Floor Jack

[Robert]

I have a concern as to where to place the floor jack to change the oil in my '84. The repair manual is not very specific as to what points are safe. It just says to watch out for the catalytic converter.

Thanks

 

[JonM]

In the front....under the crossmember below the engine...Then use jackstands on the same cressmember. As for the rear, lots of folks use this pad-

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Fits between rear end and exhaust pipe. Replace the head of any jack with a 1-1/8 inch diameter post hole. You can get one at corvettecentral.com part # 104605 [/font]

 

[vader86]

If you look at the rocker panels behind the front tires, youll see two little triangles, just behind them is the jackpoint on the frame. Likewise, just in front of the rear tires.

Jack-a-vette is for jacking the entire rear end, if you need to do that.

The reason they say to watch for the cats is that the precats are sitting right beside the jackpoint in front.

Some people will open the hood, the doors and the rear hatch because of the chassis flex when jacking the car up.

 

[Paul G]

The car sits too low for me to get my floor jack under the front end. I would have to jack one side at a time. Too much work!

So I took two 2x12's about 2' long, screwed a short piece of 2x4 under one end of each and use them as ramps. I drive up on them till the front tire is over the 2x4 on the end (2x4 side down on the concrete of course). This gives me enough clearence to get the floor jack under the cross member as stated above. Then I can jack the whole front up at once.

 

[JonM]

Walmart has Riano Ramps for 18.75

 

[Robert]

Thanks to all who helped.

The oil has been changed. Now to go out and add the K&N.

Robert

 

[Vettefan87]

Some people will open the hood, the doors and the rear hatch because of the chassis flex when jacking the car up.

I would always do this. fiberglass is not pretty when it flexes.

 

[plumcrazy]

i am so glad i have a pit

 

[vetteboy86]

I dont really mind jacking the car up. I can get the whole car up on stands in no time, however it is the next part I hate. Laying under a car on jackstands is not one of my favorite things to do. I also so unlatch the hood, and open the doors when jacking. Be careful if you open the doors, leave them latched so they dont swing open and hit something.


Craig

 

[Vettefan87]

Yea I kind of have a similar phobia. I am fine until I think about the car falling, but when that thought enters my head, then I slowly creep out so just my arm is under the car. Yes I know kind of stupid :L

 

[G Winter]

I have some blocks to put under the tires, not as much chance of getting crushed. And I block the back wheels if they are on the ground .

 

[vetteboy86]

I have seen a few people put the tires and rims under the jackpoints of the car. I guess if it does fall you can get out okay. If you are skinny that is.


craig

 

[Robert]

That's what I do...add blocks under the tires. It still would hurt if it fell....but I wouldn't be crushed. That isn't a pretty thing.

 

[Paul G]

I dont understand the big deal about the car falling. Put it down on jack stands before you ever get under it. Once on stands you can remove the floor jack completely if you choose to. That is the only safe way to ever get under a car.


Paul