Optimal jack/stands for suspension work

rds0811 · 02-05-2009, 07:55 PM

I'll be installing a whole slew of new suspension components on my 2003 V8 Limited, including an OME kit and All Pro control arms in a few days. I'm going to have to pickup a floor jack and some jack stands to do the job. I'm having trouble figuring out the best jack and jack stands to get, and the best place to get them. I don't have wood blocks lying around, so I'd hope to be able to get a jack and stands that are tall enough to do the job without using blocks. Can anyone here make a recommendation based on having done the same thing to your 4Runner? Does anyone here just use their Hi Lift jack to put their truck up on stands? In case anyone might be familiar with the local equipment stores, I'm in Raleigh, NC.

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rds0811 · 02-07-2009, 07:05 PM

After the stellar response to this thread

, I just went and picked up a 48" Hi Lift jack and some 3-ton jack stands. I wanted to get the wheel helper attachment, but someone bought the only one right out from under me earlier that day. I just ordered one, and should have it Monday or Tuesday.

Since pics always make a thread better, I've got some quick cell phone shots of my stockpile of stuff. My OME stuff and ARB bumper (Wanted Shrockworks but the wait time killed it) will be showing up Monday, and I'll be doing all of the installations next Saturday.

Cooper Discoverer STT (285/70R17). I'm glad I chose these tires. They look killer in person:

Gonna make quite a difference:

The trusty 4Runner was able to fit all 5 tires and individually boxed wheels in the back with the seat down. It was a bit easier on the way back from mounting, with the wheels IN the tires. In case anybody ever wondered about their 4th gen cargo space, here's how you pack them in. Unfortunately I didn't get any shots with the boxed wheels. I was able to fit four of these things side by side in the cargo area before they were mounted, and three afterwards.

Here is some good detail for anyone interested in these tires:

Looks like it will be a perfect fit once lifted:

My living room stockpile of parts and tools:

I got the mounted and balanced at a nearby Pep Boys, and I think they just about smoked two of their balancing machines. The tech said they got them balanced dead on in the end.

flashkl · 02-07-2009, 07:12 PM

Oooh.. I dunno about having a hilift as your only floorjack... I would get at least a 4 ton bottle jack and some blocks of wood, or a proper floor jack. Looks like youre gonna have a sick runner after its all done...keep updating!

rds0811 · 02-07-2009, 07:20 PM

Well, I can use the Hi Lift in the hitch receiver and with the Wheel Mate to put the truck up on jack stands. When I need to support the rear diff, I figure I can just slide the OEM jack under it.

Once the budget is replenished, I'll be snagging some rock sliders and trail armor. As I can, I intend to do lockers, gears, winch, dual battery, CBI rear bumper, etc.

Side note: I'll be doing the rear diff breather mod as well. I got the fuel hose, union, and breather with hose barb. I bought the toyota OEM stuff and ARB bumper through Toyota of Dallas (the people who brought you TRDParts4U.com). I have to say that I've been extremely happy with their service, and they even called me to fine tune some ordering details. I'm also really happy with the service of Ben at Slee, where I ordered my OME stuff.

**waskillywabbit** · 02-07-2009, 07:21 PM

3 ton Craftsman floor jack
Harbor Freight Jack Stands rock.

GSGALLANT · 02-08-2009, 07:32 AM

I don't know how tall those 3 Ton jackstands are, but my 3 Ton ones are only good for the rear axle. They wouldn't stand a chance being high enough for the frame rails with the lift on. I've got a set of tall 6 Ton jackstands to reach the frame rails.

If you're going to be doing your own maintenance often... you need a good floor jack. A highlift is not a maintenance tool... it is a recovery tool. It is quite dangerous to use it on a hard, slippery surface like a garage floor.

**waskillywabbit** · 02-08-2009, 07:49 AM

Harbor Freight Jackstands

3 ton - $19.99 pair
Height: 11-3/4" to 16-3/4"

6 ton - $36.99 pair
Height: 15-1/8'' to 24''

12 ton - $79.99 pair
Height: 19-1/2'' to 30-1/8''

I have (8) of the 12 tons and numerous other 3 tons in various heights.

My 85 on 40s is only 26" off the ground at the frame so the 12 tons are PLENTY to lift it up at the grame and the smaller ones do just fine under the axle.

It is best to have a variety of jackstands and at least two floor jacks if you do any variety of work.

I have probably 20 jack stands and 2 3 ton floor jacks...works for me.

ocdropzone · 02-08-2009, 08:07 AM

The 12 ton HF jackstands are awesome. Lift the frame up to 30" or so.
HF's Long frame 2.5 ton jack http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42820 lifts up to 31.5" .

your truck is gonna look a lot better once you get rid of the factory pizza cutters..

loner · 02-11-2009, 04:53 PM

I agree with the above - craftsman floor jack, 3 ton Craftsman jack stands for the rear axle, and a pair of 6 ton stands from HF for the frame work well for me.

Two pair of jack stands and a floor jack take up a fair amount of space in the garage, but they are worth their weight in gold when doing projects like this.

