Properly jacking up truck for shock replacements...

993500 · Jul 25, 2024

I'm looking to replace the shocks to a 99 C3500. I understand the rear shocks do not require the truck to be jacked up but my concern is the front. From my research online, it says to first inspect the frame to see if it is too rusted to be lifted. Could anyone give an opinion on the frame or the steps to properly jack it up? I can't afford to have it sent to a shop, but am willing to take the time and learn how to safely lift it with the correct size jacks, jack stands and lift points.

Edit: I have bottle jacks (one 12 ton, two 4 ton) from home repairs that I plan on using, not confident in what size jack axle adapter to purchase.

1999 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab
General Motors 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4L80-E
Long Box 8 ft. Fleetside 5.7L V8 Gas
Mfr Body Code C30943

b454rat · Jul 25, 2024

It's been 3-4 years since I had a 2wd, but vaguely remember using the engine crossmember or the lower A arm. Just have to put jack where it's not gonna interfere with the shock, obviously....

movietvet · Jul 25, 2024

First, get a floor jack. Second, Jack it up at the crossmember and set jack stands under frame, just rear of the lower control arms. Remove front wheels. Jack up the lower control arm close to the lower ball joint and compress the shock a bit. Then remove and replace. I would not try and replace the shocks with the lower control arm at full droop. If you don't want to buy the floor jack, you can likely rent one and the jack stands too. You can do the jack stands one side at a time if you wish.

Caman96 · Jul 25, 2024

993500 said:
inspect the frame to see if it is too rusted to be lifted

If that’s the case, I’d return the shocks.

Sean Buick 76 · Jul 25, 2024

The frame looks nice and solid from the pics it’s fine.

GoToGuy · Jul 25, 2024

Do have to lift it to do front shocks?

Sean Buick 76 · Jul 25, 2024

At least enough to take the wheels off for easier access I would think.

Komet · Jul 25, 2024

+1 on using a proper floor jack. You can lift on any of the solid framish looking areas, that truck looks plenty solid.

I think how I did it was to lift at the front crossmember, jackstands under the frame rails so it rests at full droop, remove jack to put all weight on stands, push the truck around so you know it won't fall (*note this gets spicy if the truck falls but that was just the one time), then I put the jack under the control arm so I can raise or lower it as needed. Not sure if you actually need to but it's nice to have options.

someotherguy · Jul 26, 2024

movietvet said:
First, get a floor jack. Second, Jack it up at the crossmember and set jack stands under frame, just rear of the lower control arms. Remove front wheels. Jack up the lower control arm close to the lower ball joint and compress the shock a bit. Then remove and replace. I would not try and replace the shocks with the lower control arm at full droop. If you don't want to buy the floor jack, you can likely rent one and the jack stands too. You can do the jack stands one side at a time if you wish.

All that, plus spray some penetrating oil ahead of time on the ends of the lower shock bolts. You'll see them poking up inside the lower control arm, inside the coil spring. They're almost always rusty and will fight you coming out of the nuts which are welded into the control arm - I've even had some break the welds and then you end up with the nut spinning.

Richard

Pinger · Jul 26, 2024

See pic below for how I raise the front wheels on my C2500 using a 5 ton bottle jack. I have to take two bites at it - get half way there, let it sit on the axle stands, place wood between jack and chassis, continue raising until desired height achieved and lock the axle stands.

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Properly jacking up truck for shock replacements...

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