Jack stand safety question

[Dallas56]

I finally got a floor jack and jack stands (thought about a garage lift, decided not). I meant to order two jack stands, but found out when they arrived that I ordered two pair, total of four (my mistake). So my question: Is it safe to put the entire car, front and back, up on four jack stands, or should I just lift the front or back, using just two of the stands? Manual for stands does not address this. Larry Carlson

[Dennis Mosley]

Most everyone I've known with a cobra has had the whole thing off the ground on jack stands at some point. I don't see a problem. Makes all kinds of jobs easier.

[Tommy]

I've put my Cobra up on four jack stands many times. I make a point of setting matching heights on the two on each end and then jack the car until it will sit on the stands. That precludes wobbling. After the car is on the stands and before I get beneath it, I grab the roll bar the give it a really good shake. If it's going to fall, I want it to be before I'm beneath it wrestling with a stubborn bolt.

[Great Asp]

I use all four all the time, very stable.

You should be good to go!

E

[dcdoug]

No problem at all. Be careful to make sure when you jack up the other end for the second set of stands that the floor jack rolls and you don't tip the stands on the other end.

I actually find that there are a bunch of things that I can't quite do if I don't have the extra height by having the whole car up on stands. Although using a lift is SO much nicer there are some things I try to save to be done on a friends lift.

[tcrist]

Heck, I have 6 jack stands and 2 floor jacks. No issue, I had mine on all 6 jack stands. 4 on the frame and 2 under the rear end.

[FIA-ERA]

It is always advisable to put the whole car on jack stands as I've seen cars "slide out" from just two jack stands. I usually put a tire chock under the rear tires, jack up the front end to 1/2 way, then jack the rear up as high as I need it, then adjust the front to get the car level. I usually raise the car as high as it will go as it's just easier to work on. What ever you do just don't raise it past the lock down clamps! That's when you need taller stands. The car can become very unstable and shift!

Try using a jack and a jack stands at a place like Sebring Fla, or Moroso Racetrack! Geez talk about racking your nerves! Matt

[twobjshelbys]

I was working on mine last weekend and decided I really should get stands. Where do you put them? Anyone got a diagram? I looked while I was under and sort of figured at the end of the tubes, but that does pull them in a ways.

[PNJSNAK]

Ditto like Terry said! 4 under the frame and 2 under the rear end and if it is going to be up in the air for any period of time 2 under the front suspension.
I wish I had the space for a 4 post lift. I really like that single canterlever style hyd lift, but the cost is way out of the budget. That would be the best. At 61 it is getting more difficult to get on the floor and move around under the car.
Jim

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I was working on mine last weekend and decided I really should get stands. Where do you put them? Anyone got a diagram? I looked while I was under and sort of figured at the end of the tubes, but that does pull them in a ways.

Get the poly covers for the stands and your jack if you don't have it already.

I put the stands on the main frame rails close to the front and rear cross member, unless I am doing something with the oil pan, in which case I put them farther forward on the frame so they aren't in the way.

I find the "stinger" style of stand is very stable. I don't see how the car could slip off with the frame rail cradled properly in the stand.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OTC-1772C/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PTP-19-1411/

Sears has the same stands.

I also use wheel chocks when I jack it up or if I only have one end on stands. I NEVER leave it just on the floor jack.

[Don]

Not implying these are better, same, or worse than others, but provides a reference point. I have seen jack stands made from stamped metal, which I would never use, just does not look sturdy or safe

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ck-stands.html

[CBattaglia]

Its safe as long as the base of the jack stand has a wide stance. The ones that look like a bottle jack suck and are not safe. I put mine up on all 4 often as well, I get rid of the jack to free up room to move around.

[Cobra 29]

Frequently I use two drive-on ramps to lift the front and then jack up the rear and hold it level with two jack stands on the rear frame. It nice to only jack up one end of the car.

[wetdog]

The poly pads are 9.00 @ harbor freight WD