Had a bitch of a time setting X3 down onto jack stands today

[onthefence]

Since the X3 is higher than a sports coupe, my floor jack almost extends straight up to get the front high enough to clear the lowest setting on my 6T jack stands. As a result, the last few inches of lift also are moving the car forward.
when I lower the car, it is almost moving backwards, horizontally. The jack is not lowering, but lowering horizontally.

Since I kept the jackstand saddle perpendicular with the jack block, the block would almost slip off the jack stand saddle.
It took me like 10 tries to get the center of the blocks to sit in the saddle. Several times, the jack stand was tilting 2 legs off the ground, and I had to rejack and adjust.

I've never had this much hassle laying a car down onto jack stands. I might need to buy a new high reach jack to solve this lateral movement issue ?

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by onthefence

I have the option to buy QJ from a friend.
Do you think it's almost easier to just use a jack & jackstands ?

Originally Posted by onthefence

That video actually tells me QJ is not worth it.

First, the hardest part about QJ will be to take them down from the wall and maneuver it to the sides of the car.
That could be a PITA in a narrow garage. The video was deceptive since it started with the QJ already aside the car. This negates the floor jack's mobility advantage.

Despite that, the QG owner only saved 2 minutes. In the above scenario, QJ would be slower for me. Even if not, 2 mins. does not seem enough a delta to justify a $1000 outlay.

Originally Posted by onthefence

Since the X3 is higher than a sports coupe, my floor jack almost extends straight up to get the front high enough to clear the lowest setting on my 6T jack stands. As a result, the last few inches of lift also are moving the car forward.
when I lower the car, it is almost moving backwards, horizontally. The jack is not lowering, but lowering horizontally.

Since I kept the jackstand saddle perpendicular with the jack block, the block would almost slip off the jack stand saddle.
It took me like 10 tries to get the center of the blocks to sit in the saddle. Several times, the jack stand was tilting 2 legs off the ground, and I had to rejack and adjust.

I've never had this much hassle laying a car down onto jack stands. I might need to buy a new high reach jack to solve this lateral movement issue ?

Maybe reconsider that offer your friend made you on the QuickJack?

[crystalworks]

^Truth.

Not sure what jack you are using but I have the same situation with my low-profile 3 ton HF jack that I use. I'll first drive the X5 (also used this technique on E83 X3) onto ramps. I lift with a small (8-10") 2x4 on the middle jack point under the engine and that gives me enough lift. So with the front wheels on ramps I'll lift from the diff in the rear enough to get the vehicle on stands as high as the job calls for. Then move to the front and jack from the center lift point under the engine to complete getting all 4 corners level on stands and then remove the ramps. Works fine and I'm really used to it at this point... but damnit if I am not super jonesing for that QuickJack!

[onthefence]

No, QJ seems like it would only raise the X3 a few inches off the ground.
Plus, there are 1000's of X3 DIY'er who don't have a QJ.
There should be a better solution than spending $1000 to jack up an SUV

[onthefence]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

^Truth.

Not sure what jack you are using but I have the same situation with my low-profile 3 ton HF jack that I use. I'll first drive the X5 (also used this technique on E83 X3) onto ramps. I lift with a small (8-10") 2x4 on the middle jack point under the engine and that gives me enough lift. So with the front wheels on ramps I'll lift from the diff in the rear enough to get the vehicle on stands as high as the job calls for. Then move to the front and jack from the center lift point under the engine to complete getting all 4 corners level on stands and then remove the ramps. Works fine and I'm really used to it at this point... but damnit if I am not super jonesing for that QuickJack!

I have the same jack.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-Ton-...ack-64264.html

I don't understand how the ramps solve the problem
Even if you're on ramps, you'll have the same issue when jacking to the max height.
The ramps should be totally irrelevant by then, since the car is at the same height if you jacked from ramps, or just jacked in one shot from the ground.

[onthefence]

...

[iansanderson]

I would get a higher-lift jack for sure. I bought one at harbor freight, and it works great for the front and rear center jack points, and setting on stands. I would also recommend a rubber jack pad to protect the rear diff when jacking up.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by onthefence

I have the same jack.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-Ton-...ack-64264.html

I don't understand how the ramps solve the problem
Even if you're on ramps, you'll have the same issue when jacking to the max height.
The ramps should be totally irrelevant by then, since the car is at the same height if you jacked from ramps, or just jacked in one shot from the ground.

The ramps give you some height in the front before you lift the rear. It minimizes the "walking" issue you were describing. I use that same jack with a section of 2x4 to get an extra 1.5" of lift on the jack.

The QJ with the suv risers look like it lifts the vehicle plenty high...
I'll definitely be picking one up as I lift my vehicles way too often.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by onthefence

No, QJ seems like it would only raise the X3 a few inches off the ground.
Plus, there are 1000's of X3 DIY'er who don't have a QJ.
There should be a better solution than spending $1000 to jack up an SUV

Lol. I can assure you this is more like 2 feet more than a few inches.

Whatever onthefence, several members have offered their suggestions but you seem to simply disregard any kind of advice. You just seem so want to struggle with your jack and jack stands...

[onthefence]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

I would get a higher-lift jack for sure. I bought one at harbor freight, and it works great for the front and rear center jack points, and setting on stands. I would also recommend a rubber jack pad to protect the rear diff when jacking up.

What jack did you buy at HF ?
I did not know HF sells a higher lift than the one I already own.