Installing jacking rails without jacking the car?

[GrabThatBlue]

Today my Steeda jacking rails are going to arrive. I wonder if I can install those without jacking up my car. I don't want to bring the car to the garage and pay extra money if the job can easily be done myself.

Sponsored

 

[Skye]

I did mine by myself. I remember laying on my side and installing them with simple hand tools.

They'll probably be some bolts left in the unibody; they support the mobile carriage in the factory, as the car is carried through the line. Being a safety item, the bolts are simply put back with the car. The bolts will be removed when the jacking rails go in. You can keep them or toss.

Edit,

To cover the bolt holes and keep water out, you'll have some rubber discs. Not intuitive, put the disc over the hole, then press in; like a tuperware top, they'll pop in-place.

 

[msquad]

To cover the bolt holes and keep water out, you'll have some rubber discs. Not intuitive, put the disc over the hole, then press in; like a tuperware top, they'll pop in-place.

Easy install. Just had to cut some felt away. Don't think I jacked up the car.

I put bolts in all my exposed bolt holes there. Not sure if I have anymore exposed bolt holes since I have jacking rails and then later installed the stop-the-hop kit (there may be 1 bolt hole 1 on each side left - don't remember exactly).

 

[steveo1960]

I'm doing mine this WE.. Gonna try with it on the ground or maybe just the body jacked up a little, wheels still on the ground. Possibly I might try ramps in the front and see if that helps. I really don't want to have to lift the car off the ground.

 

[UNSAFE]

Have read about folks getting jacking rails. Are they necessary and/or what are the advantages of having them? Don't really do a lot of my own work which requires jacking up the car. Thanks!

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I did mine by myself. I remember laying on my side and installing them with simple hand tools.

They'll probably be some bolts left in the unibody; they support the mobile carriage in the factory, as the car is carried through the line. Being a safety item, the bolts are simply put back with the car. The bolts will be removed when the jacking rails go in. You can keep them or toss.

Edit,

To cover the bolt holes and keep water out, you'll have some rubber discs. Not intuitive, put the disc over the hole, then press in; like a tuperware top, they'll pop in-place.

Are the rubber discs you are talking about the ones that come in the package?

 

[GrabThatBlue]

Easy install. Just had to cut some felt away. Don't think I jacked up the car.

I put bolts in all my exposed bolt holes there. Not sure if I have anymore exposed bolt holes since I have jacking rails and then later installed the stop-the-hop kit (there may be 1 bolt hole 1 on each side left - don't remember exactly).

Is it possible to cut it with a kitchen scissor? I don't have anything else to cut lol.

 

[msquad]

Is it possible to cut it with a kitchen scissor? I don't have anything else to cut lol.

I think I did just use a scissors or a utility knife. Not that bad to cut. Not sure if it depends on what model you have, I speak from Dark Horse experience.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I think I did just use a scissors or a utility knife. Not that bad to cut. Not sure if it depends on what model you have, I speak from Dark Horse experience.

I don't think a different model has different underbelly cover materials. But yeah I will try with a kitchen knife.

 

[S650Mustang]

I jacked my car up from the rear and put jack stands in the rear. This allowed additional working room to install the jacking rails. I used a utility knife to cut the underbody covers.

 

[Skye]

Are the rubber discs you are talking about the ones that come in the package?

Yes, they are. When I initially went to put mine in, they kept falling out. Then, I pressed in, and they stuck. Haven't had any of them pop back out. Three years.

Are they necessary and/or what are the advantages of having them?

They are not necessary. People get them for two reasons, one aesthetic, one practical.

Without jacking rails, you're left jacking up into the unibody seams. Over time, they're going to get bent and misshapen.

With jacking rails, you can jack all along the rail, which gives a person options while maneuvering a jack and jack stands. Using my car as an example, if I did not have rails, I wouldn't be able to place a jack stand right next to the jack. While the jack could be used at the designated jacking point, the stand it would interfere with the rocker panel skirt.

IMO, the rails are also more stable and secure. Instead of one narrow unibody seam, there's now a square piece of metal to meet.

 

[steveo1960]

Yes, they are. When I initially went to put mine in, they kept falling out. Then, I pressed in, and they stuck. Haven't had any of them pop back out. Three years.



They are not necessary. People get them for two reasons, one aesthetic, one practical.

Without jacking rails, you're left jacking up into the unibody seams. Over time, they're going to get bent and misshapen.

With jacking rails, you can jack all along the rail, which gives a person options while maneuvering a jack and jack stands. Using my car as an example, if I did not have rails, I wouldn't be able to place a jack stand right next to the jack. While the jack could be used at the designated jacking point, the stand it would interfere with the rocker panel skirt.

IMO, the rails are also more stable and secure. Instead of one narrow unibody seam, there's now a square piece of metal to meet.

I have the same problem which is why I'm installing the rails. Also other mechanics screwing up the pinch weld when getting tires changed etc.. So one question, can I jack the rear up from the differential and install jack stands while I do this?

 

[Skye]

So one question, can I jack the rear up from the differential and install jack stands while I do this?

I do not have an affirmative answer for that. I could not ready verify (looking for pics or articles on the '24/'25) if it is safe to do so. On the S550 it is. On the S650, maybe another 7G Member who has done so will chime in.

 

[tj@steeda]

Have read about folks getting jacking rails. Are they necessary and/or what are the advantages of having them? Don't really do a lot of my own work which requires jacking up the car. Thanks!

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I just tried to see if I could install it without jacking the car. Totally impossible for me. I could not even see where the bolts are. The car is way too low from the sides to do the job.

Well.. I guess I have to wait until I ship the car to Europe to add this upgrade.

Sponsored