Safest way to put car on 4 jackstands?

Question

My car is kinda low (about 5-6 inches off the ground). What's the safest way to get it up on 4 jackstands? I have a floor jack and four 2 ton jackstands that are 10in minimum height. Do I do front to back, or side to side? I need all 4 wheels off to paint them

Answer 1

Since you have a heavy duty floor jack, the easiest and safest way is to do two at a time. First, the front..put the jack under the center cross member so that when you jack it up, both front tires comes off the ground evenly. Once you get it to the height you need it, place the jack stands under a secure spot. Make sure it's either the frame of the car or a spot that is solid and not part of your floorboards. The go to the back center of the car and find a secure spot where you can put the jack and jack up both tires at the same time. Slide the jack underneath with the jack wheels going straight all in the same direction. Having the jack wheels all facing the same direction towards the front of the car is important, so that as you jack up the car, the jack will roll forward with the angle of the car as it is rising, and not pull the car off the front jack stands. You just wanna make sure as you are jacking it up and the jack is rolling forward and that you are not pulling the front off the stands. Once again, once you get to the height you need it, find a secure spot (either under the rear axle if it is rear wheel drive or under a solid part of the car). And just a reminder, if you are not putting the car up on a concrete slab, make sure if it is blacktop, or soil, you have some type of solid base to put the jack stands on. Blacktop is not solid, especially when it is hot out. The stands will sink into it as well as the jack.

Answer 2

do 1 side at a time. jack up the rear, put the jack stand undre the body, then jack up the front and put the jack stand under the control arm, or what about doing 1 wheel at a time.

Answer 3

my car is about 2 inches off the ground i usually go front to back but it really depends on your car. what is the make and model?

Answer 4

Make sure you engage the safety break so the car doesn't roll.  It depends on the make and model of the car.  Side to side would probably work better so you can see both wheels at the same time.  Just my thoughts.