a minimum to safely lift a stovebolt truck, and then only on a level, smooth concrete floor. The professional-type jacks sell for upwards of $500.00 for a reason.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200303997_200303997

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,
DONE!! Just needed to hear a vote of confidence!! I lifted her at the center of the front axle. No problem!

Jerry,
BTW, I hear what your saying about the "toy" floor jack. I would never trust a cheap jack and would never put myself under the truck while using one. I bought a cheap one because I really don't plan on doing this again.

I thank you for your concern. At 64 I don't want to get crushed. When you get nervous about something that's the good Lord warning you! Now I can go look at my brake system.

Good information.

I would "ALWAYS" put a jack stand under any thing before putting myself under it. This is mandatory if you are removing the wheels and tires. I don't trust any jack. It only takes a few minutes to be safe, protect yourself and prevent damage to the vehicle.

Jack stands are a must when placing your self between the truck and the floor. I have jacked up the truck however via the center of the front axle without issue in the past. Not something I could recommend though.

I haven't been able to find any documentation about how and where to "lift" a Stovebolt, and in my case a "46. Has anyone run across the directions on the proper way to jack these vehicles up? I mean today when you purchase a new vehicle, and this has been going on for some time, you get that info in your owners manual. Any sources out there?

Today, the vehicles have flimsy jacks, independent suspensions, and uni-body construction - very few strong points under the body.

Out trucks have strong frames and full-width front and rear axles.

Since bottle jacks were the "standard" (optional, usually) GM implement for our trucks, my guess is that you put it under the frame, under or near the front or rear axles, and jack it up (to remove a wheel).

Later vehicles (cars) used bumper jacks to lift them to change a tire.

In general, any part of the bottom frame rail should be a fine place to lift. For the front, I like trapping my jack pad between the u-bolts on the axle. That way it can't slide at all.