Where to put jack on a Mustang?
The quickest answer: use the factory jack points—the reinforced pinch-welds along the rocker panels for lifting and supporting the car, plus the designated front and rear crossmembers for center or professional lifting. Always use a floor jack with a wide pad and support with jack stands. For exact locations, consult your owner's manual for your year and trim, as points can vary.
Understanding the right lifting points and why they matter
Jacking a Mustang in the wrong place can bend sheet metal, damage suspension components, or cause a dangerous lift. The key is to locate reinforced points designed to bear load and to stabilize the vehicle while you work. The following guidance applies across generations, but exact geometry can differ by year and trim, so it’s always best to verify with the manual or a service guide.
Common jack points you should know
Before you lift, identify the main spots that Ford typically reinforces for jacking. These are your go-to points for a safe lift or setup for stands.
- Front pinch welds: On both sides along the rocker panels, just behind the front wheels, where the metal is reinforced and a lifting surface is provided.
- Rear pinch welds: On both sides along the rocker panels near the rear wheels for a stable rear lift.
- Center front crossmember or radiator-support area: A reinforced point under the front of the subframe or crossmember that can support lifting the front of the car from the middle, if your manual indicates it’s safe to do so.
- Center rear crossmember or subframe area: A reinforced point toward the rear for mid-span lifting or for establishing a stable rear support point, when recommended by the manual.
Notes: Exact locations and whether a center-point lift is recommended can vary by model year and trim. Always confirm with the owner’s manual, a Ford service guide, or a qualified technician before lifting from a center point.
Best practices for lifting and then supporting the Mustang
Proper technique reduces the risk of damage and injury. The following practices are widely recommended for Mustang owners and mechanics alike.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite end of the lift to prevent movement.
- Use a floor jack with a wide, flat pad to distribute the load across the jack points.
- Engage the jack slowly and verify stability before proceeding to lift higher.
- Never crawl under the car when it is only supported by a jack; place jack stands at the designated points and lower the car onto them.
- Check for any fluid leaks, loose components, or damaged mounting points before lifting again.
These steps help ensure a safe working environment and protect both you and the Mustang from damage during maintenance tasks.
What to know by generation or year (general guidance)
While the broad approach remains the same—use rocker-panel pinch welds and any listed front/rear crossmembers—precise locations can differ between classic and modern Mustangs. If you own a vintage model (early 1960s to early 1970s), lifting points are often on the frame rails and near the front crossmember, with careful attention to avoid the exhaust system and oil pan. For modern Mustangs (2005–present), the factory jacking points are clearly defined in the manual and often integrated into reinforced rocker-panel areas and crossmembers. Always refer to the specific owner’s manual for your exact year and trim to identify the correct points and any cautions.
Summary
In short, rely on the Mustang’s factory jacking points: the reinforced pinch welds along the rocker panels for lifting and stable support, plus any front and rear crossmember points that your year’s manual designates. Use a sturdy floor jack with a wide pad, chock the wheels, and always place and secure proper jack stands before getting under the vehicle. If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a Ford service guide for your exact model year.
