Rash

I want to put the car on jack stands on one side at a time to rotate the tires (swap front and back on each side). Where would you suggest I put the jack, and where should I put the stands? I'm just concerned about the car leaning on the jack stands and not being stable.

2kanchoo

Well you only need it jacked high enough to get the wheels off. If you look on the stock jack instructions there are notches on the frame near the front and rear wheel wells which is where they suggest.

Rash

So where would I put the jack stands? Could I still use the k-member in front and the axle tube in back?

n8rfastback

i wouldnt use anything suspension related if you can.. but i know that doesnt leave you with much

2kanchoo

What kinda of jack you using? I would put the jack beside teh notches in the frame and the stands using the notches.

colbymh

or just go to les schwabs and have them do it for free.

Rash

no les schwab in nc.

adrenalin

Although they say you shouldn't do this, I just put the floor jack under the rear diff to lift up the back. Then place a jack stands where the factory jack points are for the rear. Then lower the jack, place it under the front cross member to lift the front and place a set of jack stands at the front jack points. That way I can take off all four wheels at once. I've done this to all my "rear-wheel drive" cars for the past 20 years and have never had an issue. Knowing my luck I just jinxed myself and will damage my car in the spring

Rash

Right now I only have two jack stands. I think I'll just spring for two more and do it your way. Thanks.

adrenalin

I hate when I go back and read something I wrote, just to find out how many gramatical errors I made. Oh well Just make sure you place the jack stands in the proper locations and only do this if your vehicle is being raised up on a flat, level, surface. If you driveway is even on a slight incline I wouldn't suggest doing it this way.

bigray327

I go to National Tire & Battery (NTB). Free!

That said, here are the lift points for the S197... looks like there's probably not one single jack location that will lift one whole side at once.

mot250

If you raise it at the notched locations on the side high enough, the other end will also come off the ground...

Oh, this should go without saying but make sure you loosen the lugs on all 4 wheels before lifting the car all the way off the ground. Otherwise you need to enlist someone to sit in the car with their foot on the brakes so you can loosen the lugs. Not that I've ever done that .. .

Martimus

Hmm... I think I must be confused because that does not look to be an accurate image of the underside of either a S197 GT or V6. That picture shows the muffler in front of the rear axle.

8905GT

Interesting, I may have to rotate my tires as well.

mrkabc

Hmmm... maybe I am reckless but I don't bother with jack stands. I get my floor jack, use the frame rail on the side, crank the side of the car up in the air just high enough to clear the tires, and impact the lug nuts off and swap out the wheels.

Since I'm not getting under the car I'm not too worried about the car falling on me and it really isn't in the air long enough for me to worry about the car coming crashing down.

<shrug>

The upshot is my tire rotations are done in a matter of minutes without all of that jackstand drama. (of course, if I am getting UNDER the car you better believe there is jackstand drama!!! )

2kanchoo

Yea I wouldn't use anywhere shown on that diagram. The stock jack has instructions that show the notches in the frame where they suggest.

steevr

Yes, and the diagram also shows the gas tank strapped to the car behnd the axle. Looks more like a diagram for a Fox Mustang.

karman

I don't use jackstands for tire rotation either.
I will not be under the car and I have a level garage.
I use 2 jacks per side for extra stability.
(Why not I have about 6 jacks.)

karman

It is an older Stang, but it is what is in the new books...go figure.
They are lift points for a rack, not specifically jack points though.

Reminisce

Sorry to thread hijack but this brings up a good question.
I am switching from the 17" bullitts to the polished 18s, and plan to just swap them out myself. Is this a good idea or will I need to take the car in for aligning or balancing or something? I figure since they have the same diameter and width, it shouldnt be a problem, but would rather hear from yous guyseses.