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Chevrolet Silverado: How to Jack Up Your Truck

Like everything, there is a right and a wrong way of doing things. But for the sake of your personal safety, jacking up your truck is something you definitely want to do the right way.

By Jerry Perez - June 3, 2015

This article applies to the Chevy Silverado 1500 (1999-present).

Whether you are changing a flat tire, installing a new fancy off-road suspension component, or performing something as simple as an oil change, you will need to jack up your truck. In order to jack up your truck, you will need a proper jack and most importantly, jack stands. Jack stands play a big role anytime you choose to jack up your truck because they are what holds the weight of the truck and keeps it stable and safe for you to work underneath it. Without them, you risk serious injury and quite possibly death. We've compiled a step-by-step guide on how to properly jack up your truck.

Materials Needed

  • Floor or spare jack
  • Jack stands

Step 1 – Locate jacking points

Depending on what type of job you are about to perform, you may need to use different jacking points around the car, some designated, some not. But it's important you first strategize and think what the most convenient place for your jack and jack stands. If you only want to remove a tire, then jack up at the designated spot ahead of the rear tire or behind the front tire and place your jack stand along the appropriate axle. If you need both front or rear tires off the ground, then jack up at the front frame cross member or at the differential housing.

Figure 1. Diagram for the safe jacking points on a Silverado.

Step 2 – Lift truck

Now that you've chosen the appropriate and most convenient jacking point for your truck, you must position your jack and lift up the vehicle. Make sure the jack is on solid ground and will not tilt or fall as the pressure load from the vehicle grows. Make sure you or others aren't near the jack or vehicle while it's being jacked. Once your truck has reached it's desired height, lock the jack handle or mechanism.

Figure 2. Properly position jack.

Pro Tip

Refer to your truck's user manual for any more questions on jacking points.

Step 3 – Place jack stands

Now that the truck is jacked up, you may find an appropriate place to set the jack stands so the weight is evenly distributed. Always use any of the already mentioned jacking points as designated areas to set the jack stands. Always try to use at least two jack stands to make sure weight distribution remains even.

Warning

Remember to never enter and exit or lean against a jacked vehicle, as it could cause it to fall of the jack stands and hurt someone.

Figure 3. Set jack stand before removing jack.

Featured Video: How to Jack Up a Silverado

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