Thanks for all the great replies. You guys !

 

"Whatever"? Are you a 13 year old girl? I was explaining the reasoning behind why I generally do not use this as a lift point. Take a physics class and you will understand what I am saying....and as I stated "it is probably alright, but I would not take a chance". It may be totally safe on a 4Runner or a Toyota in general, but not all axles are created equal. Plus, if you have ever lifted a solid front axle vehicle you know you can't do this, because it is off-centered. I lift my 4Runner under the spring perches. And as for "solid", I believe the tubes are welded to the housing. The Toyota is somewhat different from many American axles that have a cover. Some of these can damaged (the cover) by lifting this way. I used to think rear axles were tough too, but I found out they are not as strong as they may appear.

Anyway I was simply giving "MHO" and preference which is what this thread was about. Do what you want and disagree with me if you want, but I would appreciate you not quoting me in an insulting and immature manner.

 

I lift the front end of my '85 the exact same way, only stick the pad of the floor jack just next to the differential bulge. It is perfectly balanced there and raises the front end just fine. All the front axles after about '81 have some sort of under-tube bracing to the driver's side, so there is a nice flat spot to put the jack:



I'll use the spring perch area if I only want to lift one tire up, say to change or rotate it.

 

this may be a little off topic but i am trying to install chevys in the rear. i jacked up the truck high enough and put the frame on jack stands, the rear axle is also sitting on another set of jackstands. can i remove the jackstands on the axle and just let it dangle there while i remove the springs and grind off the hangers?

im new to this solid axle and huge truck mechanics.....

 

Sure, usually a good idea to have a floor jack under the diff to support it and make raising it back up easier.

 

Just to clarify any uncertainties, the lift point location drawing from the FSM shows the center of the rear diff as the jacking point for my 2002 4Runner. See picture here.