Where's the recommended place to place jack stands? On the jack points in the sides of the car?

 

I don't think there is a recommended location for jack stands since Lexus official recommendation would be to use a lift (at a Lexus dealership). I'm certain that any "regular" jackstand would not properly support the car at the tire jack points without crumpling the sheet metal. I believe Lexus did this on purpose to discourage DIY service and repairs.

 

I placed jackstands on the frame rail. It's about a foot into the center of the car from the spare tire jack points.

 

I don't think I have the ***** to try that! The frame rails would have to be massively over-engineered to support the car on a jackstand...

 

Maybe i'm using the wrong term. I'm referring to the frame/chasis of the car.

 

Yep, that's what I was talking about as well. Those are designed to support lots of different types of forces that are NOT anything like a jackstand. It is definitely something that you don't want to dent.

Have you ever tried standing up on an upright soda can? If the soda can is undented, it will support hundreds of pounds without crushing, but if it has even the slighted dent, it will crush like an egg.

 

I see. Good to know.

 

From the service manual...

 

if your hydraulic jack doesn't fit under the car, you could always put a 2x4 under each front tire, and drive up on them... you instantly have 2" more clearance for your jack.

also, what's wrong with using the bottom of the struts? they hold the weight of the car on their own, they should be fine to hold the weight on a jack, right?!

 

is there some sorta attachment you can place on the jack so it fits into the recommended jack points?

 

yea i know what you mean, i went to look at jack stands last wk, mine is like 20yrs old with the Y and nothing has changed, its all the same... i so wanna paint my calipers but im scared of using my jack stands OR im just being lazy OR a little of both

 

Jacking up the car by the suspension is fine for changing a tire or something, but I wouldn't feel confortable lifing the whole car with it since the suspension can isn't rigid, and could become unstable on the jack.

 

I suggest you dont lift the car on a jack if you will shake the car alot. The car wont be balanced unlsess the whole car is on 4 jack stands.. If you will try to change your filter, some shaking might occur. Just be careful, you dont want it to lead to costly repairs later and or hurt yourself!! But the best way to jact it is on the chasis.. Just like what onihc showed!

 

Are any of you guys using ramps instead of jacks. I just wonder about the oil getting out if its on an incline like that. I have not tried it yet so I don't know if they are too steep for the IS. This is my wifes car and I'm a little unsure about the internal oil filter compared to a standard one.

Bill3508

 

I use a single ramp for the driver side then use my floor jack to raise the car from the front / center jack point. Once I have the drain plug removed, I lower the jack so that the car tilts to the passenger side to get more of the oil out.