How to Lift the Body of a Car
Lifting the body of a car is a task that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It is important to follow the proper steps and precautions to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle.
Equipment Needed
* Floor jack
* Jack stands
* Tire chocks
* Lug wrench
* Wheel stoppers
* Body lift bars
* Sway bar disconnect tool (if necessary)
Safety Precautions
* Always park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
* Place tire chocks behind the wheels that will not be lifted.
* Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Never work under a car that is supported only by a floor jack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the car: Remove the lug nuts from the wheels that will be lifted, but do not remove the wheels yet.
2. Position the floor jack: Place the floor jack under the body of the car at the designated jack points. These points are typically located near the front and rear wheels.
3. Lift the car: Slowly pump the floor jack to lift the car until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the tires and the ground.
4. Place the jack stands: Position the jack stands under the designated jack points and lower the car onto them. Ensure that the jack stands are stable and secure.
5. Remove the wheels: Completely remove the lug nuts and wheels that were previously loosened.
6. Disconnect the sway bar (if necessary): If the car’s sway bar is interfering with the body lift, use the sway bar disconnect tool to detach it from the chassis.
7. Insert the body lift bars: Carefully align the body lift bars with the designated attachment points on the car’s body. Insert the bars and secure them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Lift the body: Slowly and evenly pump the floor jack to lift the body of the car. Continue lifting until there is approximately 12-18 inches of clearance between the body and the frame.
Tips
* Use a floor jack with a high enough capacity to lift the weight of the car’s body.
* If you are lifting the entire car, place jack stands under all four designated jack points.
* Never exceed the maximum lift capacity of the floor jack or jack stands.
* If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified mechanic or refer to the vehicle’s service manual.
Warnings
* Do not lift the car by the exhaust system or suspension components.
* Never crawl under a car that is supported only by a floor jack.
* If the body lift bars are not properly secured, the car’s body could fall and cause serious damage or injury.