55 Bird Jack Points
Moderator: Joe Johnston
55 Bird Jack Points
I just acquired a '55 and would like to do some work from underneath using ramps. Can someone suggest the proper jack points front and back, and any particular precautions. Thanks for the help.
Re: 55 Bird Jack Points
First DO NOT use the car jack ! These cars are over 50 years, use a floor hydraulic jack on the frame. or put the car on a hydraulic lift look carefully for the frame to place the arms under.
You should have the 1955 shop manual, On my 1956 Shop manual page 164 shows the frame
Here's a picture:
You should have the 1955 shop manual, On my 1956 Shop manual page 164 shows the frame
Here's a picture:
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: 55 Bird Jack Points
Icon, I planned on using a floor jack, wouldn't think of the car jack. I've got a shop manual on the way and hopefully will get some insight from the frame detail. If others have any ideas, I'm all ears. Thanks.
Re: 55 Bird Jack Points
Fora rear jack point on my 56, I use the pumpkin. For the front, the front cross member or the cross member under the engine. Never had any problems.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
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Re: 55 Bird Jack Points
Floor jack the front frame crossover center & differential 3rd member for routine maintenance, and place the jack stands under the ends of the front crossover & axle housings. The ramps are good for work requiring suspension compression, but I generally just insert them after jacking. Driving up them can be risky, since falling onto the rocker panels will likely cost a couple thousand in paint & bodywork (ask me how I know!). I typically always use the ramps on the rear (unless the springs need to be relaxed) since 4 stands are dangerously unstable. Most jack stands will require a few 2X4 scraps to keep the frame high enough to remove the ramps if the suspension is unloaded.
Re: 55 Bird Jack Points
Great, many thanks to all.