i hope this is not the wrong place to ask. can someone post a diagram for good points on the frame etc. where the jack and jack stands should be on a 68? i just got a nifty little hydraulic jack that will lift 4000 pounds, but i need to be sure about where i should put it. thanks a bunch to everyone.

do you have a service manual many auto store have them

You can place a jack in several different places under the frame or control arms to lift the car, depending on what you're intending to do.

Just use common sense.

If you're unsure about stability of the jack or jacksands also and where you've placed them, a wheel(on it's side) or another stable block, etc. under another part of the frame/car is a good idea.....in a freak accident, it may just save your life. Preparation is always good, especially when you're laying under something heavy.

If you're under the car, DO NOT support it with the hydraulic jack only, use jackstands and for more safety, the jack as a failsafe or your wheel, wood block, etc.

I like to jack the car up under the front crossmember and by the rear differential(if you have a sway bar, make sure you don't jack it up by that), placing the jackstands under the wide part of the frame just behind the front wheels and either under the rear axle tubes or rear frame rails between the rear wheels and the rear bumper....there are stampings(1 on each side) on the bottom side of the frame in the rear that one of the jackstand points can sit in, making it more stable.

placing the jackstands under the wide part of the frame just behind the front wheels and either under the rear axle tubes or rear frame rails between the rear wheels and the rear bumper.


I use the same points, meaty part of the frame just behind front wheels, right before where it curves up to where control arms mount. On the rear side though I use the similar area just before it curves up to go over the rear wheels, in front of the rear end.

Everything is boxed there and I sort of trust it more than behind the rear end on the frame where its thinner.

I use the same points, meaty part of the frame just behind front wheels, right before where it curves up to where control arms mount. On the rear side though I use the similar area just before it curves up to go over the rear wheels, in front of the rear end.

Everything is boxed there and I sort of trust it more than behind the rear end on the frame where its thinner.

I agree with Mike and Beaux as far as locations go, BUT, if you are going to place jack stands behind the front wheels without supporting the crossmember or the frame horns, the weight of your engine will flex the frame enough to cause an imperceptible sag. Don't open your front doors or you will be touching up the paint on the leading edge.

I put them where the fram turns in in front of the rear wheels and behind the fronts. Also, the rear axle tubes and front control arms are fair game.

I agree with Mike and Beaux as far as locations go, BUT, if you are going to place jack stands behind the front wheels without supporting the crossmember or the frame horns, the weight of your engine will flex the frame enough to cause an imperceptible sag. Don't open your front doors or you will be touching up the paint on the leading edge.

Good point.

No engine or front clip on my car at this time. Only the rear end under the frame (separated from body) and full suspension up front. No tires, frame is boxed so I have the stands in front of the rear end on the frame in the spot mentioned and up front behind where the front wheels would be. I have tunnel vision and didnt think about those that have stuff up front where I have lots of air. :D

Make sure you crack your door open if you need to open with it on the stands. I didnt and went to open my pass door one time and put some very nice chips in my fender and door and im sure the panel may need to be repainted because of it. I put my stands in the same locations as above.

all great stuff! thanks everybody--and safety first. they taught me that in the army with some pretty gross pictures, and i saw a guy get killed once walking right into the tail rotor blade of a helicopter.

If you can access a factory service manual, it shows the lifting and hoisting points and procedures, I can copy my '65 manual this weekend if you still will want them. No need to guess when the factory recommendations exist in print.

When I jack the front of my car up I always put the jack stands under the lower A-arms so I dont have all that weight hanging on the front of the frame. I also leave the jack under it whenever it wont be in the way of what I'm doing.

Matt

I agree with team member Mike with the exception of jacking on the rear diff. I caused a leak in one when the inspection plate bent slightly doing the same.
I like and use Mike's idea of putting the car on stands and leaving the jack as a fail-safe. I once had a friend whose 69 lemans came off a bumper stand and broke the cinder block he had under it. He turned his head in the nick of time and only ended up with a cracked skull and about 30 stiches...The Good Lord was apparently under the car with him that day.
Be Carefull! Our hobby can be deadly if not!
Tom
64SS

all great tips, and I usually put a put a piece of 2 x 4" wood block on my jack and jack stand. The wood can crush and fit better, with less wear on either my floor jacks or jack stands.

I agree with Mike and Beaux as far as locations go, BUT, if you are going to place jack stands behind the front wheels without supporting the crossmember or the frame horns, the weight of your engine will flex the frame enough to cause an imperceptible sag. Don't open your front doors or you will be touching up the paint on the leading edge.

I vouch. i think this is why my pass door will not open still in prog.... so i have not put it on the ground hope the pass. door will open when i set her back down:confused:.. jacks up behind the a-arms no support on the crossmember bb chevy in there.... wish me luck and best of luck to you!!! James