Jacking up a truck to rotate the tires...

sgiangregorio · September 26, 2003

I've always been a bit nervous to put my truck (2002 Z71 Tahoe) up on 4 jackstands when I rotate the tires (always do it myself). Since I only put the stands on the frame, the truck is pretty high off the ground in order to get the tires off the ground so I can get em off. And since my driveway leans a little (small angle) it makes me more nervous.

So I usually do one side (front to back, and temporarily put the back in the front) then lower it, raise the other side, do that side, then lift the front and flip the tires.

It's a PITA process. Anyone have an idea for a better way? Ever lifted your truck under the suspension arm? Seems like it's not a good place, since all the weight of the vehicle is rested on those 4 points now, but I see some mechanics do it. I guess it's no different than when the vehicle is sitting on the tires. Anyway, this lift spot would raise the tires a lot quicker since the whole suspension wouldn't extend...

What about big blocks of wood under the frame? More stable than jack stands I would think.

I have a 3 ton commercial floor jack, the compressor, impact wrench, etc. So the job would go a heck of a lot faster if I could find a way to get her up in the air all at once, and feel safe about it.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!

hvac1000 · September 26, 2003

I just take my truck to a good tire dealer and watch them rotate them. I make sure they do not impact them.

k1500chevy97 · September 26, 2003

If your doing it yourself jacking it up is the only way . unless you want to go buy yourself a lift

You could also try putting the jackstands under the rear axle instead of the frame

lrymal · September 26, 2003

I just take my truck to a good tire dealer and watch them rotate them. I make sure they do not impact them.

Same here. A a good reputable tire service center has the equipment and knows the rotation pattern. Typically, after your initial balance/rotation, they'll do the service without fee for the life of the vehicle, depending on the tire service center.

asepgrad98 · September 26, 2003

put one jack stand on each side of the frame near the front, then jack up the rear differential to lift both rears at once. And you CAN lift front by lower control arm without hurting it

LARSONEM · September 26, 2003

I've always done mine the same way as above. One jack stand under each front side, then the floor jack under the differential. I've never had any problems. Yea a hoist would work really nice, but most of us don't have that kind of setup, so we have to do what works.

Moving tires on one side and temporarily moving a tire is a pain. Do it all in one pass.

toddgotfish · September 26, 2003

may ba a little easier if you rotated the fifth tire(spare)

that way you could go from one to another and not

have a tempo mount

of course i know not many do this

i personally have the lifetime rotate and balance

just my 2 pennies worth

MemphisDoug · September 26, 2003

I just drive mine into by 2 post lift and lift the whole truck. That lift is a godsend when it comes to working on my vehicles!

sgiangregorio · September 26, 2003

I wish I had a lift, and if I ever build my own house, the garage will have a stairway leading down under the vehicle...and a lift!

But for now, no dice...

asepgrad98, That's what I was thinking, I just worried about it "tipping" but I could throw another set of stands as a backup of course. But when you say you list by the differential, you mean right on the axle? Seems like that would be a lot of pressure on that one point...

asepgrad98 · September 27, 2003

^ dont think it could tip with two stands in front, the differential is the cast housing in the center between the two axles.

sgiangregorio · September 27, 2003

Hmmm...don't mean to sounds stupid, as I consider myself pretty well up on the parts on my undercarriage.

But "the cast housing in the center between the two axles"? Two axles? It's a solid axle.....oh, I think I see what you mean, technically there are two axles, one for the left, one for the right, both going into the diff. Since the diff never takes pressure/weight from below like that under normal use, this is ok?

What about jackstands on the axles themselves? Is that ok?

BlackSilver · September 27, 2003

put one jack stand on each side of the frame near the front, then jack up the rear differential to lift both rears at once.

The thin skin of the differential case is not up to the stress of lifting the whole rear of the vehicle. You're likely to crumple it with this jacking method (not to mention the risk of the whole thing sliding off that precarious 3-point lift pattern could put the whole truck right in your lap).

sgiangregorio · September 27, 2003

That's what I was thinking. Perhaps if I lifted the rear by the frame and then put jack stands to support it in case it started tipping...Or maybe the opposite? Jack stand the back two sides, and lift the front on the frame cross member.

What about that?

Basically, the question is really about where to lift...the truck has to be lifted so high to get the wheels off the ground, it feels too high and "tippy".

asepgrad98 · September 27, 2003

The thin skin of the differential case is not up to the stress of lifting the whole rear of the vehicle. You're likely to crumple it with this jacking method

It is cast iron and would crack way before it "crumpled". I work in an auto shop and have seen hundreds of vehicles lifted by the diff. without incident.

MountaineerTom · September 27, 2003

When I rotate tires, I put a jack stand on each front side as far forward on the frame as I can, then lift the rear all at one time from the center of the rear end housing, then place two jack stands as far out towards the wheels as possible. Never had any problems.