Stupid question about jacking the front of the car.

[sugarwood]

Apologies for doing this, but I just read every jacking thread ever, maybe 30 or more.
I still have a very stupid question.

The Pelican photo says to jack the FRONT by the "A-arms" but the photo is ambiguous to me.

Is the jack positioned under the big thick diagonal arm?
If you jack under the diagonal arm, it seems very unstable for a flat jacking pad.
Wouldn't it make more sense to stack 3 blocks on the left side, and 1 on the right to simulate the diagonal surface?

Or do you jack from that flat section with 2 bolts ...behind and to the left?

Thank you for a clarification.

[safe]

Behind the a-arm, that's the easiest.

You could also jack on the front a-arm mount, but that's more difficult.

I usually jack in front of the gas tank in the middle, but I have made a piece of iron to spread the weight, otherwise that's not a good idea.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by safe

Behind the a-arm, that's the easiest.

You could also jack on the front a-arm mount, but that's more difficult.

I usually jack in front of the gas tank in the middle, but I have made a piece of iron to spread the weight, otherwise that's not a good idea.

Thanks for your reply.

So, where the 2 bolts are?
Just jack there for starters?

Anyone have a photo of the front a-arm mount?
Why is that harder to jack from?

[safe]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Thanks for your reply.

So, where the 2 bolts are?
Just jack there for starters?

Anyone have a photo of the front a-arm mount?
Why is that harder to jack from?

Yes, where the 2 bolts are.

You can't miss the front mount if you look under the car. Its harder because you usually have the front rubber lip and you can't get a jack in there.

A tip is to get a pair of 2x8" (or something like that) pieces of wood to drive up on, that will give you some more room.

[SilberUrS6]

I am now starting to see why I need a low-profile jack. My jack is only barely low enough to lift on the sump plate (with a magazine as a cushion - I think the next time I do it, I'm going to buy a Cosmopolitan in Ronnie's honor, for the express purpose of using as a sump cushion.)

For reference on your question, I use Pelican's jack plate, my floor jack, and when the car is high enough, I put a jack stand under there, at the body lift point nearest where your pictured jack pad is. Then I go to the other side of the car and do the same thing.

[manbridge 74]

I'd suggest the uni-body seam somewhat behind and to the outboard side of the pic. Use a wide pad to spread the load and you'll be doing what all us service techs are doing every day on lifts all across the country(USA)...

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I am now starting to see why I need a low-profile jack. My jack is only barely low enough to lift on the sump plate (with a magazine as a cushion - I think the next time I do it, I'm going to buy a Cosmopolitan in Ronnie's honor, for the express purpose of using as a sump cushion.)

For reference on your question, I use Pelican's jack plate, my floor jack, and when the car is high enough, I put a jack stand under there, at the body lift point nearest where your pictured jack pad is. Then I go to the other side of the car and do the same thing.

This jack works great

Wait for a sale or coupon, and you'l get it for $80.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

I'd suggest the uni-body seam somewhat behind and to the outboard side of the pic. Use a wide pad to spread the load and you'll be doing what all us service techs are doing every day on lifts all across the country(USA)...

Jack from these points at the corners that are behind the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels?
For some reason, this seems milder on body flex tan using the jack hole with Pelican adapter ....

[911pcars]

Once you get the car jacked up on one side (jack point or lift location behind the front wheel), slide a 2x4 across the front under the front torsion bar mounts, then position a floor jack midway under the 2x4. Go up from there to evenly lift the front end.

Sherwood

[manbridge 74]

[QUOTE=sugarwood;8104993]Jack from these points at the corners that are behind the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels?
For some reason, this seems milder on body flex tan using the jack hole with Pelican adapter ....

Yes. But even on earlier models without the pictured "squares with holes" you can lift on the pinched body seam.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I am now starting to see why I need a low-profile jack.

Eric, unless you are on a low-cost-jack budget (not that type "jack" as we are all well aware that your budget for that is limitless!), stay away from the Harbor Freight, etc, turds and spend more to get a real tool (no, not me). The following costs much more than the HF, but is an extremely high quality piece that I wish I had started using a long time ago.

Amazon.com: Arcan ALJ2T Aluminum Floor Jack - 2 Ton Capacity: Automotive


And regarding your Cosmo purchase, the only way you would buy one of those is if I was on the cover!!!!

PS - no offence to the HF jack owners, but I've owned el cheapo jacks and there is a big difference between a turd and a not-a-turd (not just the price difference).

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

The following costs much more than the HF, but is an extremely high quality piece that I wish I had started using a long time ago.

Amazon.com: Arcan ALJ2T Aluminum Floor Jack - 2 Ton Capacity: Automotive

No, I've learned my lesson with HF pre-garbage. I won't buy from them unless it's a single-use item.

That jack isn't too bad on price. I've seen some low-profile jacks that are double that.

I'd buy the Cosmo for the make-up tips. Because you have that schitt totally figured out, and I need to learn how you make yourself look so life-like.

[safe]

If you want a really good jack that's low profile and high lifting, high quality, get the DK13HLQ, AC Jacks - Automotive Floor Jacks, Jack Stands, and Accessories - ACJACKS.com

I'we used one for many years now. I promise, its 549 well spent dollars.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I'd buy the Cosmo for the make-up tips. Because you have that schitt totally figured out, and I need to learn how you make yourself look so life-like.

No make-up here - just all natural sexy, bub!!!!