Newb question; Where is the best place to lift on the front axle when using a floor jack? I found a slightly used Allied 3 1/2 ton floor jack at a Garage sale along with a unused 20 ton bottle jack ($60 for both). As suggested by fellow mudders I went for this one as it looked sturdy with a wide base, probably weighs around 100 lbs. I tried it and it held the front off the ground without leaking down although I had to use both arms when I pumped it up, is that normal? I'm not sure however if I lifted it in the correct spot on the axle, and don't have an FSM yet but recall seeing a lift point diagram somewhere and IIRC the lift points are under the diff or at the ends of the axle?? Can we safely lift near the center of the axle on the long side of the housing??
Where are the best locations to lift using a floor jack??
- Thread starter Kernal
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I think anywhere along the axle tube should be ok, as long as it isn't pushing on any lines/bolts/small brackets... You can lift under the pumpkin, but since it is offset, it is hard to get both wheels off the ground. Plan your lift so that you will be able to place the jackstands. Make sure you use jackstands if you, or any part of your appendages, will be under the vehicle, or under the wheel/axle.
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Yeah, won't get under it until I get some jack stands. The lady at the garage sale today said she had just sold a new unused set of 6 ton ACDelco jack stands before I got there 
. Tried to order a set of 12 ton ACDelco jack stands from O'Reillys but they said that product has been discontinued. The ACDelco's seem well made. Might just go with the 6 ton set.
. Tried to order a set of 12 ton ACDelco jack stands from O'Reillys but they said that product has been discontinued. The ACDelco's seem well made. Might just go with the 6 ton set.
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I have lifted it at the axle and at the frame before the bend. The frame is less than ideal given how far back you have to put it, but it will work.
x1000 on the jackstands. Just a hydraulic seal between you and severe injury or death. If I'm doing something with the tire off, I usually throw that under the frame/axle as well.
x1000 on the jackstands. Just a hydraulic seal between you and severe injury or death. If I'm doing something with the tire off, I usually throw that under the frame/axle as well.
Especially when lowering the axle, watch out for it slipping.
I almost took out my front e-locker that way.
I almost took out my front e-locker that way.
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I might get one of those rubber saddle pads that they sell at HF. Yeah, first time I tried to let it down it dropped, kerplunk, luckily it was only up in the air a few inches, so I practiced a few more times to learn how to feather the release handle.
If garage sales or the local CL doesn't yield the appropriate jackstands, just keep an eye on the ads in the paper and at the local partshouses. This time of year and with the economy, there will be deals.
Whatever you get, be sure to get them so that they go tall enough to get the truck off the floor. Usually anything that tall will be heavy enough to hold an 80 up. Best to get ones that have a good wide base if you have a choice.
Whatever you get, be sure to get them so that they go tall enough to get the truck off the floor. Usually anything that tall will be heavy enough to hold an 80 up. Best to get ones that have a good wide base if you have a choice.
That would be cool, but make sure that your jack is rated to lift half the weight of your cruiser instead of just a quarter.
If you want to use it on the axle, the diff/pumpkin is still going to be in the way.