Lift points for floor jack and stands in rear

[jflogerzi]

Never worked on a truck. Going to be installing my rear 5100s on the ranger. What's the best way to get the rear end in the air and securely on Jack's? Diff or rear hitch? Also where should the jack stands go? Rear axle or the rear jack points on the frame? Looking to make this install as easy as possible.

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[AdamHarris]

They say Never jack from the center diff. I jack from the frame itself just ahead of where the hitch bolts to the frame. Place jack stands on frame rails as well beside the jack.

 

[BladeRanger]

Never worked on a truck. Going to be installing my rear 5100s on the ranger. What's the best way to get the rear end in the air and securely on Jack's? Diff or rear hitch? Also where should the jack stands go? Rear axle or the rear jack points on the frame? Looking to make this install as easy as possible.

I didn't Jack the Ranger when I replace the real shocks, I only use the Jack to help me push the shocks in place. As long as you are in a level ground, you should be fine.Watch out for the nuts holder's when you install the bolts back. They go inside the holders. I screwed that one up.

 

[Radioman]

Never worked on a truck. Going to be installing my rear 5100s on the ranger. What's the best way to get the rear end in the air and securely on Jack's? Diff or rear hitch? Also where should the jack stands go? Rear axle or the rear jack points on the frame? Looking to make this install as easy as possible.

I have always used the rear diff to jack any rear wheel drive vehicle of mine and put the jack stands on the axle, but... Ford says not to use the diff to lift the vehicle so I guess the frame near the back is the way to go.

 

[Bob902]

No need to lift your truck to replace the rear shocks. Easily done without lifting. Two bolts per side.

 

[Cabose-1]

I know ill be raked across the coals for this, but like radioman,
I always use the diff, and place the axle housing on jackstands.

 

[Dereku]

Why aren't you supposed to use the diff? I always have, haven't broke an axle yet, but I am curious. Wonder what my axles think when I high center them on the pumpkin....

 

[Dereku]

using the diff has a potential to deform the cover and cause a leak.
if you're careful and dont catch the cover, you could probably do this forever without issue

if you do catch the cover, time to upgrade ?

Makes sense. I always make sure I'm not grabbing the cover. Grab the flat part at the bottom. Thanks.

 

[Wytchdctr]

Maybe the don't lift on the diff was for those with the drain plug that was removed on the newer 5gens?

 

[AdamHarris]

Maybe the drain plug that was removed on the newer 5gens?

Feels like you’re grasping for a tie-in here..

 

[Wytchdctr]

Feels like you’re grasping for a tie-in here..

Fixed it. Someone replied in between posts. Maybe they don't want the drain plug jamed in via jacking on it.

Grasping complete.

 

[R_B]

A good tip I read here was before loosening the upper shock bolts, stick some duct tape on the bottom portion of the captive nut.
It would normally fall down after removing the bolt but the tape will keep it up there.
Put the new shock up in there, stick the bolt in and torque it. Remove the tape afterwards.
For once, I did not drop the nut and have to go scrambling around for it.

 

[MikeyB]

I've been using a floor jack under the rear diff (middle) of every vehicle I've owned with a solid rear axle since forever....never had a issue.
As some others have stated here as long as you don't touch the rear cover, you're good to go.
I've also placed jack stands under the tube on either ends. Never had a issue. JMO

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