I have a question regarding the proper use of floor jacks and jack stands. How do you get jack stands under the donuts if you are using them for the jack. I have heard that you can use the engine crossbar to raise both wheels at the same time but I don't know if this is acceptable. How do the rest of you do it?

It depends on your jack if you can get under the crossbar to jack the whole back in up. A lot of us place the jack under the tranny and than jack up both wheels. I do.

Or you can get one of those jack plate that slide in the jack hole. They work well.

Paul

So no problem with crossbar integrity? And the tranny will bear it as well?

I jack up from the donuts and then put the jackstand under the longitudinal as close as possible to the jack. Then if I can I leave the jack under there as additional support. This is also a great way to check your longitudinals for rust.. if the jackstand hits your door, you have rust

Cross bar is cast iron and will hold the weight fine. So will the tranny and the tranny is easier to get to and is more stable. With the cross bar, your jack may not be in the center and could slide off. Not good.

Paul

Paul: Do you even need a jack?

Thanks alot. Should I use protection for the cup on the jack, i.e., wood block, etc?

I just took these...

The block of wood keeps the jack away from the speedo drive.

All the white crap is fiberglass dust.

Paul

Is that all stock bracing under there? What's the supports that run up and back?

Bondo,
I use the jack when I'm working by myself. If my 9 year old is home, she'll pick up one end and I'll postion the stands.

Paul

Thats the struts that hold the oil cooler. Since this pic was taken I've flipped the cooler so it doesn't drain down.