Jack Stands/Safety

[snoranger]

I have a hard time making jack stands useful when they're not just supporting the rig by the axle tube... even with the 6 ton stands it takes like a foot of wood blocks under them to get to the frame rails on a couple rigs to get them to ride height...

You need bigger jack stands.

 

[mikkelstuff]

While on this subject, I read in my Ranger manual that the truck is never to be raised with a floor jack under the differential - I think this was the rear differential. Can this be correct? I don't see how else to conveniently jack up the rear end for placement of jack stands under the axle tubes.

 

[Dirtman]

They say that for liability reasons not because it's bad for the truck. Jack's aren't very stable side to side so lifting from the center like that can cause the jack to fail and ford doesn't want you sueing them.

 

[MikeG]

Lift up one side, put a jack stand under it, then repeat on the other.

 

[scotts90ranger]

You need bigger jack stands.
View attachment 45530

Yes I do, also need to get the shop built so I can build them then use them , then of course do some maintenance then build the Explorer...

 

[snoranger]

Yes I do, also need to get the shop built so I can build them then use them , then of course do some maintenance then build the Explorer...

I only give advice on one issue at a time.

 

[Dirtman]

I only give advice on one issue at a time.

I have this itchy patch on the back of my leg, do you think it's a rash or just dry skin?

 

[snoranger]

I have this itchy patch on the back of my leg, do you think it's a rash or just dry skin?

Depends, do you take hot showers?

 

[golley]

vote 4 here for multiple stands and leaving in the jack when possible. glad you got out. i got hit in the temple once and went totally limp and blind for a minute or so.
i know using cynder blocks is sorta a redneck joke, but a buddy of my dads did get killed that way...so really don't.

using ramps under the rear wheels ain't bad insurance either if you can. i always double chock the wheels at the other end.

 

[Dirtman]

Depends, do you take hot showers?

Damn... spot on with the obscure references!

 

[snoranger]

Damn... spot on with the obscure references!

I’m pretty good with tv show and movie quotes.

 

[cbxer55]

I own jack stands. I rarely use them. Mostly only if I need more than one corner up at a time, or if I know it will need to be off the ground for an extended period of time.

I understand the excessive stresses holding the vehicle for an extended period of time put on a jack's hydraulics. I have also had more jack stands give out and let the vehicle fall than I have jacks.

I use two of those screw type jacks more often than I use jack stands. When I do use jack stands, if at all possible, I put them under the axle, or under the lower control arms in close proximity to the ball joints. And I don't lift it any higher than I need it. Wheels maybe an inch off the ground. I've never had a jack stand let go, but I also don't use Harbor Freight stands, and I use them with heavier weight allowances than the vehicles weigh.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Glad to hear you’re ok!

I’ve had jacks give out and I’ve smashed a jack stand before. If at all possible I do leave the jack in contact with the weight when using stands though. I always do the shake test when I put something on stands though. Once it’s setting like I want it, I give it a good shake to see how stable it is before I think about getting under. If it wobbles, try again. Since a lot of my work has been done in a gravel driveway, I pay particular attention to level. I’ll use 3/4” plywood under stands to keep them from sinking or I have some chunks of solid cut stone that I will carefully level

 

[ericbphoto]

Y'all are a bunch of chickens**t wussies.

Of course, make sure the vehicle is safe enough to be lifted.

 

[RobbieD]

@bilbo - thank you for the reminder. As most here are, I'm careful, but can and do get distracted or get in too much of a hurry.

As bad as your close call was, I am glad to hear that it wasn't tragically worse. And I hope that you heal quickly and completely.