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Author Topic: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift  (Read 3734 times)

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Offline cgbdrummer

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Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« on: August 06, 2013, 12:52:22 AM »
I have a '79 Pinto Coupe and I was wondering if someone could help me figure out where I can put my jack to lift the front end? This will be my first time ever changing the oil myself in a car. I tried jacking from the A frame right behind the tires but it seemed like the A frame was bending to much. I tried to find the notches on my car by looking at the manual, but I couldn't really figure out where they were. If anyone could maybe upload a picture or maybe even a diagram of some kind, that would be very helpful.


 I know that this is a very noob-ish post, but I am trying to learn more about my car and cars in general and I would like to be able to learn how to do most things myself and not have to rely on someone else.


Thanks

Offline 78_starsky

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2013, 09:32:37 AM »
hi,   FIRST!!!!  Do not trust a jack by climbing under a car with ONLY a jack holding it up.  Too many people get squashed from a jack slipping.

what type of jack are you going/planning on using?  the small scissors style should ONLY be used in emergencies for swapping tires. NEVER trust them for reefing on stuff while under your car.

When i go under my car (which is frequent) I use a 2ton floor jack under the main flat bar that goes under the oil pan, what it is called I don't know.  then after the car is as high as i need it, I will put blocks (or jack stands) under the A-frames to hold the weight and giving enough clearances to work under it.  sometimes i will place blocks under all 4 tires if need be to raise it all up.  i have made some special style blocks that snuggly hold the tires.  after the car is up,  gently test it for slippage before you get under,  push on it from front and back to be sure it is secure

hope this helps.... remember THINK SAFETY FIRST!!!!

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2013, 10:34:15 AM »
I love ramps for oil changes. I have 3 ton & 6 ton versions.
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Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2013, 11:29:52 AM »
Two ton jack stands under rear end housing and A-frames, wouldn't consider any less if I'm going under it..
Art
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Offline ToniJ1960

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2013, 06:33:27 PM »
 I always put a floor jack under the main cross piece its pretty sturdy. Then I put jackstands under that cross beam on each side, and let the jack down just far enough that the stands are holding the weight and the the jack is still snug some. The problem is usually trying to get the car back up high enough later to get the stands out because after I take them out and let the jack down, the car still sits on the jack some. I have lifted up the front enough to pull it out myself, but its a contortion trying to pull it out while Im lifting, and Im getting kind of old. I probably need a better jack.

 But, to change my oil, all I do is slide a drain pain under the drain plug , take the bolt out, go up on top and remove the filter and let it drain that way. Then put the new filter in, slide out the drain pain put the bolt back in and add t he oil,

 Is that a not so good way of doing it? I had my 1978 wagon for 27 years and ALWAYS do my own oil changes. Noone puts anything in that motor but me. My first Pinto had some issues right after I took it to some cheapo quicky oil change place that had all kids working at it. Never again.

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2013, 08:12:58 PM »
If you can get at the filter from the top don't see any reason to jack up the vehicle.
Art
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Offline D.R.Ball

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2013, 08:16:44 PM »
Use the front cross member not the so called "A" frames, they are just for the front suspension not to jack up the car.  Get the owners manual or a maintenance manual like a Haynes etc. or buy a copy of the Ford Manual .Do not use the jack that is with the spare tire, that is just to change the tires only, go to Auto zone they have a  nice floor jack and jack stand package for about $40.00 or so or go to Sears or Harbor Freight.

Offline cgbdrummer

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2013, 09:48:26 PM »
Yeah I've got a Craftsman 3 Ton jack and stands. But thanks everyone for all the replies!

So the spot between the two bolts would be strong enough to jack? Then just put the stands under the bolts maybe?

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2013, 09:58:53 PM »
I like putting the stands at the spot the control arms meet the crossmember. That prevents slipping
'73 Sedan (I'll get to it)
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Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2013, 10:07:48 PM »
The best place is where you feel the safest..
Art
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Offline bbobcat75

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2013, 07:10:57 AM »
DONT FORGET TO BLOCK OR CHOCK THE REAR TIRES WHEN RAISING THE FRONT OR VICE VERSA FOR THE RAISING THE REAR! I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THEM WILL STILL ROLL!
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Offline r4pinto

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Re: Safe Jacking Point for Front End Lift
« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2013, 12:08:34 PM »
I love ramps for oil changes. I have 3 ton & 6 ton versions.

The ramps have never let me down on my Pontiac but the Pinto, not so much. Can't seem to get the car up on the ramp so I can change the oil. Keeps kicking them out from under the car.
Matt Manter
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