Use 4 Jack Stands To Prop Up Your Car?

[RayCJ]

When I do a cross-rotation (front wheel drive car w/non-directional tires) I lift the rear with 2 jacks and switch once side to the the other. Only 3 lug nuts are moderately snugged-down on each side. Next, one rear side is lowered and the jack is used to lift the front end of the other side. Now, the one side is fully lifted and the tires are switched front-to-back and the lug nuts are properly torqued. The jacks are now used to lift the other side where those tires are switched front to back and lug nuts torqued. Whole process takes maybe 10-15 minutes...

Doing it this way is one small extra step but, I really don't like putting a car up on 4 stands because my driveway is far from level.

Ray

 

[Propflux01]

Originally Posted by rooflessVW
4 jack stands is fine, I do it all the time. It's just as stable if not more stable as having the car on a lift.

This. I start on one side, then lift the other.

 

[eljefino]

I'm only on 4 jack stands for "major repairs" such as cat-back exhausts or body work that requires wheels-off like new rocker panels.

I use the central jacking points to lift then lower onto the stands-- frame rails in front, pinch welds in rear of your typical FWD unibody.

Just rotating tires, I don't see why you don't put a pair of jack stands under one axle and the jack under the 3rd lifting point. You're not crawling under the car-- just doing wheel work. While I'm at it, I don't see why you can't just go all summer on one rotation then mark the tires and "rotate" them next spring at their next installation point. Or come up with a hybrid Front-to-rear on one side only you can do mid-july if you rack up the miles-- it goes much faster. Cars are so stiff now if you jack 12-18 inches rear of the firewall you can lift the whole side.

I have had cars where the frame is so stiff I don't realize there isn't much weight on one (rear) stand until I give them the safety grab n' shake.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You're not really getting under the car during a tire rotation, so it shouldn't be that bad.

 

[JeffKeryk]

For a quick rotation in the garage, I use 3 floor jacks. Remember from High School Geometry, any 3 points forms a plane.
2 front; 1 rear. I do not crawl under the car...
My worry would be your driveway slope.
I would lift 1 side at a time with tire chalks.

 

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted by LotI
The garage is for cars, make room.


Exactly. I would never try to raise a vehicle up on a inclined surface. Not worth the risk.

 

[DONWATERS]

I do 4 jack stands for clutch and tranny repairs. I put the tires under there sometimes for extra confidence-if it falls off you can crawl out. Also be wary on asphalt, not as stable as concrete.