3.5L EcoBoost Jacking points, not 100% confident

[Carnious]

So the manual states to jack the vehicle in the front by the frame rail, and then place a jack stand on that frame rail.

I’ve got two problems with that - first off, this only jacks one side at a time, which makes me cringe to go to the next side and jack up at an angle while the other side is on a jack stand.

and secondly, my jack stands have a “Y” type of shaft that would come in contact with the frame rail, and it doesn’t seem to really catch the frame in any way, seems like it could easily slip off. What do you guys suggest?

And then for the rear, manual states to jack one side at a time again, and jack stand the rear axle.

this time, the “Y” shape hold the axle great, but once again, jacking each side separately is cringe for me.

the end goal is to get the entire truck in the air for a tire rotation.
anyone got any tips?

(in the end I did get it done, but I would love to be more confident in the process / maybe I need better jack stands)

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[Old Hat]

Subscribed, as I too harbor concerns about placing a jack stand somewhere other than the designated lift point.

For tire rotation I have an option that is safe, easy, and leaves me zero concerns. No jackstands required.

I mount the spare on whatever corner I start on and move that tire to its new position. Continuing in proper order each corner only gets lifted once, except for the one I started on. I consider dropping, cleaning, and refilling the spare an important part of regular maintenance.

 

[Hans Moleman]

Yes no center jacking point in the front for a floor jack is a bad design. Toyota trucks I’ve had always had a center jacking point. You can’t really use the cross member as a jacking point either because of how it’s designed. So I have no choice but to jack one side up at a time and cringe.

For the rear I still use the rear pumpkin as a jacking point but I make sure the jack is not touching the diff cover.

 

[2515050]

+1 for under the rear diff to get the back up. Then I do one side at a time for the front. I only put enough mileage on my tires to have to rotate them once a year, which I do when I swap from summer to winter tires and back. This saves from needing to get the whole truck in the air. If I couldn't do this, I'd like Old Hat's spare method.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Jack, the rear from the differential put two jackstands underneath the axle

As far as the front, jack each side.
Floor Jack has wheels it will shift more than the truck. I do this every 2500 miles. There’s absolutely zero issue

 

[EcoB259]

Look into getting a 7k Quick Jack. Saves lots of time and is safe.

 

[chris51080]

You’re over thinking this. Other than using the pumpkin to lift the rear end, what you’re doing is exactly what I do.
That said, do a five tire rotation And don’t worry about getting the entire truck in the air. Just swap one at a time easy.

 

[FirstFord]

For the rear I still use the rear pumpkin as a jacking point

+1 for under the rear diff to get the back up.

Jack, the rear from the differential

Other than using the pumpkin to lift the rear end,

From the Ford Service Manual for my 2022:

 

[2515050]

From the Ford Service Manual for my 2022:

I can see why they discourage this. It is important to be careful to avoid damaging the diff cover. I always make sure that the round rubber pad is the only thing contacting the diff housing and that no part of the steel cup is touching the diff cover. Different floor jacks could be more or less likely to cause damage.

 

[Goldeneye36]

and secondly, my jack stands have a “Y” type of shaft that would come in contact with the frame rail, and it doesn’t seem to really catch the frame in any way, seems like it could easily slip off. What do you guys suggest?

I have similar jack stands and I've always used blocks of wood between my jack/Jack stands to protect whatever surface I'm in contact with if it's not an axle tube or something that fits the jack stands perfectly.

 

[Aonarch]

Look into getting a 7k Quick Jack. Saves lots of time and is safe.

I've had one for 10+ years it is great.

 

[chris51080]

From the Ford Service Manual for my 2022:

As it says, the problem is that people are too stupid and damage the diff cover.
there’s no is with the center differential itself being used as a jack point.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

From the Ford Service Manual for my 2022:

Yes, I’ve seen that. You just gotta use some common sense and actually read. What’s below the picture.

No big deal. I’ve been doing that for over 40 years and haven’t had any issues whatsoever. Use a 2 x 6, position the jack & said piece of wood so you’re not gonna smash the edge of the diff cover and you’re good

 

[FirstFord]

I’ve been doing that for over 40 years

I too, have been using that same method for over 50 years. This is the first time I have ever seen to not do it in a manual, let alone an "official" service manual. When I posted, it was with no commentary, but instead, merely for your consideration.

EDIT: "your consideration"; "your" meaning in the plural (everyone), not in the singular.

 

[Octane Haus]

This is what I used to do as well - a piece of wood between the jack and the pumpkin to lift the rear end and then two jack stands on the frame rail closest to the axle. Pick a soft type of wood so it gives way and sort of "molds" onto the pumpkin so you don't damage the diff cover. Then you can jack the front independently. I too have concerns jacking one side at a time; just be careful, go slow and never go underneath the truck.

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