How to properly jack up the rear?

[haux]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you properly jack up the rear of a 2000 Camry? I know there are those notches in the sides for a scissor jack. But I've already had one OEM scissor jack fail on me, and it eff'ed up the body a little bit (small dent). I think those things aren't designed for repeated use... more so emergency road-side repairs. The hydraulic jack we have doesn't fit the notch. Jacking it up in that spot will bend the metal.

So where else can the car be jacked up safely? There are a couple beams back there that the tow hooks are attached to, but the wheels do not leave the ground jacking it up that way. The body just rises higher and higher until the hydraulic jack can't go up any more. And where am I supposed to place jack stands in the rear?

The front is straightforward... but the rear alway aggravates me, and I'm sure I've done it improperly before.

[JohnGD]

There is a jack point on the rear subframe. It should typically be a raised round spot. Once you jack it up high enough for the stands, you put the stands on the jack points for tire changes.

I also use:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96306
This works with the large diameter saddle. I don't think it'll work with the 2-ton jacks.

Some others might use these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95952

[haux]

Hm. I *think* I was jacking it up by the subframe but I'm unsure. I don't remember seeing any round spots. I will look again. Those pads are a good idea! Less scratching.

By the way, I bought that 14-piece deep impact socket set. It was $20. They had it available in a plastic case or a smaller metal case. I got the metal. They appear to be of decent quality too.

[bdy0003]

Yes, its on a jack point, and it does look like round spot. Make sure its part of the chassis or else you risk damaging stuff back there. MAke sure you use wheel chocks for the front tires or use 2x4s.


Btw, how did you change your struts without elevating the back?

Edit: If I remember right, the jackpoint was way back there.

[haux]

Originally Posted by bdy0003

Btw, how did you change your struts without elevating the back?

This is a Jedi secret.

Nah, I used a scissor jack on the side. For the sway bar... jeez, I don't remember. I had to lift the rear completely for that. I probably did it improperly. Most likely I stuck the hydraulic jack under a spot that appeared to be sturdy. Like around the edge area where the scissor jack normally goes.

I used to own a 1977 Ford LTD. You jacked up that car by the front or rear bumpers. ...they were both attached to the frame. Too bad it ain't that simple anymore.

[bigbird]

ive used the same OEM jack for about 6 years and use it often, never failed on me. the proper points are where the notches are but to lift the whole thing just pick it up at the joint of the rear suspensions arms(dont know the technical term for them).

[haux]

Originally Posted by bigbird

ive used the same OEM jack for about 6 years and use it often, never failed on me. the proper points are where the notches are but to lift the whole thing just pick it up at the joint of the rear suspensions arms(dont know the technical term for them).

I think I know what you're talking about!

The part of the scissor jack that failed was the very top portion. I'll take a picture of it today. I think Toyota should pay to repair the dent it made.

...in fact, I need to know what the part is called where the dent was made. Or, what body part it's part of. So I'll post a picture and maybe someone will recognize it.

[ghettosled]

at least on my 1996, directly in between the two rear wheels there is a piece of the sub frame with a downward bulge that is perfect for a floor jack. that bulge fits right inside the lifting pad on the jack. maybe the 2000 has something similar. i then set up jack stands along each rocker panel in the standard sissor jack lifting locations.

[Retrospekt]

I use a 2 ton jack with a piece of wood put in between the jack and the frame. It never slips on me and it keeps the metal straight.

[hill8570]

You can see the jackpoints for the 2000 at www.camrystuff.com, Generation 4, Introduction, Page 8 . Pretty much the same for the Gen3 rigs, if anyone cares.

Like most folks have responded, I use a hydraulic floor jack at the jack point between the rear wheels (be sure to chock the front wheels), and place jackstands at the two rear side jackpoints after I get 'er in the air.

[ejoy1220]

Go to a sporting goods store and grab a bunch of plain hockey pucks, they work amazing for jack pads and will keep from scratching anything