jacking up the FJ60 your way (1 Viewer)

[mudpaws]

Hey everyone, I did some maintenance recently on my truck and got to thinking...I know, I know that's dangerous...But seriously- I need all your input on how to properly lift up the 60 (and the 40 for that matter) in its factory state (meaning with the offset axles). I ask this because every time I try to jack either end, I have to reposition my jackstands a few times to get them where I want them (meaning the floor jack gets in the way! ). Maybe I am overlooking something, an easy trick or whatnot. Give me all your ideas and input! I'm sure this can help a LOT of people! Thank you all!

 

[All Four]

If you mean jacking up the cruiser with a floor jack, do not use the differential as the lift point. It is certainly dangerous, and can give you a nasty leak or worse. You would be better off to place the jack under the spring plate and then safely place your jackstand near your jack. Then move over to the other side and repeat.

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

i agree, the axle mounting plate (spring plate) if you will, is a very good spot.

 

[jvazquez53]

X2 on the spring plates, lot safer.

 

[klinetime574]

What if there are long u-bolts sticking out of the bottom of the spring plates?

 

[Bomar]

cut off the extra on the u bolts

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

either that, or use a really short two by four as a pad, its soft enough that it wont strip the threads

 

[jvazquez53]

X2 on both suggestions, I would cut the excess bolt, leave about 1/4 inch thread and use the piece of wood.

 

[Tofudebeest]

no, no, no....

Back up to the Cruiser, squat down, curl your fingers under the bumper and LIFT!!!!
Use your legs, not your back...

 

[zuluzeugma]

no, no, no....

Back up to the Cruiser, squat down, curl your fingers under the bumper and LIFT!!!!
Use your legs, not your back...

Agreed!

B.S. about developing a leak in your diff by jacking on it. I'm pretty sure if I can land my diff on a big effing rock every weekend wheeling, I can probably jack it up in the same spot using a nice, soft, rubber pad.

 

[cfdlighthouse]

i place a 12 inch piece of treated 4x4 between the ubolts on the spring /axle plate and use my floor jack, place the jack stands and work my way around the truck....it works well for me and is stable

 

[rover67]

i use the diffs. it tilts but who cares.

the rocks i drag the axles over do more damage than any jack ever could and i still have not had an problems.

 

[mudpaws]

thank you, thank you..Keep 'em comin'

Hmm I gotta try that finger-curling thing...

 

[zuluzeugma]

i use the diffs. it tilts but who cares.

the rocks i drag the axles over do more damage than any jack ever could and i still have not had an problems.

Exactly dude...

 

[Lost]

what about just lifting the axle right in the middle? you might need a taller jack.
if im only working on one side i use the ublot plate

 

[cfdlighthouse]

what about just lifting the axle right in the middle? you might need a taller jack.
if im only working on one side i use the ublot plate

i would not advocate doing that. 4500 lbs + focused on a 4 inch pad on a tube not designed or stabalized for such a load to be focused can equal bent axle housing....and worse....just my .02

 

[All Four]

I'm not saying that it can't be done,(we are all guilty and the diff is tough for sure) just mainly that it could slip off if you lift too high. If it slips, it can snag the cover and thats where the leak originates. Be safe guys.

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

I usually lift at the diff and place my jackstands under the u-bolt plates.

Butt

 

[ginericLC]

i would not advocate doing that. 4500 lbs + focused on a 4 inch pad on a tube not designed or stabalized for such a load to be focused can equal bent axle housing....and worse....just my .02

It isn't 4500lbs in one spot unless you've managed to balance the whole truck at once on that point as the rear or front is supporting much of the weight too. I'd like to see someone balance the whole truck on on axle at a time, that would be a cool trick. I would not worry about bending the housing either.

However, I don't think there is a good way to jack it up in the middle of the axle anyway. At least not with any floor jack I've ever used.

 

[cfdlighthouse]

It isn't 4500lbs in one spot unless you've managed to balance the whole truck at once on that point as the rear or front is supporting much of the weight too. I'd like to see someone balance the whole truck on on axle at a time, that would be a cool trick. I would not worry about bending the housing either.

However, I don't think there is a good way to jack it up in the middle of the axle anyway. At least not with any floor jack I've ever used.

i dont presume that all of the weight of the vehicle would be focused on the jack point.....the concept however looks at weight distribution. the reason drive train and frame/suspension components don't have to be built like a tank to carry the load of the vehicle is due to appropriate weight distribution at properly desgined and structured points. by jacking in the center of an axle tube on an offset axle you can potentially put undesigned point weight loads on that tube which depending on the condition of your 20+ year old vehicle axle can potentially cause problems simply becasue that section of the axle is not designed to accept that type of weight loading.....why risk damage when there are better ways????