Magic Jack jack points

[mytrplseven]

I recently bought a Quickjack 5000 for easier access to my undersides. After reviewing the recommended jack points diagram, does anyone have any pertinent info regarding jacking the car up with this system? It looks to me like the jack rails need to be from rear pads to the inner support rails. Is this correct or is there more info out there from someone who has used this system successfully?

[cfassett]

Next time I’m down in FL, I’ll bring my little Harbor Freight Jack, and we can swap. HF Jack is best used on the frame rail.

Sorry. Couldn’t resist. I’d love to have a Magic Jack! So jealous.

[nize]

i posted in the faq thread but will copy here for posterity:
if the magic jack is like the 'quickjack' which is basically two platforms that lift the vehicle along each side, it will damage the plastic body side skirts because they hang lower than the 951 frame - i learned this the hard way when a tire shop used them many years ago. it looks like it comes with some type of rubber blocks to contact the lift points, as long as those line up to contact the correct lift points and provide enough clearance so the side skirts don't touch the jack platform you should be okay. image for clarity.

[mytrplseven]

I can't believe I used the wrong name. It IS the quick jack 5000. The advertisement says it's proper one for Porsches but may not have considered the 944. Looking for guidance here. It has rubber blocks that stacked can get up to 4 inches of penetration. As such the car can be lifted up to 23 inches with mechanical locks on the rails. Takes about 30 minutes to hook up the power unit and raise the car.

[nize]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

Takes about 30 minutes to hook up the power unit and raise the car.

so it takes longer than using regular jacks and jackstands? why is it called the 'quick' jack?

[7B944]

I finally got the 5000 late last year. It does take a while to get set-up, but lifts both sides at same time with no running around with jacks, ramps or stands. Really is great when you need to lower and raise up again. For the 951, I angled it in at front to catch the frame rails. Just be sure to be clear of the side skirts. Also, works great for my Vette.

[mytrplseven]

Originally Posted by nize

so it takes longer than using regular jacks and jackstands? why is it called the 'quick' jack?

Doing one side at a time is torquing the body and is a pain. Plus I can raise it up to nearly 24 inches. Well worth the speedy operation and no jack stands needed.

[flatyre]

Originally Posted by 7B944

I finally got the 5000 late last year. It does take a while to get set-up, but lifts both sides at same time with no running around with jacks, ramps or stands. Really is great when you need to lower and raise up again. For the 951, I angled it in at front to catch the frame rails. Just be sure to be clear of the side skirts. Also, works great for my Vette.

I am also thinking of getting a QJ500 and considered doing the same as you. But wouldn't angling them make the contact points move sideways when lifting? the whole upper part is moving forward when lifting, right? Wouldn't that be a problem if they are not parallel?

[7B944]

Not a problem. The upper part is one piece and does move....forward or back depending on orientation to vehicle. Raise Quickjack to point where lifting blocks are nearly in contact with vehicle lift points to check alignment before proceeding with lift.

[nize]

Originally Posted by flatyre

I am also thinking of getting a QJ500 and considered doing the same as you. But wouldn't angling them make the contact points move sideways when lifting? the whole upper part is moving forward when lifting, right? Wouldn't that be a problem if they are not parallel?

this is a good point, because these jacks do not lift straight up, they must be parallel to each other to prevent the contact points from changing positions while lifting.

[mytrplseven]

They actually do lift straight up. Once they are all in contact with the jack points, they don't move.

[Fast Freddy 944]

I think I have the smaller quick jack, my car is longer than the top surface, Im worried I will end up in a floor pan and it might tear it up. So I just use my magic jack as a cycle lift. LOL!!!

[nize]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

They actually do lift straight up. Once they are all in contact with the jack points, they don't move.

they do *not* lift straight up; they follow an arc as seen in this video:
https://youtu.be/iWC0gWLWaDY?t=40

if the two jacks are not parallel to each other, the contact points will change between the up/down positions. i've attached my highly technical diagrams that explain this:

side view:


top view: