Best Frame Location For Jack Stands

[gnet158]

Ok, sorry if this sounds dumb but when I changed the oil I jacked one side of the truck up at a time and placed the jack stands on the frame rails. A buddy of mine said I could use the frames cross members too. But I wasn’t sure if that’s such a good idea. Can I or do I run the risk of the cross member failing and having the truck crush me? Thanks!

[Bish]

Ok, sorry if this sounds dumb but when I changed the oil I jacked one side of the truck up at a time and placed the jack stands on the frame rails. A buddy of mine said I could use the frames cross members too. But I wasn’t sure if that’s such a good idea. Can I or do I run the risk of the cross member failing and having the truck crush me? Thanks!

 

I always use the primary frame rails (front to back). Just behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear. Sometimes when I'm doing brakes, I will jack stand the rear axle. 6,000lbs is an awful lot to fall and crush you if you pick the wrong spot I'm not saying using the crossmember is bad, just saying why take the chance.

[1990ss]

^ What he said.

[Zembonez]

I found it easy to slip under my truck in the garage without any kind of jack. There was plenty of room. (and I am not a little guy) My oil change took all of abuot 6 minutes.

[VMax2007]

I use car ramps, but since they are formed/spot welded sheet metal, I do not trust them with my life, so I place jack stands under the A-arms just in case. I can almost sit up under there.

[Biggie]

the clown said it, who needs jack stands when the truck is already high enough off the ground?

[az'03Silverado]

I use Rhino Ramps for oil changes but when I need to take the wheels off I use a bottle jack on the little frame tab (it's a 4x2) and then put a jack stand under the frame rails. Then repeat for the other side. For the rear I put the floor jack under the diff and then use jack stands on the axle housing. I've never had any problems with it.