Very basic questions about jack, jack stands.

[ymc226]

I just started changing the oil myself on my 1995 LR Defender which I can do without jacking up the truck.

I want to start doing it on my 2008 Chevy Suburban which on internet search is a little over 3 tons.

I'm probably going to get this jack and these stands on Amazon.

Powerzone 3 ton aluminum jack
Torin 3 ton Double locking Jack stands

My questions are:
1. Is the 3 ton model enough for both the jack and stands or should I get a heavier rated product for a safety margin.
2. I want to put jack stands on both the front and rear of the truck. I've looked at various Youtube videos but still am not completely clear on where to initially place the jack in able to put the stands on the front (both sides) and then the rear (both sides). I see that I should place the stands on the frame right behind the front wheel and on the frame right before the rear wheel.

 

[DriveHard]

I have a 3 ton jack and stands for my Silverado Crew Cab, and they do just fine.

My understanding is that the stands are rated for 3 tons PER PAIR...not individually. Remember that even a pair of stands is only supporting at most a little over 50% of the vehicle weight. So if you have a 4 ton vehicle, but only lift the front or back, you are only supporting a little over 2 tons by the pair. It is this reasoning that I feel safe using a pair of 3 ton stands to lift half of a three ton vehicle.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

Get jack stands or jacks that are rated for 200% of your anticipated lift weight.

 

[demarpaint]

If the truck is a little over 3 tons, I'd get a 4 ton set. Jack stands weight rating is for a pair of stands, so you're 3 ton set would not be safe for the job. Granted in theory you're only supporting half the vehicle, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: ymc226
I just started changing the oil myself on my 1995 LR Defender which I can do without jacking up the truck.

I want to start doing it on my 2008 Chevy Suburban which on internet search is a little over 3 tons.

I'm probably going to get this jack and these stands on Amazon.

Powerzone 3 ton aluminum jack
Torin 3 ton Double locking Jack stands

My questions are:
1. Is the 3 ton model enough for both the jack and stands or should I get a heavier rated product for a safety margin.
2. I want to put jack stands on both the front and rear of the truck. I've looked at various Youtube videos but still am not completely clear on where to initially place the jack in able to put the stands on the front (both sides) and then the rear (both sides). I see that I should place the stands on the frame right behind the front wheel and on the frame right before the rear wheel.

• 
  
  
  The first question has been answered- 3 tons should be fine for doing either end of the vehicle, though more margin is always a very good thing when lifting vehicles over your head. Not a fan of aluminum jacks personally, either. I'd get an old-school steel monster- yes I know its like pushing a boat anchor around.
  
  On the second question- why would you raise both ends for an oil change? Leave the rear wheels on the ground, and raise the front placing the jackstands under the frame rails. I would feel much more comfortable with one end in the air than both, although I've raised a vehicle onto 4 jackstands before when doing driveline work. Its not having both ends in the air that's unnerving, its GETTING the second end off the ground with a jack while the other end is now pivoting on the two jackstands already placed- I go very, very slowly with that operation! Once its on 4 stands, it should be solid as a rock.
  
  But for an oil change, there's no need- especially since a Suburban is almost high enough to change without stands at all.
  
  You could also consider ramps for the front, which is what I do for oil changes.

 

[Nick1994]

You aren't putting the entire weight of the vehicle on 2 stands, so 3 tons will work but they might not be tall enough.

If all you're doing is changing oil, I don't see why you'd need a jack and jack stands. I change the oil on my grandmother's Chevy Trailblazer and don't need a jack or jack stands.

 

[sasilverbullet]

My .02 on the raising one end - it depends on where the oil drain plug is. On some vehicles, raising the front will not let all the oil drain, on others, it makes it better.

 

[Kawiguy454]

the truck weighs 3 tons dead lift weight. Just the front lifted on 2 - 3 ton jack-stands is half of that. If you're worried lift the truck, place the stands then lower the jack until some weight is on them and keep the jack loaded as well. I do this way all the time.

For whoever thinks 3 tons is between 2 jacks where on the label does it say that? a 3 ton jack-stand should hold 3 tons ...just like my old skewl steel jack (Singular) holds 6 tons.

 

[The_Jeff]

Make your own ramps from 2x8s.

 

[Merkava_4]

If all you're doing is changing oil, get the Rhino Ramps. Much easier than jack stands.

 

[Kestas]

I'm with eljefino. I use a number of 2 x 12s screwed together and stacked like a pyramid. I feel quite safe with this setup.

 

[cat843]

If the wheels are staying on the vehicle for the repair, then always use ramps. But you should be able to get under a Suburban with no ramps. Suck it in and slide under.

My 1993 Suburban (1500) was about 6000 lbs.

While a heavy capacity jack may sound nice its a PIA to move around and you cannot easily pick it up like you can a 1 1/2 ton jack. I often carry a jack out onto the dirt driveway. Then put blocks under it.

Bottle jacks are also good. Inexpensive.

 

[Pops1050]

ymc226, Good answers here already. If you're just changing oil ramps are the way to go. Whatever you decide if you're getting under your sub make certain it's solid. This is no place to skrimp on equipment. I like heavy steel jackstands and like eljefino like the solidness of 2 x 8's for ramps. Take your time here and think about what you're doing.

 

[Nate1979]

Originally Posted By: Kawiguy454
the truck weighs 3 tons dead lift weight. Just the front lifted on 2 - 3 ton jack-stands is half of that. If you're worried lift the truck, place the stands then lower the jack until some weight is on them and keep the jack loaded as well. I do this way all the time.

For whoever thinks 3 tons is between 2 jacks where on the label does it say that? a 3 ton jack-stand should hold 3 tons ...just like my old skewl steel jack (Singular) holds 6 tons.


The instruction manuals of the jack stand manufacturers state that stands must be used in pairs and the weight rating is for that weight evenly distributed across the two stands. Two 3 ton stands does not equal 6 tons of holding capacity. I've also read that ANSI standard is to test to 1.5x rating. Ratings of jacks which are used singly are rated accordingly to be used individually.

 

[05LGTLtd]

Get good size beefy jack stands, that way you can use them to rotate tires, etc on your Defender too.