Lift point?

Guys I just got a 2000 Prerunner with no manuals. This coming week I need to replace struts and tie rods. But I am unsure on the proper lift point for the front end. I have read one of the threads on this that showed a diagram but since that seems to be on the skid plate and I can't see what is behind it a just want to be sure before I proceed. I am attaching a picture. The arrow points to what seems to be the lift point. Am I correct.

Rich

 

NO !!!

Best place is on the frame rail on either side, to lift one corner. You could also use the spot that is recommended in the owners manual the pinch weld area near the front door hinge .

 

Lower control near ball joint there is 3 tab i jack up n that area then use jack stand on frame. Those pinch weld are useless since these truck are heavy

 

That's the method I use.

 

Ditto.

 

Thanks guys. A big help.

 

There is a crossmember running across the truck, about where that circle is in the second skid plate. You will have to crawl underneath and make sure, but when I work on the front end, that is where I always lift from. Then, if needed, I'll put jackstands under the lca by the balljoint. I have a fairly large floor jack, so I wouldn't try to lift it there with a bottle jack.

 

I stand corrected on the 'pinch weld' area. On my 1st-gen 4runner I used to own, the factory owners manual specified that pinch-weld area to place the jack, and I assumed it was the same for the Tacoma. Its not.

 

Maybe its okay with the included stock jack(which I don't trust)

I stick some jackstands right there too. Gotta make sure you get in the middle tri-bump things.

 

Well the lift point in the manual is that circular looking thing on the skid farther back in the picture. It looks like a target kinda

I have used that spot, jacked it up by the control arms, and also the frame

 

Would i have to remove the skid plate to jack it up

 

No, you don't need to do anything to the skid plate when jacking up the truck...

 

I'm kinda confused to tell u the truth do I jack it up were the target look thing is

 

not rocket science, be safe - use the factory locations. I remove the skid every time I jack up the front end. use jack stands, chock the rear wheels. when jacking it up from the rear, you have to use chocks on the front wheels (mentioning this because some just don't "know"). Let me say this again - SAFETY FIRST.

 

Even if it's a prerunner? Mine is a 2004 dc prerunner

 

If you are replacing the shocks, don't lift it by the control arm! I mean, I guess you *could* but you'd have to jack it way up, then take the tire off (doing that anyway), then lower it onto some jack stands (on the frame), then completely unload the suspension (remove the jack).

I find it better to just jack it up by the cross member, that way, when the wheels come off the ground, everything is already unloaded.

I take the skid plate off and use the center cross member right behind the front diff, then use some jack stands to support the frame.

The only time I ever jack using the control arm/ball joint area is if I'm replacing/rotating the tires. Any sort of suspension work and typically need the suspension unloaded anyway.

 

??? The big circular cut out on the stock skid plate is there so that you can put a floor jack through it.

See the below post....

 

I use a floor jack right under my skid plate...but my skid plate is aftermarket 3/16 steel. Done it many times without issue but be sure to do it under the spot Toyota recommends in the front.

 

Yes, even if it's a runner - same frame, same suspension as a 4wd taco

 

Which way should the saddle of the jack stand be oriented for lifting the front of the truck? Saddle parallel with the side rail or perpendicular?