Do you have a question in mind that can you jack up a truck by the axle? You are correct; if you think that the answer is yes. You can jack up a truck by the axle using a proper method. This article will provide a few guidelines that will help to jack up your vehicle.
As we all know, trucks are heavy as compared to other vehicles. So, you should be more careful while jacking trucks. Also, if you will not use the excellent support points, either you can injure yourself or damage the vehicle.
If you are the truck owner, knowing the proper way to jack the truck is essential. You should follow the below steps to jack up a truck by the axle for any maintenance and repair.
Also Read: What Size Floor Jack For Truck? Ultimate Guide
How Can You Jack Up A Truck By The Axle? Step By Step Explanation
You should keep in mind some basic steps for lifting your truck.
Tools Required
- Four Jack stands- to support the vehicle’s weight off the ground.
- Hydraulic floor jack- that lifts your truck to the desired height.
Step One: Look For A Flat Surface
When you jack up your truck, you will need to park it on a hard, flat surface. Trucks are heavy vehicles and can fall upon you if the jack sinks in the ground and can cause death or severe injury.
Remember, stop the wheels’ motion so that the vehicle stays in its position while you are working. Place the floor jack anywhere on the axle; you can place it under the differential(Pumpkin) to lift your truck.
Step Two: Check A Manual First
You can take help from the repair manual to jack your truck correctly. Without seeing the manual first, you may place the jack under the wrong location, which can cause an issue. The repair manual is available at an auto shop stop, or you can avail yourself of it online.
Step Three: Pumping Up The Jack
Now place the floor jack under the cross member or differential lines to contact the jack saddle to lift the vehicle. Start pumping the jack slowly using the handle till the front wheels are off the ground.
When the front wheels leave the ground, the next step you need to do is to stop jacking and double-check the jack positioning. Check the vehicle’s front wheels to ensure it is not bowing to one side.
If the wheels are leaning to one side, you should lower the jack and recenter it. Otherwise, proceed with the process and pump the jack until it reaches the desired height.
Step Four: Place the Jack Stands
After reaching the truck to a required height, you can place the jack stands to support the vehicle’s weight. By placing the two jack stands under the front wheels, they will hold the front part of the truck.
When you are done, move to the truck’s back wheels. Place the jack under the rear differential. Or you may place it anywhere on the axle. Now, turn the handle slowly to ease the vehicle down and nestle on the jack stands.
Keep in mind if you lower the jack quickly, it might be hazardous. Allow the truck to lower it until it touches the jack stand’s saddle. When the vehicle completely stands on the jack stands, then you have to remove the floor jack.
Step Five: Test The Support Points
Shake the vehicle from side to side and up and down. Doing so will confirm whether the jack stands fully support your truck or not. Your truck will jiggle a little bit but don’t worry. You can not go underneath the vehicle for work until it is nestled on the jack stands.
You should check the jack stands properly before crawling under the truck when you understand that your vehicle wobbles more. When it is a matter of replacing the tires, loosen the lug nuts when the truck is on the ground. Because when the tires once raised then, they spin in the air while turning the nuts.
Conclusion
Can you jack up a truck by the axle is the most frequent question for beginners. Keep safety in mind, and you can jack the vehicle anywhere on the axle, whether it is a differential or other part of the axle.
Every vehicle has its way of jacking. So please don’t go blindly to jack up your truck, but first, you need to check the repair manual.