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What "load" of jack do I need?

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Old 06-14-2011, 12:52 PM
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Default What "load" of jack do I need?

Going to be buying a jack and jack stands for my truck, its a 1500 with the 5.9

What kind of jack do I need? How much does this truck weigh? Is a 3 ton sufficient? 2 ton?
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 12:54 PM
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Get the meanest one you can afford. The higher the lift, the better. I have a pair of heavy duty 3? ton floor jacks, and I love 'em.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 01:05 PM
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Im looking at a 3 ton jack that comes with a pair of 3ton stands for $130....
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 02:01 PM
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Should be adequate to the task.

I love my floor jacks. Not so much so when I need to take them somewhere though.... not exactly light.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 02:21 PM
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I typically buy one that is rated to lift the whole vehicle if necessary. 3 ton is the lowest I'd go for a 5200# vehicle. I just don't trust the pressure that could be exerted on a particular section of the truck when lifting, to a jack that is rated less.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 02:47 PM
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I have a Pro lift 3-ton jack and 6-ton Jack stands from Harbor Freight and some 2 1/2 ton jack stands.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 02:48 PM
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So with a 3 ton im not gonna get crushed by the truck falling on me? :P

I'm just jacking the front end up.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 02:56 PM
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You'll be fine. I usually set my e-brake when I have the front end in the air as safety.

For reference my 3/4-ton Mud truck has been sitting on my 2 1/2 ton stands for weeks with no issues.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 04:09 PM
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Don't work under a truck that is only supported by your jack. That is a recipe for disaster. ALWAYS use jackstands.
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
Don't work under a truck that is only supported by your jack. That is a recipe for disaster. ALWAYS use jackstands.

Thats what I ment, sorry, will 3 ton jackstands prevent me from becoming a pancake.
 

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