Where do you jack up a pickup truck?
Use the vehicle’s factory jack points—typically the reinforced frame crossmembers or pinch welds near the doors—and always support the truck with jack stands after lifting. Wheel chocks should be placed on the wheels that remain on the ground.
Jacking a pickup correctly protects the undercarriage and keeps you safe while you work. The exact points can vary by make and model, so refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance. The sections below outline general, widely used lifting points and safe procedures that apply to most pickups, along with practical steps to perform a tire change, brake service, or other maintenance tasks.
Identifying the correct lifting points
Most pickups share common, clearly reinforced lifting points on the frame, as well as side jacking options. Below are the typical targets, plus guidance on when and how to use them.
Front lifting point
Use the front crossmember or a clearly reinforced frame point just behind the bumper. This point is designed to take the load of the front suspension and wheel assembly when the vehicle is lifted.
- Location: Center of the front subframe crossmember or a marked frame point near the bumper.
- Positioning: Align the floor jack with the point and ensure a flat, stable contact surface (use a rubber pad if needed).
- Lift sequence: Slowly raise until the wheel(s) clear the ground and the weight is supported by the jack.
Proper front jacking helps prevent damage to the radiator, condenser, and other front-end components while keeping the vehicle stable for further work.
Rear lifting point
Use the center of the rear crossmember or a reinforced frame rail near the rear axle. This point is designed for lifting the back of the truck without stressing the drivetrain or exhaust components.
- Location: Center of the rear crossmember or an equivalent reinforced frame area behind the rear axle.
- Positioning: Set the jack pad squarely under the point to avoid slipping.
- Lift sequence: Raise slowly until the rear wheels clear the ground and the load is supported by the jack.
Rear lifting points are particularly important for accessing the spare tire, rear brakes, or suspension components without twisting the chassis.
Side jacking using pinch welds
Many pickups provide pinch welds along the rocker panels as optional jacking points for tire changes, but only where the manual marks them as suitable. Use caution to avoid bending the sheet metal.
- Location: Pinch welds on the rocker panels under the doors, looking for any marks or reinforced sections.
- Preparation: Place a jack pad or a thick support to distribute load and protect the paint.
- Lift sequence: Position the jack on the marked point and raise slowly, watching for even contact and stability before proceeding.
Side jacking via pinch welds can be convenient for a tire change on models with clear guidance, but always verify that your specific truck model supports this method.
Safe lifting procedure and gear
Before lifting, prepare your workspace and equipment to minimize risk. The following checklist helps ensure a stable and safe setup.
Before performing any lift, gather and use the right equipment and follow these steps:
- Wheel chocks: Place on the ground in front of and behind the wheels that remain on the surface to prevent rolling.
- Jack type and pad: Use a sturdy floor jack or high-quality hydraulic jack with a wide, stable base and a protective pad.
- Jack stands: Always support the vehicle with jack stands rated for the truck’s weight, positioned on solid, level ground.
- Surface and alignment: Work on level, solid concrete or pavement. Avoid soft ground or uneven surfaces that can destabilize the lift.
- Underneath safety: Never crawl under a vehicle that’s only supported by a jack. Use stands and ensure the vehicle is secure before removing any wheels or components.
Following these safety steps reduces the risk of injury or damage and helps ensure the job can be completed without incident.
Summary
To jack up a pickup truck safely, rely on the vehicle’s designated points: front and rear crossmembers or reinforced frame points for lifting, and, where indicated by the manual, pinch welds on the rocker panels for side lifting. Always use a properly rated floor jack and jack stands, chock wheels, and work on a level surface. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual for model-specific lift points and guidelines to protect your truck and yourself.
Where to place jack on pickup truck?
Stand. You can now remove the wheel if needed for safety slip it under the vehicle as additional protection.
Is it safe to jack up a truck by the rear differential?
Yes, you can jack up a truck by the rear differential, especially if it has a solid rear axle, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the differential cover and should always consult the owner's manual first. It's crucial to position the jack under the solid housing, not the cover, to prevent leaks, and once lifted, immediately place jack stands under the axle for safety before working on the truck.
How to jack up a truck by the rear differential
This video demonstrates how to jack up a truck from the rear, including placing the jack under the rear differential: 1mExpertVillage Leaf GroupYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
- Park on a level surface: Make sure the truck is on a flat, level surface with the parking brake engaged and the front wheels chocked.
- Check the owner's manual: Always start by checking the vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Some manufacturers advise against using the differential.
- Position the jack: Place the floor jack under the rear differential, but only under the solid metal housing. Be extremely careful not to place the jack on the thin differential cover, as this can cause a leak.
- Lift the vehicle: Jack up the truck, lifting the entire rear end off the ground. This will eliminate suspension travel and lift both rear wheels at once.
- Place jack stands: Position two jack stands under the axle tubes on either side of the differential.
- Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the truck so that its weight rests securely on the jack stands. The jack can then be removed, or left in place as an extra precaution, but the primary support should be the jack stands.
Where can I find a jacking point?
To find them, refer to your car's owner's manual, which usually includes diagrams illustrating the precise locations of these points. Common jacking points on sedans and coupes include the reinforced sections behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels, usually on the pinch weld for on the rocker panel.
Where to place jack on silverado 1500?
Then slowly lower your vehicle until it is stable on the jack. Stand. To lower the back of your vehicle to the ground reposition the jack. And raise your Silverado. Until you can remove the jackand.
