Jacking up the rear of the Car (Floor Jack)

[IGJoe2192]

From the original post.

"BTW, this is not to hold the car up while working on it, Jack stands would be inserted when it is at an appropriate height. Front wheels will also be chocked."

Need to lift at one point and slide in supports at another.

What is wrong with being a back yard mechanic?

The differential isn't meant to lift the car with... The INTENDED jack points are meant for that. Lift one side, slide the jack stand in, repeat on the other side.

If you lift from the differential, once removing the tires off of the ground the car can roll, have fun with that. Its not about getting the job done as fast as possible it is about getting it done as safe as possible.

I deal with people who think of themselves as mechanics every day, they tend to cut corners to get jobs done and/or do them improperly. Just because you know how to turn a wrench doesn't mean you know exactly what you are doing. Just because you can lift the car from the differential doesn't mean that is the proper way to do it.

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[Highwayman]

As a long time tech and very familiar with the old jack lift at the pumpkin routine. And do it on my SA vehicles everytime I rotate tires. My take is.... And it is only my take....

A solid axle setup is designed to hold the vehicle weight.

An IRS is not. The pumpkin is mounted solely for itself, not the weight of the car. That's the job of the control arms and Id suggest lifting at those points, if you don't want to use jackpoints.

That's how I handle lifting my IRS vehicles. Not to say you couldn't get away with lifting by the diff, but I won't lift mine that way.

 

[anotherneon]

Recommended, or not, this is true.

Just stay away from the cover, and you'll be fine.

Irregardless (I love using that word) of what Ford Service says, I will continue to do it.

It's not a word. Jack the car up from the pumpkin
/thread

 

[Reds197]

I wouldn't use pumpkin on an IRS car. Used on Solid axles for years.

 

[Blue Horse]

I would like to see pictures or a video of the best (safest) procedure/steps for jacking up the S550 and placing four jack-stands under it.

I have an old bumper jack if you want to try that. LOL.

 

[USPSALIMITED]

The differential isn't meant to lift the car with... The INTENDED jack points are meant for that. Lift one side, slide the jack stand in, repeat on the other side.

Slide the jack stand in to where? I don't think you mean to try and lift the entire side of the car from one intended jack point (near each tire).

 

[89Trooper]

It's not a word.

Um, yes it is.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless

 

[Highwayman]

Slide the jack stand in to where? I don't think you mean to try and lift the entire side of the car from one intended jack point (near each tire).

My other car I have no issue with raising both tires off the ground on one side from one jack point. Then again I have very stiff swaybars on that one. Makes rotation a lot easier, haha.

 

[Thed]

As a technician I'd like to put in some input to this.

The differential isn't meant to lift the car with... The INTENDED jack points are meant for that. Lift one side, slide the jack stand in, repeat on the other side.

This. The differential was NOT built to withstand the weight of the car, especially the bushings it mounts to. However if it was a stick axle, go crazy.

If you lift from the differential, once removing the tires off of the ground the car can roll, have fun with that.

IMO all vehicles need to be chalked if the vehicle is being serviced in any way.

Its not about getting the job done as fast as possible it is about getting it done as safe as possible.

True statement. Any shop foreman or service manager would tell you that they'd rather see the job done right and done safely, rather than as quick as possible.

I deal with people who think of themselves as mechanics every day, they tend to cut corners to get jobs done and/or do them improperly. Just because you know how to turn a wrench doesn't mean you know exactly what you are doing. Just because you can lift the car from the differential doesn't mean that is the proper way to do it.

THIS. However, as an everyday technician I'll be the first to admit corners are cut. The difference is, though, compared to a backyard weekend warrior we know the proper way to do it. We, through experience, have learned what you can and cannot cut corners on. Shadetree mechanics should not cut corners without understanding and executing the job at hand properly prior to performing work. And remember to always chalk the wheels, wear safety glasses, and leave the keys anywhere besides in the ignition.



TL;DR: DON'T JACK IT UP FROM THE DIFF (if it's an IRS).

 

[Tim Hilliard]

I've had several IRS cars, I always stick the pad under the spring seat of the control arm. Typically it will lift the entire rear of the car up but I use real jacks and jack stands. Two floor jacks are your friend on a lot of newer vehicles. Any part of the IRS structure (subframe) at the the mounting points works as well. I've built a ton of shit lying on my back.

 

[Husker]

Would it be okay to use a floor jack halfway between the Jack points and when it's raised in the air, place two jackstands at the designated points, then go around to the other side and repeat the process to get four jack-stands under the car?

 

[Reds197]

Would it be okay to use a floor jack halfway between the Jack points and when it's raised in the air, place two jackstands at the designated points, then go around to the other side and repeat the process to get four jack-stands under the car?

I jack the front up using the K-member and put jack stands under the jacking points. Then I go to the back and use these spots.
I wouldn't go in the middle you run a big chance of bending the sheet metal.

 

[Husker]

I jack the front up using the K-member and put jack stands under the jacking points. Then I go to the back and use these spots.
I wouldn't go in the middle you run a big chance of bending the sheet metal.

If I'm understanding you I would need to jack up in four locations to put the four jackstands under?

 

[Reds197]

If I'm understanding you I would need to jack up in four locations to put the four jackstands under?

Only two.

Use the K-Member in the Front. It will lift the front of the car.

Go to the back and use either of the circled spots and it will lift the entire rear.

 

[Thed]

OKAY have I been missing something lately or did nobody else notice the side exhaust outlets?

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