Front jack point.

02 4WD, TRD. Manual says the front jack point is the front cross member. Looks to be in line with or just in front of the forward arm of the control arms.

But I cannot see a likely looking spot, perhaps due to skid plates. There is a "flat circle" in the skid plate that looks tempting, but I need to hunt up a stronger light to get a look under that. I don't want to jack in the wrong place and bend or break something.

Been awhile since I did this.

Suggestions?

 

I wouldn't use the skid plate for jacking up the truck. It's just too thin.

When I have to jack up the front end, the first things I do are put the tranny in Park or in first gear and then put a block behind both rear tires. Then I place the jack under the frame just behind where it turns upwards as it goes toward the front of the truck. Next I jack the truck up, set a jackstand right behind it, then remove the jack. I do the same for the other side. More work, but it gets the truck as high as the jackstands will go and plenty high enough for me.

 

I’ve always used that flat circle spot on the skid plate to raise it and then place the jack stands underneath. I haven’t had any issues.

 

I gotta be honest. I have jacked vehicles up using the A-Arms, frame, x-members, and probably several other locations. I have never damaged anything. Just don't try to pick the entire front end up at once unless you are under frame or x-member, and your jack is rated for 2 tons or more. Just use good common sense about the balance point, mounting hardware (bolt/nut holding part to vehicle?), and the thickness of the steel.

Most importantly is what was stated above: get jack stands under it and get the weight off the jack. Unless you do something silly like jack under oil pan, steering rack,..., you are probably more likely to blow a jack seal than you are to damage you vehicle. So, NEVER remove a tire without jack stands in place. I never lay under mine w/o 2 jack stands or 1 stand and the floor jack in place in case one fails. When I am on the 2-post lift, I always have the floor jack stands in place to prevent shifting of the vehicle:




When possible, if I am using a floor jack, I also leave the jack with just a slight bit of pressure on it as a backup for the jack stands.

 

I always jack either the frame, lower control arm or front diff.

 

just follow the FSM - take a minute and remove that skid. Not a big deal. Safety first.

 

I always use the frame points

 

What is a FSM?

 

Factory Service Manual

 

I believe that circle cut out in the stock skid plate is there for the jack point. I haven't had a stock skid in years though.

I do use that front crossmember as a front jack point, no issues.

 

I don't suppose third party engine skid plates have a cutout to allow centre point jacking?

 

I have always used the metal under the rad support. No issues. Probably not recommended but it works.