frame flex with floor jack normal?

[The motor guy]

I tried years ago to jack up my truck and the frame flexed a ton before the truck even started lifting up I was afraid I was going to bend the frame. Maybe I had it too far back idk.

Opinions? I also realized the jack wasn't going to lift it high enough get the front tires off the ground anyways, once it takes all the travel out of the shocks.

 

[supton]

Where was the lift point? and what was the vehicle? Older vehicles flexed quite a bit.

Not sure what your jack is but I have stacked wood on the jack to get enough range--probably wiser to crib up underneath the jack, laying down 2x10's or whatever, long enough that the jack can do its rolling thing. Or preferably get a bottle jack with lots of lift. Only problem is, with lots of flex, you start to worry about if the angle changes and if anything is going to go flying--might want to not use a bottle jack then.

 

[The motor guy]

This was my 2007 Dodge ram 2500 diesel. Has all that weight up front, from the engine

 

[The motor guy]

Usually I lift under the control arm because you don't have to life it far.

 

[The motor guy]

Where was the lift point? and what was the vehicle? Older vehicles flexed quite a bit.

Not sure what your jack is but I have stacked wood on the jack to get enough range--probably wiser to crib up underneath the jack, laying down 2x10's or whatever, long enough that the jack can do its rolling thing. Or preferably get a bottle jack with lots of lift. Only problem is, with lots of flex, you start to worry about if the angle changes and if anything is going to go flying--might want to not use a bottle jack then.

I lift it about where the middle of the front door was. Maybe 12" back before it turns upwards towards the wheel well

 

[supton]

I lift it about where the middle of the front door was. Maybe 12" back before it turns upwards towards the wheel well

I used to do that on my Tundra, it took a mile to get it up. Unlike the rear, if I went right under the axle perch.

 

[atikovi]

I lift it about where the middle of the front door was. Maybe 12" back before it turns upwards towards the wheel well

I'd say that's too near the middle of the truck. Doesn't the owners manual show the correct lift points?

 

[totegoat]

I lifted my diesel Rams from under the axle.

 

[The motor guy]

I lifted my diesel Rams from under the axel.

Mines 2wd doesn't have a solid axle

 

[totegoat]

Mines 2wd doesn't have a solid axle

Ah, didn't know there was such a thing.

 

[The motor guy]

Ah, didn't know there was such a thing.

Been around for 100 years. Wishbone suspension.

 

[bullwinkle]

I’ve lifted them (with a decent size saddle floor jack) under the shock mount on the control arm. Especially if you’re just changing a tire.

 

[The motor guy]

I’ve lifted them (with a decent size saddle floor jack) under the shock mount on the control arm. Especially if you’re just changing a tire.

Yes, but I'm going to do the brakes and want a jack stand under it.

 

[atikovi]

Yes, but I'm going to do the brakes and want a jack stand under it.

The problem with that is the place where you jack it from is also the place you want to place the stand at. Can't you jack it at the frame by the bumper? Less chance of bending the frame.

 

[wpod]

Yes indeed flex is normal.

 

[andyd]

You chose the worst lift spot on the whole truck. Does the door open and close OK ? I would refer to the manual . Look for the section on how to change a tire? When I needed to raise my Camry on one side, I asked google and got several informative videos to guide me.

 

[eljefino]

Flex is very normal. My 3rd gen Firebird w/ T-tops had LOTS of flex. The cross member under the oil pan is usually a good spot up front on 2wd trucks.

Don't lift by the lower control arm if the spring doesn't rest on it (or the torsion bar.)

 

[vavavroom]

"I'm giving her all she's got, Captain! She cannae take anymorrre. The Enterprise, she's flexing!"

 

[The motor guy]

You chose the worst lift spot on the whole truck. Does the door open and close OK ? I would refer to the manual . Look for the section on how to change a tire? When I needed to raise my Camry on one side, I asked google and got several informative videos to guide me.

I stopped before i got to that point. The door was hung up a tad when i opened it. Keep in mind this was uears ago and the truck still rides fine. It's what it says in the manual. I may have been a tad further back, but luje the other guy said it's sometimes hard to fit

 

[Soft Cars]

The way I read the thread title is the jack's frame is flexing. I was already to recommend a new floor jack.