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Lifting the car

sam z

sam z

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I just checked some of the reference material but I'm gonna put this out
there anyway.

For the first time since 1998 I'm going to lift the front of a b body mopar.
Last time I did this I just put the jack under the k-frame and went for it.
Service manual is saying don't do it.

Ok, what's the best way? I will be alone with only one jack and two safety
stands.
 
ACME A12

ACME A12

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sam z said:
Last time I did this I just put the jack under the k-frame and went for it.
Service manual is saying don't do it.
Click to expand...


Probably explains why I seldom read those things... :lol:
 
Big John

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I've done it for years.... BUT.... I noticed the bottom of the K-Frame has a small bend in the bottom right where the jack pad has always rested... that and my 7 qt Hemi pan that I have run for almost 30 years has a pretty good ding in the front.

The FSM is a great source for info... It assumes that you are in a fully equipped shop with a lift and the whole deal though, not some guy working out in his garage.

I just looked in the FSM and on page 0-7, it says you can lift the front by jacking underneath the lower control arms. Back when the FSM was written, a common jack around the shops was one that had a long arm on the top that could span the two LCAs.

So... what I've done is use a floor jack under the K-frame with a 2 x 4 that distributes the weight a little better and used jack stands under the LCAs or the front frame rails.
 
sam z

sam z

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Yeah, I had read page 7 as well and that's what had me second
guessing the k-frame thing.

I like the 2x4 idea.

I posted a few months back on an electrical headache that many of
you replied on. I think I have it nailed now. At a few inopportune times
my car just won't start, all you get is a "click." Go under the hood, tap
the wire to starter and nearby grounds and remarkably it starts. Gonna
handle this nuisance today I think.
 
Roadcuda

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I've done it both ways. If I'm just lifting the front end I'll do one at at time using the LCAs. If I'm lifting the whole car I'll start with the back on some strong ramps I have, then I'll use the k-member to lift the front at one time and put the stands under the LCAs. I've always taken my time and have had no problems.
 
69hemibeep

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I always use a 2x4 when lifting but now that its pretty, I add a piece of carpet on top :yesnod:
 
Roadcuda

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69hemibeep said:
I always use a 2x4 when lifting but now that its pretty, I add a piece of carpet on top :yesnod:
Click to expand...
That's all on top of the floor jack,,,,,,,,,,right? :devil:
 
Big John

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I keep a couple old hockey pucks in my toolbox for use with the jack too.
 
Basketcase

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Roadcuda said:
69hemibeep said:
I always use a 2x4 when lifting but now that its pretty, I add a piece of carpet on top :yesnod:
Click to expand...
That's all on top of the floor jack,,,,,,,,,,right? :devil:
Click to expand...



:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
 
C

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Is it OK to use my floor jack to raise the car at the front and rear frame rails and then put jack stands there? Also can I raise the rear of the car by lifting under the rear differential and put jack stands under the axle tubes?
 
droptop

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I have always used the K member as a jacking point, but I never use the LCA for jack stands. I want the car to be un-sprung, so I always put the stands under the frame rails. It is a lot more secure that way.
 
Big John

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criner28 said:
Is it OK to use my floor jack to raise the car at the front and rear frame rails and then put jack stands there? Also can I raise the rear of the car by lifting under the rear differential and put jack stands under the axle tubes?
Click to expand...

I use the rear frame rails as a jacking point to change a tire or something simple where the car doesn't have to go up too high. For the front, I'll use the K-frame. Jack stands are fine under the frame rails front and rear.

At the rear, jacking under the differential is usual method for me. Depending on what I'm doing, jack stands can go under the axle tubes with no problem. Keep in mind, you can't get a wheel off with the car supported like that...

What ever I do... If I'm getting under the car, I do a couple things. First, I grab the car by the bumper and give it a shake. If the car isn't on the stands quite right, it will move a little. Next, if I take any wheels and tires off, they go under the car. If the car falls, they will fall on them and not me.

Common sense goes a long way... Remember these are old cars and some may have patched or rusty frame rails. I jacked up a Sport Fury GT once that was badly rusted. My jack was under the rear frame rail. The next thing I knew, the car fell. The rear frame rail had crumpled and the jack pushed through the floor pan and pushed the rear seat up.
 
TOMRR

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I lift from the front using the K-Member . I had it rebuilt by Firm Feel and they put a nice reinforcement plate on it . I also have a Hard Rubber pad for my floor jack and use a 2x6 to spread out the pressure. I use floor jacks under the frame rails well working on my RR but I like to keep the jack under K-Member with a little pressure on it so the body does not flex . I never leave it up on the floor stands for any long period of time. if need be I use Ramps .
 
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