I've decided to change the oil on my truck myself rather than take it to the dealer. Can someone tell me where is the best place to place the jack under the vehicle? Also, for those that change their own oil, do you use the stock jack or something else?

 

I can't really give you much advice on changing the oil, but I can tell you that the stock jack is a piece of sh**.

 

I use a heavily modified jack with NOS, turbo crank action, etc... just kidding.

Best investment I ever made for my Ranger is a set of 30 dollar ramps rated for an over 6 thousand pound vehicle. They can be found in Pep Boys or Auto Zone.Line each ramp in front of the right and left front tires then drive up onto them and put it in park.

 

i know your not asking about buying a jack but...

cant help with jack points, but you should go with a lever jack...
just in case you want to change your wheels..

cant do that with a ramp

 

crazyfool,

I wouldn't use anything other than a Walker or Lincoln 1.5 or 2 ton floor jack. These are big suckers made with what looks like 3/8" plate steel. Get good jack stands too.

When changing oil, I jack on the crossmember (the big thing under the motor!) then place jack stands under the frame on each side next to the cats.

I also recommend a Fumoto drainplug valve (http://www.fumotovalve.com). Get the F-106.

NakMan

 

You really don't need to jack the truck up to change the oil or filter, unless your beer gut has gotten out of hand.

Mark

 

crazyfool:

In my opinion, the side rails of the frame are the best place to jack up the truck. If the jack has sufficient lifting height and is properly positioned, both front and rear wheels on one side can be lifted off the ground simultaneously. Jackstands can then be installed under the rear axle and at the front of the frame. Then the process is repeated for the other side. Naturally, if you only need to lift the front end of the truck, as when changing the oil, you would only need to install the front jackstands.

You can also jack under the front cross-member, but the available throw for a pump-type jack is minimal and the frame side rails are much easier to access.

The stock jack will lift the truck, however it is relatively unstable and takes several minutes and lots of elbow-grease to raise and lower the vehicle. I would recommend a 5 Ton floor jack, minimum, for greater ease and safety.

Wilk

 

For oil changes, etc., get you some Rhino Ramps. $30 bucks at your local autozone. They work great and handle up to a 10 in. tire. They do not slip on concrete either.

 

IMO unless you're claustrophobic or "plus size", there's really no need to jack up the truck for an oil and filter change. I'm 5'10" 180lb, no problem. YMMV I guess.

 

Miami? New York? Dallas? LOL! When I first glanced at the topic I thought it said,"Best place to get jacked up"!!!

When I jack mine up, I use the cross member under the engine also with a 1.5 ton floor jack. Im not a huge guy 6'0 @ 195, but it is a tight squeeze under there without a jack! Those frame rails always catch my chest!!

 

Miami? New York? Dallas? LOL! When I first glanced at the topic I thought it said,"Best place to get jacked up"!!!


Good one Skank Dog LOL

 

Make sure you get ramps for PERFORMANCE LOW GROUND EFFECTS,regular ramps WILL tear up your front facia,got a nice set at murray's for under $30

 

hmmm,,,,, in the bathroom??

 

def. in the shower....oops, did i misread the question?