Using 2X4 instead of jacking rails

[Westphal]

I thought I read about some people using a 2X4 under the rocker panel to jack up each side of the car instead of installing jacking rails, but I can't find the posts. Would this work with a convertible? I've done this with other cars as I have a nice oak 2X4 that is very solid.

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[Junkyard Dog]

I have not tried this, but it seems like this would risk rolling over the pinch weld seam.

The jacking rails run beside the pinch weld seam and is just a little bit lower, so when you put your jack under it and start jacking, it protects the pinch weld seam.

I am not sure how a 2 x 4 would do that.

Maybe you are just placing it beside the pinch weld? And it sticks down lower? And it spreads out the weight evenly enough that you do not buckle any part of the floor pan?

I don't know the answer, but I would not want to experiment like this on my floor pan.

 

[Westphal]

I'll have to take another look. My wife's car is just over 9k miles, so I'm preparing for the 10k mile oil change and tire rotation. For the 1k mile oil change, I just jacked up the front end by placing the 2X4 across the crossmember rail and placed jackstands underneath somewhere so I could pull out the jack and remove the undertray.

 

[LouG]

I might do this myself. Great idea.
Use a router and cut a channel in the 2 x 4 for the pinch seam.

 

[slater]

I'll have to take another look. My wife's car is just over 9k miles, so I'm preparing for the 10k mile oil change and tire rotation. For the 1k mile oil change, I just jacked up the front end by placing the 2X4 across the crossmember rail and placed jackstands underneath somewhere so I could pull out the jack and remove the undertray.

I wouldnt ever wait to change the oil at 10k....
Unless its a lease & youre not keeping t...

 

[Ducatti20]

I might do this myself. Great idea.
Use a router and cut a channel in the 2 x 4 for the pinch seam.

You could manufacture them and resell as "Retro Jacking Rails".

 

[Ducatti20]

I'll have to take another look. My wife's car is just over 9k miles, so I'm preparing for the 10k mile oil change and tire rotation. For the 1k mile oil change, I just jacked up the front end by placing the 2X4 across the crossmember rail and placed jackstands underneath somewhere so I could pull out the jack and remove the undertray.

Do you have ramps? I change mine on ramps every 5k miles, which works out to around every 4 months or so. Pretty easy to do with ramps IMO.

 

[robvas]

I would be worried about the 2 x 4 splintering or something when you put the jack on it

 

[Westphal]

Do you have ramps? I change mine on ramps every 5k miles, which works out to around every 4 months or so. Pretty easy to do with ramps IMO.

No, can't use ramps to rotate the tires.

 

[Westphal]

I would be worried about the 2 x 4 splintering or something when you put the jack on it

Yes for a standard pine 2X4, not a chance with an oak 2X4. It is quite solid, weighs a lot more than pine. I've used it on other cars, mostly our minivans, for several years or so.

 

[DarkHorsePremium]

I use ramps also.. I have 2 sets. 8.5 in lift for the Lexus SUV and 6.5 in lift for the Mustang. The Mustang ramps are 2 piece and have a have a 9.5° angle. . I have 1 in of clearance between the front lip and the ramps. Then I can remove the backs and safely place low pro jack stands.

I don't know about trusting wood as a jack rail. . Across a cross member maybe, but not near the pinch welds. I've not been under a convertible. It could work I guess but I'd jack evenly and slowly. I'm going to get a set of SVE jackpads eventually.

 

[ChitownStang]

I had the idea of channeling a 2x4 years ago but I was also worried about splitting.
Race Ramps are the way to go.
And if you use full synthetic and drive like a granny maybe 5-6k miles max.
I run E85 and drive like Dale Earnhardt so it's every 3k miles ...lol

 

[Westphal]

I use ramps also.. I have 2 sets. 8.5 in lift for the Lexus SUV and 6.5 in lift for the Mustang. The Mustang ramps are 2 piece and have a have a 9.5° angle. . I have 1 in of clearance between the front lip and the ramps. Then I can remove the backs and safely place low pro jack stands.

I don't know about trusting wood as a jack rail. . Across a cross member maybe, but not near the pinch welds. I've not been under a convertible. It could work I guess but I'd jack evenly and slowly. I'm going to get a set of SVE jackpads eventually.

I don't think the SVE jackpads fit the convertible.

I wouldnt ever wait to change the oil at 10k....
Unless its a lease & youre not keeping t...

OLM still has about 20% and I didn't reset it after the 1k mile oil change, so it's still good. We bought it and plan on keeping it for a long time.

 

[Ducatti20]

No, can't use ramps to rotate the tires.

Ahh yes, when I rotate the tires (for me every 3 oil changes so around 15k miles) I use my jacking rails.

 

[slater]

I use ramps also.. I have 2 sets. 8.5 in lift for the Lexus SUV and 6.5 in lift for the Mustang. The Mustang ramps are 2 piece and have a have a 9.5° angle. . I have 1 in of clearance between the front lip and the ramps. Then I can remove the backs and safely place low pro jack stands.



I don't know about trusting wood as a jack rail. . Across a cross member maybe, but not near the pinch welds. I've not been under a convertible. It could work I guess but I'd jack evenly and slowly. I'm going to get a set of SVE jackpads eventually.

Been a ford engine tech for 32 years.
Laying a 2x4 across the lifting pad of a floor jack just to lift a mustang, the 2x4 would be plenty strong....

Heres a question for you in regards the ramps, do you have lowering springs on your mustang?

Thats what im curious about, how usable are ramps on a lowered car.
Will the front of the car hit the ramp before the front tires reach the resting point of the ramp...

We use to get some low musings in the shop where our low profile legs on the hoist wouldnt slide low under the car, they would hit.

We would need to drive all 4 tires onto a 2x4 to get some additional clearance.
Which can also be done with the ramps, but additional drama...

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