What kind of jack do you need for a F150?

Most Ford F-150s ship with a compact scissor jack tucked in the wheel toolkit, enough for a basic tire change on level ground. If you don’t have the factory jack or you need more lifting capacity, a floor jack rated at around 3 tons (6,000 pounds) is a practical and safer upgrade, paired with proper jack stands.

Common jack options for the F-150

Here are the jack types you’ll encounter and when they’re appropriate for a Ford F-150.

• Factory scissor jack (compact) included with the toolkit, used with the lug wrench and the designated jacking points.


• Hydraulic bottle jack (2–3 ton) as a compact, portable alternative for quick lifts.


• Hydraulic floor jack (3–4 ton) for heavier lifting and wider clearance, often preferred by DIYers who regularly work on trucks.

Conclusion: If you only need a quick tire change on flat ground, the factory scissor jack is usually sufficient. For regular maintenance or larger lifts, a 3-ton floor jack provides better stability and lifting range.

Choosing the right capacity for your F-150

The F-150’s weight varies by configuration, so selecting a jack with enough capacity is essential to lift the axle and the vehicle safely. Plan for a margin above the heaviest load you’re likely to lift.

• 3-ton (6,000 lb) floor jack is a common minimum for a full-size pickup like the F-150.


• 4-ton (8,000 lb) or higher provides extra margin for heavier models or tougher lifting tasks.


• Always match the jack’s load rating to the vehicle’s weight on the axle being lifted, plus a safety factor.

Bottom line: choose a capacity that covers the heaviest potential load you’ll lift, with a comfortable safety margin.

Where to place the jack and safety guidelines

Using the correct jacking points and following safety steps helps prevent damage to the truck and reduces the risk of injury.

• Front jacking point: the reinforced crossmember under the front axle, as indicated in the owner’s manual.


• Rear jacking point: the rear crossmember just behind the rear axle.


• Side jacking points: pinch welds along the rocker panels next to each wheel; use pads or a rubber mat to protect the rocker.


• Chock opposite wheels and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands once the vehicle is raised.

These guidelines help ensure a stable lift and reduce the risk of slip or damage to suspension components. Always refer to the specific jacking points listed in your year’s manual, as designs can change over time.

Using the factory jack: step-by-step

If you’re using the factory scissor jack, follow these steps to lift and work on the F-150 safely.

1. Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheel opposite the one you’re lifting.


2. Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheel is still on the ground.


3. Place the jack on the designated jacking point and raise slowly until the tire clears the ground.


4. Position a jack stand under a sturdy point near the lifting area, then lower the vehicle onto the stands.


5. Remove the lug nuts and swap or repair the wheel as needed.


6. Lower the vehicle slowly, remove the jack stands, and retorque the lug nuts to spec in a star pattern.

Note: If you’re using a floor jack, follow similar steps, ensuring the jack is stable and supported by jack stands before personnel work under the vehicle.

Safety reminders

Always prioritize safety when lifting a vehicle. If you’re unsure about the correct jacking points or feel unstable at any point, stop and reassess. Refer to the owner’s manual for your exact model year for any model-specific instructions or tool kit variations.

Summary

For a Ford F-150, the typical starting point is the factory scissor jack included in the wheel toolkit. If you need greater versatility or higher lifting capacity, upgrade to a floor jack rated at least 3 tons (6,000 lb) and always use jack stands. Know and use the correct jacking points, chock the wheels, and torque lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or Ford’s official guidance for your precise model year.

Is a 2 ton jack good enough for a truck?

