jack stand question

So I don't do a lot of wrenching and repairs myself but occasionally I get the itch.

I plan to install air bags with daystar cups. I do not own jack stands and have never put my truck on them. couple of questions:

1. what rating and height jack stands should I get?

2. I see the suggested jack stand points are on the axle. Is this OK to do?

3. Or to install airbags is it better to jack up frame to create more working room?

4. Any other suggestions?

Thank you

 

3 ton jack stands should be just fine

place stands under frame, there are actually 4 specific areas

 

OK thanks! OK so the axle is not the proper location? The manual says to jack up the truck on the axle. Jack stands should go somewhere else?

 

This shows where the stands should go

 

You'll find that most 3 ton stands out there are too small / short for our trucks for anything but supporting the rear axle of even a stock truck. 6 ton, now that's a good all-round pair of stands for truck use, and they really aren't as heavy to move as they sound.

 

I agree here. the 6 ton jack stands tend to have long reach compared to the 3 ton. I rather use 6 ton jack stands then 3 ton since two 3 ton jack stand equals 3 ton and not each. Just something to think about when you're under the truck. I rather over do it then under do it.

 

You and me both, especially with most of the stands out there being manufactured offshore with questionable quality control. And you're very right, the ratings are per pair. And even slightly uneven surfaces severely reduce their capacity.

 

Six ton jacks are best for their height.

Put them anywhere on the frame, preferably where the frame is completely boxed (not open on the backside).

Don't slam the truck down on them and be redundant (no reason to trust just one jack stand when you have two).

Never hurts to lay the tire you remove from the vehicle under the frame or axle as well. Could be that last saving grace that keeps you from being killed.

 

I always do that, it's a habit since I've been wrenching as a young lad.

 

If you will notice there are six " support Locations " on the drawing for the Jack Stands:

Two behind the front wheels on the frame.
Two in front of the leaf spring mounts.
Two on the rear drive axle housing.

So yes the rear end axle tubes can be used to support the vehicle on jack stands.

 

When jacking up to support the frame, I like to put a small piece of 2x4 or something similar in between the jack stand and the frame of the vehicle. Metal on metal tends to slip easier than metal on wood.

 

Just make certain the frame sits solidly on the stand and the stand is sitting flat on the ground , not tipped . Front wheels should be chocked tightly as well to keep it from tipping the stands over .
Sarge

 

Tip, if you are not in a hurry...............

Read the paper (yea, I know, archaic) for tool sales of shops going out of business

Check Craigslist for your area.

Hit some pawn shops

Hit garage sales. For me, about 1 in 20 will have some form of tools and/or fishing gear I have some interest in.

While jack stands aren't all that pricey, finding some that are 30-40 years old will get you a beefier quality.

 

Great suggestions in this thread. I also recommend jack stands with a locking pin. I purchased a set of Big Red jack stands that have the locking pin from Northern Tool a couple weeks ago. Just another added safety factor when under your truck.

 

Good advise!!, I have never been comfortable working under a vehicle using floor jacks, esp the junk floor jacks that are sold today. jmop

 

Exactly you should use the floor jack ONLY for lifting and nothing else. Jack stand is to be used to support the vehicle. Just common sense but I'm still amaze by the amount of people I see don't do it.

 

For those looking for a jackstands these are the best option IMHO.
They lift, they extend and they have a lock so when bottle loses pressure they will not let your car fall on you. Well worth the money.
Edit: They are in Walmart for like $50+, they also have wide base so you can use them offroad. And they fit under stock Tacoma np.

 

This is what I use:

Harbor Freight 6 Ton Jack Stands

Harbor Freight 4 Ton Floor Jack