Placement of Front Jack Stands

[Grego 92]

I recently successfully did a timing belt change and had the camry on jack stands in the location seen in the pictures. I'm now taking my time doing a head gasket change (never did a timing belt or a head gasket before).

One of the steps is to remove the suspension lower crossmember (where I have my jacks at) so I can remove the front exhaust pipe. Where is the best place to put the jacks now? I don't know if I had them in the wrong place to begin with, but it worked . Thanks.

[89Camry89]

I have always had a tough time with jack stands. Someone here may have a better answer, but I place them in one of the following places:

1.) Exactly where yours are.
2.) Way up front there are brackets through which the anti sway bar passes.
3.) Beneath the control arm inner pivot point if I can arrange it to be safe enough not to slip.
4.) Drive the car onto ramps.
5.) Right behind the front tires is a spot. I cut a section of 2x4 about 12" or 18" long, place the board against the car and then support that with the jack stand. I use the board to help distribute the load. This is my last choice and I try to make it temporary until I can place support somewhere else. It flexes the car and can make the doors tough to open/close.

[hairball]

Dang, Grego, those look like brand spankin' new jack stands! Nice! I just wish I had a nice floor jack! Jack stands are out there everywhere, but a decent floor jack (for a good price) is hard to find. As for where I place my stands, I've put them where yours are in the picture, or sometimes under the lower control arms or somewhere else. Just anywhere but under the oil pan... I save that for placing the jack there! (Kidding!)

[Grego 92]

thanks guys....put them on the sway bar passes, nice fit like they were suppose to go there. Yup, those jacks and floor jack are pretty new from harbor freight, one of those super deals with extra coupon thing. Do you guys know if it is a "must do" to remove that exhaust front pipe when doing a head gasket change? I stripped a bolt trying to get it off

[hairball]

THAT is where I usually place my stands, like in your second picture.

Not sure myself about the exhaust/head gasket thing. Haven't had to do it yet. But I'm close to having to remove and replace the very front section of my exhaust pipe where the heat shield is because there is a leak under the shield that is getting louder and worse.

As for jacks and stands, I suggest anything BUT this procedure...

[white90dx]

The spot you originally used is a really good spot for most of the time. The next best place (and shown in the owners manual) is the pinch rails on each side of the car, just behind the wheels. These work on the front or the back. You should be able to see the spot where the emergency jack interfaces with the car - use that same spot (or just in front or behind it).

-Charlie

[sfjen]

Aloha Grego-
Wanted to ask you where you would jack the back end of the car and then where to place the jack stands? I have been trying to find a thread on this and what I do not know is if the station wagon is different?

Also, what was your "jacking-point" in the front of the car before you placed your jack stands under your stabilizer bar brackets. But if you are changing out your lower control arms on the front, where is the best place for the jack stands?

I just do not want to hurt the framing underneath the car; it is a lot different then my little truck with solid axles!
Mahalo,
glen

Originally Posted by Grego 92

I recently successfully did a timing belt change and had the camry on jack stands in the location seen in the pictures. I'm now taking my time doing a head gasket change (never did a timing belt or a head gasket before).

One of the steps is to remove the suspension lower crossmember (where I have my jacks at) so I can remove the front exhaust pipe. Where is the best place to put the jacks now? I don't know if I had them in the wrong place to begin with, but it worked . Thanks.

[Sturdavj]

When I am working under the front end of my car, I place them on the pinch rails behind the front tires. I set my stands to the second to the last step.

I am not a small cutout, so I enjoy as much room as I can get.

This location makes it nice for rolling in from all three sides, as well as being able to reach those rear cross member attachment bolts.

[Grego 92]

Hey Glen,

Check the image below..hopefully the wagon is similar. I forgot about this post! I must've asked this before realizing this was inside the repair manual.

Check your message, sent you a PM

[sfjen]

Thanks Sturdavj & Grego!
Mahalo,
glen