Yes, a 2-ton jack can lift a truck if the weight you are lifting at one time is under 4,000 pounds, which is typically the case when lifting only one wheel or one axle. However, a 2-ton jack is only sufficient for smaller or lighter trucks, and you should always check your truck's specific weight and the jack's condition before use. It is crucial to use jack stands for safety, not just the jack. 
Factors to consider

• Weight of the truck: A 2-ton jack can lift 4,000 pounds. Many smaller trucks, especially when lifting only one corner, fall within this limit. For larger trucks, a jack with a higher capacity may be necessary. 
• Distribution of weight: When lifting a truck, you're not lifting the entire vehicle at once. You're typically lifting one end or one corner. The weight on a single wheel is much less than the total weight, making a 2-ton jack suitable in many cases. 
• Jacks vs. jack stands: A jack is a lifting tool, not a support system. You should always place the vehicle on jack stands after lifting it to ensure it's stable and safe, especially if you need to work under the vehicle. 

When a 2-ton jack is likely sufficient 

• For lighter trucks: If your truck's curb weight is under 4,000 pounds, a 2-ton jack is likely adequate for lifting a single corner. 
• For lifting one wheel: Lifting just one wheel, which is typically around 1/4 of the vehicle's weight, is well within the capacity of a 2-ton jack. 

When to use caution or choose a different jack

• For heavier trucks: If you have a heavier truck, especially if it's more than 4,000 pounds, you should consider a heavier-duty jack. 
• To lift more than one wheel: Do not attempt to lift more than one wheel at a time with a single jack. 
• For any work under the vehicle: Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. Always use jack stands to ensure safety. 

Is the 3-ton jack good for the f150?

That being said, a basic 3-ton pair of jack stands should do fine for anything short of a medium-duty truck, which starts at 8500#. Even F-350s have to stay under that.

What size jack do I need for an F150?

You will need at least a 3-ton capacity jack for an F-150, but you should also check the lift height, as trucks require a higher lift than standard cars. A jack with a maximum lift height of at least 18 to 20 inches is recommended to ensure enough clearance, especially if you have larger tires or a lift kit. 
Jack capacity

• 3-ton capacity: This is generally sufficient for most F-150s, as a jack will never support the entire weight of the vehicle at one time. 
• 4-ton capacity: Consider this option for heavier-duty models or if you want extra peace of mind. 

Lift height

• Measure your vehicle's jacking point: To find the minimum required lift height, measure the distance from the ground to the jacking point and add about 5 inches for suspension travel and wheel sag.
• Ensure sufficient height: The total required height is often around 20 inches for a truck. Always select a jack with a maximum lift height that exceeds this measurement. 

Additional considerations

• Jack stands: When using a jack, you must also use jack stands for safety. Ensure your jack stands are also appropriately rated and rated per pair. 
• Low-profile jacks: If your F-150 has a flat tire, a low-profile jack may be necessary to get under the vehicle. 
• Lifting points: Always use the specific jacking points recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. 

Is a 2 ton jack enough for an F150?

Yes, a 2-ton (4,000 lb.) jack is sufficient to lift one corner of an F-150 because the weight is distributed across multiple points, but a heavier-duty jack of at least 3 tons is strongly recommended for safety, especially if you plan to work under the truck. The front axle is heavier, so lifting the front requires a jack that can handle more weight on that single point, and the overall weight of an F-150 can exceed 4,000 lbs. 
Why a 2-ton jack is risky

• Weight distribution: When lifting just one corner, a 2-ton jack can technically handle the load on that single point. However, a 2-ton jack has a maximum capacity of 4,000 pounds, and it's safer to have a buffer. 
• Weight of the truck: The front axle of an F-150 can weigh more than the rear, so lifting the front requires a more robust jack. Also, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) can be much higher than 4,000 lbs. 
• Safety margin: Lifting the truck places stress on the jack. A jack rated for more weight has a larger safety margin, which is crucial for preventing failure. 
• Working under the truck: Never get under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. Always use jack stands that have a sufficient weight rating and are placed on a stable, level surface. 

Recommendations

• Use a jack with a minimum rating of 3 tons for lifting an F-150. 
• When lifting the truck, always use jack stands rated to handle the weight on each corner. 
• If you plan to lift the front of the truck, use a 3-ton or 4-ton floor jack, as the front is the heaviest end.