Jack Stand Capacity

I realize that about half of the weight of the truck would be on the other axel and I would be �OK�, using the 3 ton jack stands but not as safe as I wanted. I like to have a good margin of safety where possible to help preclude problems when the equipment is used under less than ideal conditions.

I did an internet search and found many government and private sources were recommending that the jack stand capacity should be derate by 50% for use at their facilities due to failures that have occurred. I wonder if the failures were because of wrong thinking like I had.

There were further recommendations that 4�x4� - 10� x 10� wood shoring be used as a backup to the jack stands incase the load comes off of them.

Jack stands?!? Use 2x4"s!

Either use adequate stands, or timbers.

You should always have a backup support system in place whenever working under a supported vehicle as the primary system can slip out, fail or tip over.

Put the blocks wherever they won't interfere with the work you're doing--alongside or somewhere else under the frame. The main issue is to make sure whatever you place under the load, it takes up enough space to allow you to get out from under it. I've seen folks stack tires/rims under a vehicle (with clearance) as safety members. Anything that can support the load and allow you to escape "uncrushed" is good. In other words you don't become the "block" if the stands fail.