First time on Jack Stands -- Placement Question

[panoz7]

Just jacked up my targa for the first time. If you wouldn't mind, could you take a look at this picture and let me know if this placement for the jackstands is safe?:



The 101 project books says the torsen bar covers are the best place for the jackstand, so I'm less concerned with where the jackstands are vs. how the torsen bar covers are resting on them. I'm using esco jackstands, and it seems like the car is only resting on about half of the top of the stand. Is that safe? For what it's worth, I pushed the car pretty hard and it won't budge. Better safe than sorry though.

Thanks for your help!

[S2GART]

That should be fine. Admittedly I have never seen jack stands like that, but if she hasn't dropped by now........ I don't quite get the design of the "cradle" of those stands. Those will work for where you have them, but I wouldn't want those used on a flat or broad surface.

[rokemester]

Like those fancy jack stands! Time to get those babies dirty

[schumicat]

that's the right place but I don't think it is ideal that the weight is all on one side. more typical stands (narrower top part) the weight is centered over the stand.

[westcoast911]

I vote for making this a sticky? Its the question I have always wanted to ask but never have. Whenever my car goes into a tire shop I cringe.

While we are at it, what are the best locations front and rear to support the car, and if not using the jack plates from the stock location, what are the safe points to be jacking from?

Thanks

[panoz7]

Originally Posted by schumicat

that's the right place but I don't think it is ideal that the weight is all on one side. more typical stands (narrower top part) the weight is centered over the stand.

That's my concern. These stands are sold by our hosts (link) so I'm hoping someone else with the same stands might be able to chime in.

I'm pretty paranoid about being crushed, so I went with the best quality jack stands I could find. The best jack stand in the world is no good if it's improperly used though, which is why I'm nervous.

[Baby]

Yep, you got it right.

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by westcoast911

I vote for making this a sticky? Its the question I have always wanted to ask but never have. Whenever my car goes into a tire shop I cringe.

While we are at it, what are the best locations front and rear to support the car, and if not using the jack plates from the stock location, what are the safe points to be jacking from?

Thanks

I use the transmission crossmember to jack my car up. Never have had any issues...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/Porsche-911-technical-forum/608219-transmission-crossmember.html

[redstrosekNic]

Another +1 for using the correct location

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by schumicat

that's the right place but I don't think it is ideal that the weight is all on one side. more typical stands (narrower top part) the weight is centered over the stand.

+1 I don't like it. If I had to use those jack stands they'd be under the torsion tubes, inside the frame rails. -J

[jkevinc]

If they we're mine, and if i wanted to use them on those stubby covers, i would take a metal cut off wheel on a grider and make at least one side of the saddle narrower.

[SoCalSK8r]

+1

Originally Posted by jkevinc

if they we're mine, and if i wanted to use them on those stubby covers, i would take a metal cut off wheel on a grider and make at least one side of the saddle narrower.

[KFC911]

I'm not crazy about how those stands "cradle" either. Regardless of method, if the wheels come off the car, place them underneath the tub (for example) or have a backup floor jack or something in place in case of a failure. I don't ever crawl under my car without a backup in place...be safe!

[Smoove1010]

Here's a good thread on the subject - it starts off with a reminder about why this is a topic that's not to be taken lightly.
Jack stand accident while under a Porsche....

[panoz7]

Thanks for the input guys. I jacked her up last night and changed the oil for the first time. To be safe, I put the jackstands on the torsen bars inside the frame rails. Worked like a charm.