Front suspension brace for Jacking

[ralt962 11]

Just curious,  does anybody actually used the steel braces recommended when jacking up the front end of the car?   If not have you seen any damage to the ball joints or sway bar attachments?

I made a set and have used them but they tend to be a pain to position correctly as you jack the car.  

thanks

[Mike65 475]

I have seen them, & no I have never used them.

[rockhouse66 22]

I think the possible damage is to the shock absorber and its bushings due to full extension and the weight of the suspension components hanging on it.

[Brian Conway 264]

Yes I use them.  I agree they are a bit of a pain to get positioned.  I do feel using them is saving wear and tear on my suspension parts.  So worth the extra effort.  Brian

[JayEstes 172]

@Brian Conway  Could you post the dimensions of those?  I could make a drawing from that, and post it, and folks would know how to make their own.  I've never used these (don't have any) but I have wanted to have some many times.

[Brian Conway 264]

Sure, straight out of the 69 Shop Manual.  The one with the added tang, at the lower end, is for the LEFT/DRIVERS  side.  It is needed to avoid crushing the fuel line.  Brian

[ralt962 11]

I added the lower tab like Brian did.  otherwise it crushes the Fuel line that runs along that edge.  I think the dimensions are a little long.  I'm going to shorten mine a bit. 

They are a pain to put in and take out.

Great feed back.

second question,  when you put your car on jackstands, do you use the lower are pivot point or back under the body?

I typically put the jack stands under the inner pivot point for the lower control arm.   Most of the front end weight is right there.  '

thanks,

 

[Brian Conway 264]

Most of the time under the strut rod bracket/brace.  On occasion under the torque box.  Brian

[mustangstofear 608]

https://shop.mustangstofear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_42_194

This is what we use for the stock suspension. 

[JayEstes 172]

Thanks all.  Nice jacking platform @mustangstofear!  A bit overkill for my application at home.  When that vehicle lift gets here though..

 

Before I go make a pair of these, any changes you guys would recommend in terms of dimensions or features to make them easier to install or use?

@ralt962 You had some idea of some adjustments?

 

Thanks all-

Jay

[Brian Conway 264]

Suggestions ?   Shelby/Arning drop and tire/wheel size are two variables that affect length.  A field measurement from your car would give you a better approximation ?  Upper control arm mounting saddle and the distance to the frame rail mounting area would give you a better idea of over all length.  Brian

[ralt962 11]

I would make mine slightly shorter. 1/4" Still takes load from the shock.  A little easier to get in.  But add the tab as shown.  The original Ford drawing doesn't have that.  

 

[Crazyhorse 21]

I've always used a spring compressor to compress the spring when doing ball joints, I'm sure this was quicker at the dealership though, as they could leave the shock and spring in place. You better trust your welds though, or you'll be wearing the spring when it fails.

From what that page looks like ford intended these as a tool for keeping the suspension loaded to change ball joints without complete disassembly  not for general lifting of the cars. If you needed them to lift the car, at least 1 would have been with the jack tools in the trunk.