Where do you put the jack on a SUV?
The safe answer is to use the vehicle’s designated lifting points—usually reinforced pinch welds along the rocker panels and the front and rear crossmembers—and to always support the vehicle with jack stands after lifting. Do not lift from bumpers, fuel tanks, or exhaust components.
This article explains how to locate and use jacking points on different SUV designs, how to work safely with various jack types, and what to check before lifting.
Identifying the correct jacking points
Unibody versus body-on-frame SUVs
Most modern SUVs use a unibody construction and rely on reinforced pinch welds along the sill (the rocker panel) and, in some models, a dedicated pad or mark on the front crossmember. For body-on-frame SUVs, lifting is typically done at specific points on the frame rails or crossmembers near the axles. In all cases, consult the owner’s manual and look for stamped indicators under the vehicle, such as triangles, arrows, or notches, that mark the proper lifting points.
Before you lift, scan for indicators near the rocker panels and under the front and rear of the vehicle. These markers are designed to identify safe load-bearing points for a jack.
Where to place the jack: common locations
Use this as a general guide, but always verify with your SUV’s manual or a plate under the hood or door jamb that marks lift points. The points vary by model, but the following are widely used across many SUVs.
- Front center jack point: Place the jack pad on the reinforced front crossmember or the center area of the subframe behind the bumper.
- Rear center jack point: Use the reinforced rear crossmember or a pad on the rear subframe near the centerline.
- Side pinch weld points: Position the lifting pad on the reinforced sections of the rocker panels, typically behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.
- Alternative frame or subframe points: On some SUVs, there are dedicated lift pads along the frame rails or subframe where a floor jack can safely contact.
Concluding: Always confirm the exact locations for your specific SUV; the owner’s manual and the vehicle’s underbody markings are the most reliable sources. If unsure, seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for model-specific guidance.
Safety steps when lifting a SUV
Elevating a vehicle requires caution. Follow these steps to minimize risk and protect the vehicle and yourself.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite side of the lift to prevent rolling.
- Park on a flat, solid surface. If the ground is soft, use a stable base (e.g., a wooden board) to distribute load.
- Set the parking brake and ensure the transmission is in park (or first gear for manual) with wheels properly secured.
- Place the jack exactly on the designated point; never lift on trim, fuel lines, or exhaust components.
- Raise the vehicle slowly and check for stability before switching to jack stands.
- Slide jack stands under the same jacking points or approved locations and lower the vehicle onto the stands slowly.
- Never go underneath the vehicle solely supported by the jack; always use stands and ensure wheels are chocked.
Concluding: With the vehicle safely supported, you can perform tire changes or maintenance. When finished, remove stands, lower the jack slowly, and store equipment properly.
Summary
In short, the correct practice for an SUV is to use the manufacturer-designated lifting points—typically the reinforced pinch welds along the rocker panels for unibody designs or designated frame crossmembers for body-on-frame models—found in the owner’s manual and underbody markings. Always use a floor jack or bottle jack on these points, and secure the vehicle with jack stands and wheel chocks. Never lift from the bumper or other non-reinforced areas. Consult your manual for model-specific guidance to ensure safety and avoid damage.
