what rating of a Jack and Jack Stand would I need for my truck

Pretty much every jack stand is built to be more than strong enough for a vehicle that is at the right "height" given the height range of the jack stand itself.

Remember that the vehicle is only 2 tons, so 2 1-ton jack stands should theoretically be enough to support the full weight of the vehicle. Obviously, it takes more than 2 points to support the vehicle stable.

Pick them based on their height, not the weight rating. You need to pick stands that will hold the vehicle properly without overextending the jack stands. The best choice is to pick a jack that will hold the vehicle properly when unextended, or 1-2 positions at most. At their full range, jack stands can be quite unstable.

The base of the jack stand increases proportionally with the height. The taller ones will be more stable than the shorter ones, and the less they are extended, the more stable they will be.

The most important thing to be aware of when using jack stands, is to support the vehicle in a manner where the stands are stable. You don't want the vehicle's mass trying to push the stands over sideways. With an independent suspension, it is a much better idea to support the vehicle by its frame than by any part of the suspension. A solid axle suspension can be safely supported by the axle tubes themselves.

I also suggest that when working under a vehicle, that it can be a much safer idea to add additional supports under the vehicle's tires than to rely on just the jack stands. 2 foot long sections of 6x6 or 8x8 perpendicular to the vehicle's frame positioned under the wheels will support the vehicle very well. I use three sections under each wheel, only one layer tall (not stacked) to create a large and stable platform for the vehicle.

This is usually a good solution except when you are working on the vehicle's suspension or brakes, in which case you shouldn't be under the vehicle anyway, so don't need the added security.

Working under cars is no game, never take chances on it falling on you, you can easily be killed by a vehicle falling on you, and that just isn't worth it.

 

Not sure exactly what type the OP is looking for, but if it's a floor jack there's only 2 spots recommended for lifting...the other areas (corners) are for the jack stands...

 

^ yup.

You need to be able to lower the truck onto the stands as squarely as possible.

 

question... in this pfd it mentions before lifting to release parking brake and shift into neutral. Wouldn't getting into neutral (at least with a automatic) require that the key was in and turned to acessories the whole time the truck was lifted? I wonder how many actually do this?

 

Dunno, I've never owned an automatic.

Did anyone mention wheelchocks yet? Wheelchocks.