I have a harbor freight 1 1/2 ton floor jack. I have to use lumber scraps of all size's .. under my jack stands, and I have to use lumber scraps with the floor jack to get up on the frame to lift the van..
Does anyone have a better way??

 

use the jack to lift it under the control arm to the height you need, then set your jack stands to the frame with the lumber height needed. Lower the jack easy, move it and use it where needed for extra support.

I have the harbor freight 2 ton low profile floor jack, has a longer lift arm than the others and I've found it less of a fight to get a good angle to clear the handle of the bumper to make the first couple of pumps lifting

 

thanks jfloors....Now I'm thinking of the 2 ton ...someday..

 

Jack the rear from the axle and the front under the control arms with a piece of wood.

 

The AXLE ??? --- I thought you could bend them???? So I never used that ...Sure would be easier....