jacking the front of a '55

[40cpe]

I've been away from mid-'50s Ford for a long time in favor of the '30s cars. I recently bought a '55 and, lacking a lift, need to put the car on jack stands. Is it permissible to jack the front of the car from the crossmember under the radiator? If this isn't the best way to do it, please advise. The car has 2" dropped spindles on it, so access anywhere under the front is very limited.

 

[scicala]

The front cross members aren't the strongest, and were prone to rust also. Probably strong enough if in great shape. I would shoot for the cross member that's under the engine if possible. Or one side at a time with jack stands either way.

Sal

 

[40cpe]

Thanks, I'll have to drive it on a coupe of two-bys stacked to get a jack under the engine.

 

[okiedokie]

Luckily my 55 has a perfect front crossmember but if I was in question of it I would use the frame adaptor I bought from Harbor Freight. Very handy when you need to jack in the front or rear from the frame rails. Inexpensive also.

 

[Daves55Sedan]

If you have two rolling floorjacks, run them up under the frame siderails at the front. There should be still enough room even though the frame is lowered by the dropped spindles.
I would at that anytime I raise the front wheels all the way off the floor, I have the front wheels turned all the way in hard right or left direction (it doesn't matter which way). Doing this causes less compression on your control arm bushings when you lower the wheels back down on the floor.

 

[40cpe]

If you have two rolling floorjacks, run them up under the frame siderails at the front.

Good idea, thanks