How to Jack Up a Truck

Wait - Should You Jack Your Truck Up at Home?

Jacking a truck up can be daunting. After all, you lift your truck up and rest it on supports that may not seem as sturdy or reliable as tires. Should you jack up a truck at home?

If you need to get under your truck, jacking it up at home is a great option to give yourself space and time to figure out what might be happening with your truck. Jacking your truck up also gives you plenty of time to do things like change the oil or driver steering fluid.

Knowing that jacking your truck up will leave it incapacitated, it’s a good idea to ensure you have everything you might need before you begin any work. A quick trip to the auto parts store is impossible unless you’ve got a second vehicle!

What You Need to Jack Up Your Truck

You’ll need a few items before you jack your truck up. Some items are obvious, but we’re sure there are a few you haven’t considered. Here’s what you need to jack up a truck:

• A floor jack capable of lifting your truck

• Tire blocks (wheel chocks)

• Jack stands

• Gloves (optional)

• Your owner’s manual

We suggest buying or renting a hydraulic floor jack. They’re typically capable of lifting more weight and are easier to use. Tire blocks are necessary, too; block tires still on the ground to keep your truck from rolling and swaying.

You should always use jack stands, even if you’re not planning to be under your truck for an extended period. It’s never advisable to be under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

The owner’s manual for your truck will tell you where the jack points and jack support points are. The jack points are where you position a floor jack to lift your truck, and the support points are where you place the jacks.

Steps to Jack Up a Truck

Now that you’ve got all your items together and are ready to jack up a truck, here’s how to do it:

Find a Flat Surface

A flat surface is necessary to help prevent rolling or swaying while your truck is jacked up. Find as flat a surface as possible for your truck - and be sure you’ve got enough room to maneuver under and around your truck as needed. 

There’s no need to break out a level to ensure it’s flat and even, but please don’t skip this step or make concessions. Flat ground to work on is essential for jacking a truck up.

Put the Truck in Park

After you’ve found a flat surface, put your truck in park and make sure it settles into place before turning the vehicle off. You want to know your truck is in park and won’t move while you jack it up.

Make Sure Nothing is Under the Truck

If you’re jacking a truck up outside, avoid parking over rocks or other debris that can get in your way. If you’re indoors, ensure no obstructions are under your truck.

Find Your Truck’s Jack Points and Jack Support Points

Consult your owner’s manual (or app, if your truck’s manufacturer offers this) to find where the jack points and jack support points are on your truck. Once you’ve identified where those are in the manual, visually identify where they are on your truck so you know where the floor jack should settle before you lift your truck and where you will place the jack stands to support your truck while you work on it.

Block Tires Opposite of Jack Support Point(s)

If any tires will be on the ground while you are under the truck, block them. Blocking tires helps prevent your truck from rolling. For example, if you plan to jack up the front end, be sure all rear tires are blocked before you jack up your truck.

Center Floor Jack Under Jack Point and Lift to Desired Height

Center the floor jack under a jack point and slowly lift your truck. If the floor jack isn’t centered correctly, it may be difficult to lift your truck. If you’re having issues, lower your truck to the ground and make sure the floor jack is lifting at the proper point.

Only lift your truck to the desired (or necessary) height.

Place Jacks Under Jack Support Points

First, set your jacks to the desired height. Find the jack support point while the floor jack supports your truck and place a jack stand under it.

Lower Truck onto Jack Stands

With the jack stand in position, slowly lower your truck until it is just above the jack stand. Ensure the truck will settle onto the jack stand correctly, and adjust the jack stand’s position if needed. Once confident, slowly lower the floor jack further until the jack stand supports the truck.

Be sure the truck is settling onto the jack correctly and that your truck is securely supported. Repeat as needed at other jack points on your truck.

Make Sure Your Truck is Secure

After you’ve jacked your truck up, shake and bump it to ensure it’s secure. Confidence is key when you’re under a truck; you will want to know the truck won’t fall off its jacks easily. 

If there is any concern, you should consider re-jacking the truck.

Re-Position Floor Jack, Grab Jack Stands, Lower Truck

When you’re done working on your truck, settle your floor jack under a jack point. Lift your truck slightly, grab the jack stand, and place it away from your truck, then slowly lower your truck to the ground. Repeat as needed until your truck is resting on all four wheels.

Troubleshooting and Advice

Can you jack a truck up by the bumper?
No. The bumper of your truck is not a support point, and you should never jack a truck up by its bumper.

What if my truck falls while I’m jacking it up?
Lower the floor jack fully and remove it from under your truck. Make sure there is no damage to your truck. Consult the owner’s manual to ensure you’re jacking up the truck at the proper jack points, and attempt to jack up the truck again. If you continue to fail, taking your truck to a professional may be best.

How do I know when it’s safe to get under my truck?
When your truck rests on jack stands, and you’ve given it a shake and bump to ensure it won’t rock or fall off the jack stands, it’s safe to get under the truck. If you’re still uneasy about being under the truck, please lower the truck back to the ground and take your truck to a professional instead.