How to Use Jack Stands on a Truck

While using jack stands on trucks or any other vehicle seems like simple common sense, misuse or not paying attention to detail can lead to hazardous or fatal conditions. All jacks and jack stands feature weight limitations; never use a jack on a truck that is heavier than the weight limit of the jack. Where you place the jack stands and how you use other safety equipment is also extremely important.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wheel wedges
• Suitable weight-rated jack
• Suitable weight-rated jack stands

1. Park the truck on a level and paved ground.

2. Apply the parking brake; but understand that if the rear axle is lifted, the parking brake hold will be ineffective.

3. Place wheel wedges in front and behind the same tire on the opposite axle you intend to lift and suspend on floor jacks. This is an added measure to prevent the truck from moving while you are underneath it.

4. Use the suitable weight-rated jack to lift one corner of the axle you're lifting at a time. The front frame rail or lower control arms and the rear axle or lower shock mounts are usually safe lift points for most trucks.

5. With the corner raised, place the properly weight-rated jack stand under the truck. If using the front control arm, place the jack stand under the front frame rail. Make sure the lower control arm does not suspend at an angle on the front tire and cause uneven placement on the jack stand when supporting the truck.

6. When raising the rear, place the jack stand(s) below the rear axle. Make sure the seat of the jack stand is away from any steel brake lines so they are not damaged. You can raise the jack stand by pulling up on the arm seats to the desired level. Be sure each jack stand on the same axle is set in equal height.

7. Lower the corner of the truck slowly. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side of the axle. If you are lifting all four corners, start in the front with the parking brake of the truck applied, and use four wheel wedges to lock one front and one rear wheel from both sides.

8. When you're ready to lower the truck to the ground, slightly lift the jack, one corner at a time, then remove the appropriate jack stand. Slowly lower the jack after the jack stand is removed; repeat the procedure for the opposite jack stand on the same axle. If lifting all four corners of the truck, lower the rear first, with the parking brake applied, and then lower the front.

Tips & Warnings

• On asphalt driveways, placing a 3/4-inch or thicker hardwood plyboard beneath the jack stand is highly recommended. The sharp metal corners of the jack stands can easily sink into the asphalt, especially on warm days. Make sure the board is big enough to cover the base and legs of the jack stands.
• You can use the jack to help support the truck, but never allow the jack to be your support without using a jack stand. Hydraulic and scissor jacks, no matter what the weight rating, can fail---leading to serious or fatal injury. Underhoist jacks are used in conjunction with vehicle lifts. They can support and manipulate components such as the rear axle when you are replacing shocks or other components that may hang down. Never use an underhoist jack to off-balance the weight of the truck from its support on the vehicle lift.

References

• DMS Tools: Jacks and Underhoist Stands
• Automotive Service Equipment: Types of Jacks and Jack Stands
• VideoJug.com: How to Use a Jack and Jack Stand

Resources

• University of Iowa, College of Public Health

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