Best way to jack up rear end?

[adam_knox]

Quick question, what's the best way to jack up the rear end? Previously did one side at a time, but that seems like a rather shaky way to do it. Plus I had the jack too far in and indented the frame. I read on eHow.com to raise by the transmission t-intersection between the back wheels (yeah, I know, that's not the technical term! Bear with me!). I'd rather get a second opinion from you guys! Replacing the rear leaf springs, shocks, and rear wheel cylinders today. Hoping to poke around and figure out what's up with my fuel guage kicking on and off too, but something tells me my plate is already full.

[dezeldoc]

If you are using a floor jack put it under the center of the rear end and lift it up, set the stands under the frame in front of the spring pearch, then you can keep the jack under the rear end to do the springs.

[Don Coatney]

If you are replacing the rear springs you need to lift the frame far enough to get the wheels off the ground and support it on solid jack stands. Then you will need to lift the rear axle just enough to get the weight of the rear axle off the springs. It may be easier to lift the axle and change the spring one side at a time.

[Merle Coggins]

I always put my floor jack pad under the differential and jack it up. If you're replacing suspension components, just jack it up high enough to put jack stands under the frame rails and let the jack down so that the axle hangs. Then you can also use the jack to hold up the axle when you unbolt the springs.

Merle

[adam_knox]

Thanks guys! So double checking, the place I put the jack to lift is the center of the rear end, like so:

W-------------nnn--------------W

Key:

w=Wheel

N= the t-juction housing between the two rear wheels

So the jack goes on the middle "n" to lift, then place stands under the frame by each wheel. Once its on jack stands I can use the jack in the same place to hold up the rear wheel axles as I swap out the leafs? Sorry for the poor art, shoulda had a camera ready!

[Young Ed]

You've got it except for jack stand placement. Put them just in front of the front mount for the springs. Then use the floor jack to take the tension off the springs. Unbolt both springs at the rear and lower it to the floor. Replace springs and then jack it back up into place. Also you can use a second set of stands instead of the floor to hold the axle housing.

[Merle Coggins]

Yup

[adam_knox]

Got it! Thanks guys!

[BobT-47P15]

On a related note -- I only have one of those small, inexpensive floor jacks with

the small disc in the middle. I'm not sure that little jack would be good for

placing under the differential to lift the whole rear end of the car.

I have done that with a larger, commercial grade jack like used at the tire store

or service station. It also has a larger center piece to hold the differential.

I would tend to do mine, therefore, one side at a time in order to place the jack

stands where needed. I do often put one or two small lengths of 2 x 4 on top

of the jack to increase it's reach - to get the car higher off the ground. Just have

to be careful about placement of these.

[Don Coatney]

Bob;

If your small jack is rated for 2000 pounds it will lift from the differential with no problem.

[BobT-47P15]

I think it is rated for 2000. But hate to push my luck.

[Young Ed]

With Bobs type of jack I'd be more concerned with the car slipping off the small pad then with the capacity.

[BobT-47P15]

Thus far, I have usually jacked up the car from the side....placed jack stands....

then used the jack for a third stand to give just a bit more support in another

area. That way the jack doesn't bear all the weight.....just raise it up til it is

snug against the place.