How to Lift a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
Under-the-vehicle repairs are unsafe to do on all types of Dodge Dakotas, if the truck is lifted and supported only by a floor, scissors or any other type of cranking jack. A Dakota Quad Cab is a heavy vehicle, and regular jacks do not provide enough stability. A two- or four-post hydraulic lift is the safest way to elevate a vehicle, although that is impractical for a home mechanic. Jack stands are a safe alternative.
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Instructions
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1
Engage the Dakota Quad Cab's emergency brake.
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2
Pick a wheel to lift first. If you are not engaging in wheel, rim or tire repair, it does not matter where you start the process.
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3
Secure the wheel diagonal from the one you will elevate. Wedge chocks under the rear and front of the tire. Lifting one of the Dakota's wheels will alter weight distribution, and the chocks are a precautionary measure to keep the wheel in place.
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4
Locate the appropriate lifting points for your Dakota. You will find this information in your Dakota Quad Cab's owner's manual. For the front wheels, the jack needs to go under the framing rail behind the wheel. At the rear of the Dakota, the jack needs to be placed under the axle near the wheel itself.
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Turn the jack's hand-crank clockwise to raise the wheel off the ground. Raise the wheel high enough so that a jack stand can be securely placed. Then, turn the crank counterclockwise to lower the Dakota onto the stand.
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Reposition the jack at a new lift point, and repeat the above steps until the Dakota is completely elevated and safely on jack stands.
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