# Jacking

## Introduction

Place a suitable jack under the rear differential and raise the rear of the vehicle up

Place jackstands under the rear axle tubes to support the rear of the vehicle

On 4 X 4 F-150, F-250, Expedition and Navigator models , the front crossmember is a good place to jack up the front of the vehicle

Place jackstands under the framerails on ...

... both sides to support the front of the vehicle

Your vehicle was supplied with a jack for emergency road repairs. This jack is fine for changing a flat tire or other short term procedures not requiring you to go beneath the vehicle. If it is used in an emergency situation, carefully follow the instructions provided either with the jack or in your owner's manual. Do not attempt to use the jack on any portions of the vehicle other than specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Always block the diagonally opposite wheel when using a jack.

A more convenient way of jacking is the use of a garage or floor jack. You may use the floor jack under the differential as well as the axle tubes in the rear. To raise the front of the vehicle, there are several options based on model and whether or not it is a 4 X 4 or not. On a 1997-98 F-250HD, F-350 and Super Duty 4 X 2 you may lift the vehicle by placing the jack under the I-beam on a flat spot or in the middle of the torsion bar. On 1997-98 F-250HD, F-350 and Super Duty 4 X 4 you may lift the vehicle by placing the jack under the front axle. On all F-150, F-250, Expedition and Navigator models you may places a jack under a bracket welded to the frame on a 4 X 2 model and under a raised boss located on the lower suspension arm or the front crossmember on a 4 X 4 model. On a 1999-00 Super Duty 4 X 4 you may place the jack under the front axle. On a 1999-00 Super Duty 4 X 2 you may place the jack under the radius arm.

Never place the jack under the radiator, engine or transmission components. Severe and expensive damage will result when the jack is raised. Additionally, never jack under the floorpan or bodywork; the metal will deform.

Whenever you plan to work under the vehicle, you must support it on jackstands or ramps. Never use cinder blocks or stacks of wood to support the vehicle, even if you're only going to be under it for a few minutes. Never crawl under the vehicle when it is supported only by the tire-changing jack or other floor jack.

Always position a block of wood or small rubber pad on top of the jack or jackstand to protect the lifting point's finish when lifting or supporting the vehicle.

Small hydraulic, screw, or scissors jacks are satisfactory for raising the vehicle. Drive-on trestles or ramps are also a handy and safe way to both raise and support the vehicle. Be careful though, some ramps may be too steep to drive your vehicle onto without scraping the front bottom panels. Never support the vehicle on any suspension member (unless specifically instructed to do so by a repair manual) or by an underbody panel.

## Jacking Precautions

The following safety points cannot be overemphasized:

- Always block the opposite wheel or wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the jack.
- When raising the front of the vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
- When the drive wheels are to remain on the ground, leave the vehicle in gear to help prevent it from rolling.
- Always use jackstands to support the vehicle when you are working underneath. Place the stands beneath the vehicle's jacking brackets. Before climbing underneath, rock the vehicle a bit to make sure it is firmly supported.