Jacking

[AbbadonTD]

There are more than one thread on this, but today I was installing a Air Ride 1000, and my neighbor walks up and starts telling me how bad it was that I was using the differential to lift the rear.

I chulked the front wheels, put a 2x6 on the jack, pumped up the Diff, slid in my stands at the jacking points on the frame, and let it down.

He is some old ford guy, and tells me that I will destroy the diff. I have done this with all of my 4x4s. I dont leave it up there, and I stay off the cover plate, and use a board.

In the front I jack from the cross member on the frame and lift both wheels, and put stands on the jack points.

Opinions?

[Install was easy on the Air Ride.]

 

[98EXPnSRQ]

With all due respect, the guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Hopefully he explained why he thinks this. I could use a laugh.

 

[stamp11127]

It all depends on what type of rear suspension you have. If you have the panhard rod it isn't a good idea as you will load the suspension in a way it wasn't designed to be loaded. Plus it jacks up on an angle.
As far as strength is concerned, as long as it is cast iron you are safe. Aluminum housings - you play at your own risk.

 

[AbbadonTD]

I thought that I knew what I was doing. Thanks yall.

I think he may harken back to a time when the frames were more parts, he has 2 really old [50s and 70s] F150's in front of his house (I pass them on the way in, and used to drive a 95 F150)

 

[BAD RONALD]

With all due respect, the guy doesn't know what he's talking about...

Could be that he is in agreement with page 144 of the 1998 Owner's Manual that states that the front and rear differential should never be used as a jacking point.

Good thing that information of this kind is for guys who don't know better.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I jacked on my diffs without problem. I banged them into large rocks without problem. I've teetered on them on a large rock without problem.

 

[BAD RONALD]

I jacked on my diffs without problem. I banged them into large rocks without problem. I've teetered on them on a large rock without problem.

I smoked dope and drove without problem. I drank whiskey and drove without problem...Went 100mph on the Turnpike without problem.

It's all good...

 

[ExplorerTom]

Nice defense. Being stupid and lucky is a little different than knowing the strength and capabilities of the diff housing.

 

[BAD RONALD]

Oh yeah...you know better.

 

[ExplorerTom]

And you don't.

Next time I jack on the diff housing and it breaks, I'll be sure to let you know. If you don't hear from me, know that everything is fine. Mechanics all around the world have been and will continue to jack on the diff housing.