Tires: follow up on trolley jack on gravel, trolley jack, lug nuts

Question
Hi again Barry,

  Thank you for the quick response on my last question however, I am confused as to what you meant by, "Of course, you have to jack the car up along the length of the car so it can roll."  Where is the length of the car?  I usually jack up the vehicle on both the jack points just behind the front wheels and use the rear axle or left and rear jack points just in front of the rear wheels.  

Also, I don't understand the dimensions you gave me for the piece of wood to use under the trolly jack.  What is the W x L x H and what type of wood would be best in your opinion.  

Sorry for being so picky about the response, its just that I am really uncertain about how to do this and I want to make sure I do it correctly and safely.

Thanks again I really appreciate your insight  

Answer
Mike,

After I replied to your latest response, it occurred to me that I need to be much more detailed.

First, I think you should only use the method were you come in from the side - and not the only where you do it length wise.

Second, you need to buy a good quality set of jack stands.  Don't cheap out here and get the expanded tube variety.  Get the ones where the frames is welded angle iron.  Buy at least 2!

Using 3/4" plywood, make a platform for each jack stand.  And one for the jack.  Measure the jack and make that piece of wood 1 foot wider and 2 feet longer than the size of the jack.

You should also duct tape a 2X4 square on the lifting foot of the jack.  That provides a softish lifting point.

When you go to rotate the tires, loosen all lug nits 1/2 turn.  Then place the large piece of wood where the owners manual say to lift the car.  Place the jack on the piece of wood, making sure the jack is pretty much centered on the wood.  Take care in placing the jack until you get experience.

Once the jack has lifted the tire off the ground, take off the lug nuts, and place a jack stand under the car.  Find a spot where it will be secure and out of the way, but it has to be more forward than the jack.  Use the small board under the jack stand.  Lower the car onto the jack.

Jack the passenger's rear and remove the tire, and replace it with the former LF tire.  Snug the lug nuts - something more than hand tight, but not enough to upset the car.

Lower the jack and go to the LF and do it.  

Then the RR, then back to the LF to finish.

Once the car is back on the ground, use a torque wrench - yes, you should buy one! - and torque each lung nut to spec.  If you don't use a torque wrench, then you'll either over tighten and warp the rotor or under tighten and the wheel will come off.  Both things are bad.

And while you're at it, check the tire pressure!



jack the driver's front up, remove the