Many mechanical modifications to your vehicle require lifting the vehicle up in the air to do the work. Doing that means using a jack that capable of lifting the vehicle and supporting it until you can place jack stands under the frame. Picking out the right type of jack is critical in avoiding potential injury to yourself and damage to your vehicle.
Locate the car's information sticker on either the door or in the doorjam, usually on the driver's side. This sticker lists the weight of the vehicle, typically under "GVW" for "Gross Vehicle Weight" or "Curb Weight." Write down this number, which will need to correspond to the jack you buy. If your car weighs 2.25 tons, you need a jack capable of lifting at least 2.25 tons, preferably more.
Measure the distance from the bottom of your vehicle to the ground. This measurement will determine the type of jack you can use. A bottle jack can lift a lot of weight, but they are typically at least 7 inches in height. That makes them too high for most passengers cars, but perfect for trucks.
Armed with the car's weight and height measurements, it's time to shop for a jack at any auto parts store. Most low vehicles use a floor jack, which has a lower entry point. Most lifted vehicles can use a bottle jack because of its height and high-lift ability. Make sure the jack specifications meet or exceed your measurements.
