I need to get under the whole length of my car this weekend and I was wondering if it is safe to have a jackstand under each specified point on the sideskirt of the car, thereby leaving the car a foot off the ground. Should I just do it 2 at a time like normally and squeeze to the tail?

Thanks

 

It's safer to use jack stands than to use the jacks. Just check your capacity ratings for the stands before you use them. I'd feel secure using them.

 

I have four 2 ton jackstands...

 

I am not too sure about the jack point on the side rails. I usually place them underneath the car.

My mechanic showed me where to place them under the car for safety.

Dave in YOrk

 

You're fine.

 

I have supported my Fullsize Bronco wiht 4x 2-ton jack stands under the frame and felt pretty safe.

For liability reasons - this is just my experience and YOU take responsibility for what YOU do.

 

It should be safe provided you put the jack stands in the right places. Be carefull about putting them on the unibody as it will either dent or put a hole though the floor.

But I guess that's why you mentioned the side rails where it's "boxed" in? Take a look at the owner's manual. It might mention where you can put jacks in. I usually use the tow hooks but that puts the jacks on the severe ends of the car. Not always recommended.

Front: maybe right in back of the wheels or maybe use the tow hooks.

Rear: somewhere on the rear beam would be ideal(strongest place)

 

I've done it on several occasions and always experience the same sense of apprehension. It's especially scary if you remove all 4 wheels and then crawl under the car.

Of course, make sure you are on level ground and that the jack stands are very stable. Sometimes, when you lower the car, you can exert lateral forces on the jack stands. Even with the weight of the car on the jack stands, I also like to leave the jack in place for added support. I also like to have someone around to call an ambulance just in case the unthinkable happens.

 

Make sure you don't work on a tar surface in high heat temps. I was working on my cousins Max on day and after the car was jacked up for about 10 minutes the jack had sunk about an inch into the pavement.

 

I do it all the time.

 

one of my friends almost died working under his mustang cause his car fell. I would use two on the front or two on one side with the parking brake pulled personally.

 

Lay the wheels under each rotor just in case.

 

Good post newbe!

 

Now why didn't I think of that?

Great idea!

 

Placing the removed wheel under the frame rail saved my lilve about 4 years ago when a Chevy Celebrity I was working under collapsed. I was just usng the jack to support the car. (I know, I know!) Of course, the car fell. The wheel stopped the car from crushing me. Gave me a scare and a kick in the chest, but I crawled out alive.

VERY soon after, I bought jackstands (ie 30 mins!)

 

after you drop the car on the jackstands, but before you go under the car, take a step back and then run towards the car and drop-kick it. if the car is still in the air, then it should be safe enough to get under the car