Front Jack Point Options

[Espo]

Stupid, obvious question but I can't seem to find the answer and I don't wanna risk anything like per say my steering, so I ask people with much more experience - where is the front jack point on our cars? Mine's an AT200 if it makes any difference.

[Jamchell]

Well there is another good point to use for the front if you have a floor jack. Just behind the subframe mount is the unibody frame rail, kind of a large square lip shaped a bit like a 2 by 4 protruding from the car. This is a strong and out of the way area to use if the jack gets in your way or you are afraid of damaging other areas. This is often the spot you use if you are racking cars up in a garage.

If I'm going to R&R an engine or trans this is the spot I usually place stands under as it allows access to everything. Only use this spot if its not damaged though, it can be crushed on lowered cars from hitting speed bumps as can the scissor lip, in that case I'd pass.

You can use the scissor jack lip for jack stands or this area, I am always leery of using stands on the subframe as they usually have narrow contact points, the subframe is often oily and has many rounded areas, not a good combination in my opinion.

!!ALWAYS USE STANDS that are rated at least 3x the weight you have to support and wheel chocks if you are going to be under the car!! I use stands and the jack for the side I'm going to be under, stay under as short of a time as I can and never use strong force against parts, all it takes is one mistake and you're dead. Also make sure anyone who is nearby knows you will be under the car.

I worked on cars professionally for 10 years and never once dropped one on a rack or on stands/jacks. I've seen some pretty dramatic rack failures though, cars fall very fast and very hard.