Living on the edge

[wfo9]

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully the lessons learned through this discussion will prevent someone else from having a similar (or worse) experience.

Something else to keep in mind with jack stands is that they are typically rated as a pair. This means that a pair of 3 ton stands can support 3 tons when distributed equally over both stands and that a single stand is only good for half the load rating; in this case 1.5 tons. 4Runners aren't light vehicles, and 3 ton stands are cutting it a bit close for my liking (example of why). My preference when working on an SUV or truck is to use a pair of 6 ton stands per end. The extra load rating is peace of mind knowing that a single stand should be able to hold up half the truck if necessary, but the significantly larger base size used on the 6 ton stands provides much needed additional stability as well.

Having dropped a car off a jack once (totally my fault, thankfully no one was underneath anything) I don't mess around with safety anymore.

Agreed, 6 ton for trucks. Not just for the capacity but for the size, height and stability.

I had my 4 runner slide off partially once while trying to find a noise by cycling the suspension on one side up front. I only had one wheel off, but it quickly creates a domino effect.... Nothing to mess around with.

 

[STX4Runner]

Something else to keep in mind with jack stands is that they are typically rated as a pair

Good to know. I was not aware of that. But, I've never used just one stand, always two, and will continue that now that I know this. I'll probably get two more 6 ton stands then and save the smaller ones for lighter vehicles.

See [MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION]; I now know more than before and will be safer because of this thread. Thanks.

 

[chmura]

I purchased Torin 6 Ton Double Locking Jack Stand.

They have big reach for lifted trucks. Regular jackstands do not have enough reach for our trucks.

I am thinking about ordering 2 more Torin 6 Ton stands.

I absolutely have to have a locking pin in the jackstands I use. I do not like the level unlocking ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Torin-T46002-...58&sr=8-1&keywords=torin+6+ton+double+locking

 

[Jernik]

I think the bracket smacking you in the head was divine intervention trying to get you to pay attention to what you were doing. Glad nothing bad happened!

 

[Dirty Brigade]

Ha. Awesome pick. The very edge!

 

[tigger]

I think the bracket smacking you in the head was divine intervention trying to get you to pay attention to what you were doing. View attachment 153431 Glad nothing bad happened!

I cannot disagree with this. It definitely woke me up.

 

[Chsbrgr]

My stands are 6x6 wood posts 3 1/2 feet long with a tapered ramp cut into each of them. I drive the truck up onto four of them. Nothing moves.

Me too. Attached a 2X8 under each of the four 6X6 ramps for even more space under the rig. Simple and real safe.