Jacking a 944 and Placing on Jack Stands

Tools

• Floor jack
• Jack stands (4)
• Hockey puck (optional)

Jacking Points

Primary Jacking Point — Center of Rocker Panel

The primary jacking point is located at the center of each rocker panel, indicated by a diamond-shaped indent at the base of the rocker. Jacking here raises both wheels on that side simultaneously. Using a solid rubber hockey puck between the jack pad and this point distributes the load well and protects the rocker. Depending on ride height and floor jack height, the hockey puck may not fit — in that case, the wheels may need to be rolled onto boards to gain clearance.

Front Secondary Points — Round Pads Behind Front Wheel Wells

There are two round pads behind the front wheel wells that can be used as secondary jacking points. Use a small block of wood or hockey puck between the pad and the jack to concentrate load only on the pad and prevent the jack from contacting the surrounding floor pan.

Alternatively, the floor jack or jack stands can be placed on the frame rail or on the front suspension cross-member. The cross-member is not an option if it is being removed for maintenance.

Rear Secondary Points — Rocker Panel Edges at Rear Wheel Wells

The rear jacking points are along the bottom edge of the rocker panels just ahead of the rear wheel wells. These work well for most repairs. If the engine is being removed, use the rear torsion tube assembly instead — with the engine removed the car can become unbalanced and tip rearward if the rear rocker points are used. There are also round pads behind the rear wheels on the frame rail that may be used, though very tall jack stands may be required.

Placing the Vehicle on Jack Stands

Caution: Lowering a vehicle onto jack stands is one of the most dangerous operations performed during maintenance. Work slowly and verify stand positions as you lower.

1. Position a floor jack under the center of the rocker panel on one side. Raise that side to the desired height.
2. Place jack stands under the front and rear secondary jacking points on that side.
3. Very slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, checking stand positions throughout the descent.
4. Once the vehicle is securely on the jack stands, lower and remove the floor jack.
5. Move to the opposite side. Position the floor jack under the center of the rocker panel on that side.
6. Raise that side to the desired height, keeping the vehicle balanced on the jack as it lifts.
7. Place jack stands under the front and rear secondary jacking points on that side.
8. Very slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, checking stand positions.
9. When the vehicle is fully supported on all four stands, lower and remove the floor jack.

Removing the Vehicle from Jack Stands

1. Position the floor jack under the center of the rocker panel on one side and raise until the vehicle weight is off the jack stands.
2. Remove the jack stands from that side.
3. Very slowly lower that side to the ground. Lowering too quickly can dislodge the vehicle from the stands on the opposite side.
4. Move the floor jack to the opposite side and repeat.