Jacking a 83' SC
 

Hi Guys,

I purchased a craftsman floor jack this weekend. I have plans to reapaint the wheels. Anyway, this jack goes up 15 1/2 inches, but still will not lift the wheels off the ground. Is this typical? Do I need to buy a jack with higher lift? Is there something wrong with the suspension components that allow the wheels to drop/sag that far down? Thanks

How low is the car? I have a Craftsman jack as well. I use a 2x4 on the jack pad under the engine to give me just enough height to get the wheels off. My car is low 24" floor to fender lip in the rear.

Take it back. Get one that goes up 19 inches. That is pretty standard. I have the Craftsman 3 ton, and it is great. You can always use a block of wood or two when jacking, just make sure you get your jack stands under it as soon as its up.

I just checked, and right now, $88 gets you a 3-ton, jack stands, and a creeper from Sears. That is a good deal.
(Raises to 19 3/4")

Stay away from the SUV jacks, though, with the 3-pump to chassis features. I have always found them to be hokey.

Doug

Thanks Doug,
The reason I went to Sears was to get the SUV jack, and then I came across the one I bought, $50 w/ jack stands. I will check on the one you mentioned

In the world of floor jacks, more is better with respect to range. Of course you could go to the extreme like I did....almost 32" of lift and was on sale for $119.00 at HF. Yeah it's large and heavy at 127 lbs but it gets the job done!

Check it out...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/273706-harbor-freight-long-frame-jack.html

Yeah,
I know I am a novice, but HF rocks. For your basic mechanic, the stuff has been good. I checked them for floor jacks, but feel much more confident with Craftsman. Thanks for all replies. I am glad nobody told me my shocks were toast.

Take a close look at your Craftsman jack and you might be a bit surprised by where it was manufactured at! I betcha a beer it wasn't built in the good ole U.S. of A!

If you don't plan on transporting it too far, Costco sells a 3.5 ton for about $70. Heavy as lead and probably made in the made part of the world as your Craftsman. You could go "top shelf" and buy the one Pelican sells.

If you don't plan on transporting it too far, Costco sells a 3.5 ton for about $70. Heavy as lead and probably made in the made part of the world as your Craftsman. You could go "top shelf" and buy the one Pelican sells.