02-07-2009, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	3 ton Craftsman floor jack Harbor Freight Jack Stands rock. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

02-08-2009, 07:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
GSGALLANT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 1,760	I don't know how tall those 3 Ton jackstands are, but my 3 Ton ones are only good for the rear axle. They wouldn't stand a chance being high enough for the frame rails with the lift on. I've got a set of tall 6 Ton jackstands to reach the frame rails. If you're going to be doing your own maintenance often... you need a good floor jack. A highlift is not a maintenance tool... it is a recovery tool. It is quite dangerous to use it on a hard, slippery surface like a garage floor. __________________ 2002 4Runner, Auto-A340F, 3.4L, 4.30 Gears TJM T15 Front Bumper & Warn M8000, 4xInnovation sliders, Sonoran Steel 1.2 Lift, Toytec LCA Skids, Tundra Brake Upgrade (231mm), Extended rear diff breather, Deckplate Mod, Andymod, Dual batt setup with Optima blue top aux battery, Hardwired 1000W inverter, Aux fuse box, Full time power to 12V plugs, Yaesu FT7800R Radio, "4-air" system for airing up/down tires. 2004 Camry LE - stock (and will stay that way) 1993 4Runner has been sold Last edited by GSGALLANT; 02-08-2009 at 07:34 AM.

02-08-2009, 07:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	Harbor Freight Jackstands 3 ton - $19.99 pair Height: 11-3/4" to 16-3/4" 6 ton - $36.99 pair Height: 15-1/8'' to 24'' 12 ton - $79.99 pair Height: 19-1/2'' to 30-1/8'' I have (8) of the 12 tons and numerous other 3 tons in various heights. My 85 on 40s is only 26" off the ground at the frame so the 12 tons are PLENTY to lift it up at the grame and the smaller ones do just fine under the axle. It is best to have a variety of jackstands and at least two floor jacks if you do any variety of work. I have probably 20 jack stands and 2 3 ton floor jacks...works for me. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

02-08-2009, 08:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX, OR Posts: 4,705	The 12 ton HF jackstands are awesome. Lift the frame up to 30" or so. HF's Long frame 2.5 ton jack http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42820 lifts up to 31.5" . your truck is gonna look a lot better once you get rid of the factory pizza cutters.. __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker The B4Runner Build TREKKER Forum Mini FAQ/Misc Ideas Thread TRY THESE SEARCH LINKS GOOGLE FOR TOYOTA WEBSITES LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS Drive a real 1st Gen Wheel Responsibly, Don't Screw It Up for Others Last edited by ocdropzone; 02-08-2009 at 08:08 AM.

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02-07-2009, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
rds0811 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 16	After the stellar response to this thread , I just went and picked up a 48" Hi Lift jack and some 3-ton jack stands. I wanted to get the wheel helper attachment, but someone bought the only one right out from under me earlier that day. I just ordered one, and should have it Monday or Tuesday. Since pics always make a thread better, I've got some quick cell phone shots of my stockpile of stuff. My OME stuff and ARB bumper (Wanted Shrockworks but the wait time killed it) will be showing up Monday, and I'll be doing all of the installations next Saturday. Cooper Discoverer STT (285/70R17). I'm glad I chose these tires. They look killer in person: Gonna make quite a difference: The trusty 4Runner was able to fit all 5 tires and individually boxed wheels in the back with the seat down. It was a bit easier on the way back from mounting, with the wheels IN the tires. In case anybody ever wondered about their 4th gen cargo space, here's how you pack them in. Unfortunately I didn't get any shots with the boxed wheels. I was able to fit four of these things side by side in the cargo area before they were mounted, and three afterwards. Here is some good detail for anyone interested in these tires: Looks like it will be a perfect fit once lifted: My living room stockpile of parts and tools: I got the mounted and balanced at a nearby Pep Boys, and I think they just about smoked two of their balancing machines. The tech said they got them balanced dead on in the end.

02-07-2009, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
rds0811 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 16	Well, I can use the Hi Lift in the hitch receiver and with the Wheel Mate to put the truck up on jack stands. When I need to support the rear diff, I figure I can just slide the OEM jack under it. Once the budget is replenished, I'll be snagging some rock sliders and trail armor. As I can, I intend to do lockers, gears, winch, dual battery, CBI rear bumper, etc. Side note: I'll be doing the rear diff breather mod as well. I got the fuel hose, union, and breather with hose barb. I bought the toyota OEM stuff and ARB bumper through Toyota of Dallas (the people who brought you TRDParts4U.com). I have to say that I've been extremely happy with their service, and they even called me to fine tune some ordering details. I'm also really happy with the service of Ben at Slee, where I ordered my OME stuff.

02-11-2009, 04:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
loner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 16	I agree with the above - craftsman floor jack, 3 ton Craftsman jack stands for the rear axle, and a pair of 6 ton stands from HF for the frame work well for me. Two pair of jack stands and a floor jack take up a fair amount of space in the garage, but they are worth their weight in gold when doing projects like this.

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