how to jack up a shorty

[mcmasterp]

what kind of jack should I use to be able to change the oil, etc. I have a 99 ford e450 24ft shuttle bus. diesel, dually. theres not enough room under it for me

 

[The_Stuff]

something rated 3-4 ton or more.

 

[mcmasterp]

ok thanks!

 

[Tango-SKO]

Personally, I wouldn't crawl under a jacked up bus until it was sitting on one or two solid jack-stands. Don't have that much faith in Chinese hydraulics.

 

[The_Stuff]

that is very true! so a good equally rated jack stand and a plank for footing would be recommended to

 

[mcmasterp]

oh yeah, I should have said that I have a pair of 6 ton jack stands. I would NEVER get under any vehicle without using them.

 

[dirtygoat]

A bottle jack will do what you need... The guys that change tires on fleets usually carry a bottle jack that is air over hydraulic and plug it into their on-board air... I plan on getting a nice one for the bus and carry a unmounted tire or two... I've mounted and dismounted hundreds of tires... It may take a little bit of time, but I'll be back on the road anywhere I happen to be...

 

[The_Stuff]

that would be very sweet to have. My grandpa used to carry a floor car jack. sure they dont roll worth a darn on the ground but thats the point!

 

[wmah]

I have me a 20 ton bottle jack in the bus. In the truck I have a 10 ton bottle jack since it's original didn't hold real good and bent it self to the scrap yard. At the house a big 5 ton floor jack that can not just be picked up by one person. I have loaded it up however up a ramp or chair lift.

When using a bottle jack it is a good idea to have some 4x4 to block other wheels.

 

[mcmasterp]

I have me a 20 ton bottle jack in the bus. In the truck I have a 10 ton bottle jack since it's original didn't hold real good and bent it self to the scrap yard. At the house a big 5 ton floor jack that can not just be picked up by one person. I have loaded it up however up a ramp or chair lift.

When using a bottle jack it is a good idea to have some 4x4 to block other wheels.

My bus is at the shop being inspected at the moment so I can't go check but I thought bottle jacks would be to tall to fit under my bus. I found most 10-20 ton bottle jacks to be around 8.5" tall minimum.

I found a 10 ton bottle for $27 and a 4 ton floor jack for $110. I'm lazy AND cheap so it's hard to decide.

 

[yommytec]

I personally believe anything rated between 3-4 should do you good.