Jacking

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dovetail

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I have a 1995 SW2 wagon and would like to know if I can jack up one side at once, opposed to doing the front wheel, then the back. Could I damage anything and if so , where to jack from.
 
If you are trying to get all four corners in the air and the car on jack stands, it is probably safest to jack up behind each front wheel and in front of each rear wheel. The pinch weld is reinforced in the areas meant for jacking. You should search them out before you place the jack.

If the question is can you jack up the entire side of the vehicle from only one jack spot, the answer is that is not a good idea. There is no reinforcement halfway between the wheels on the edge of the frame and you risk punching through the floorboard if you try to use any other part of the other side in that area.

Use the four jacking spots as described. You can also check the owner's manual which identifies these locations.

In the front, the jack stands can be placed to support the subframe slightly behind or in front of the wheels as needed. Just make sure it's solid metal. Don't use the control arms to support the weight of the car.

In the rear, it gets interesting. Jacking from the aforementioned jackpoint allows you want to place a jack stand underneath where the lateral links come together at the back of the car. I never rest the weight of the car on the trailing arms, lateral links or rear sway bar.. whatever locations you use in the back, be sure the vehicle is not balanced on a single point in back. If I remember correctly, you can fit two jack stands in that center area where the lateral links together. Just make sure that you are putting the jack stand under part of the frame or you will punch through whatever other surface you put it under.

As much as a pain as it may seem, I would put all four corners of in the air and then go around again with the jack and adjust each one so that the vehicle is as high off the ground as you can get it with it still being stable. Some jack stands go one foot up in increments. You may not want that amount of extension because having all four corners that high May make the vehicle unstable on the stands should you bump it from the side or get it rocking from underneath while working on it. Use your best judgment.
 
Last edited:
Derf said:
This is insane event for time if you are trying to get all four corners in the air and the car on jack stands, it is probably safest to jack up behind each front wheel and in front of each rear wheel. The pinch weld is reinforced in the areas meant for jacking. You should search them out before you place the jack.

If the question is can you jack up the entire side of the vehicle from only one jack spot, the answer is that is not a good idea. There is no reinforcement halfway between the wheels on the edge of the frame and you risk punching through the floorboard if you try to use any other part of the other side in that area.

Use the four jacking spots as described. You can also check the owner's manual which identifies these locations.

In the front, the jack stands can be placed the subframe lately behind or in front of the wheels as needed. Just make sure it's a solid metal. Don't use the control arms to support the weight of the car.

In the rear, it gets interesting. Jacking from the afro mentioned jackpoint allows you want to place a jack stand underneath where the lateral links come together at the back of the car. I never rest the weight of the car on the trailing arms, lateral links or rear sway bar.. whatever locations you use in the back, be sure the vehicle is not balanced on a single point in back. If I remember correctly, you can fit two jack stands in that center area where the lateral links together. Just make sure that you are putting the jack stand under part of the frame or you will punch through whatever other surface put it under.

As much as a pain as it may seem, I would put all four corners of in the air and then go around again with the jack and adjust each one so that the vehicle is as high off the ground as you can get it with it still being stable. Some jack stands go one foot up in increments. You may not want that amount of extension because having all four corners that high May make the vehicle unstable on the stands. Use your best judgment.
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Thank so much, will follow your suggestions. dovetails
 
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