How to Jack Up a Ford Excursion: Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Enthusiasts

The Ford Excursion, a behemoth of an SUV, is known for its ruggedness and towing capabilities. But even these powerful vehicles require maintenance, and sometimes that means lifting them off the ground. Whether you’re changing a tire, performing routine maintenance, or tackling a more complex repair, knowing how to jack up a Ford Excursion safely and effectively is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to handle any situation.

Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and supplies on hand. This will make the process smoother and prevent any unnecessary delays. You’ll need:

• A hydraulic floor jack: This is the most common type of jack used for vehicles, offering a reliable and efficient way to lift the Excursion. Choose a jack with a lifting capacity of at least 3 tons, as this will be sufficient for the Excursion’s weight.
• Jack stands: These are essential for safety. They provide a stable platform to support the vehicle once it’s raised, preventing it from falling back down. Get a set of at least two jack stands rated for a minimum of 3 tons.
• Lug wrench: This tool is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on your wheels. Ensure your lug wrench is compatible with the size of your Excursion’s lug nuts.
• Chocks: These are wedges placed behind the tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you’re working.
• Work gloves: These will protect your hands from dirt, grime, and potential injuries.
• A flat, level surface: This is crucial for stability and safety. Avoid jacking up the Excursion on uneven or sloped ground.

Choosing the Right Lifting Point

The Ford Excursion has designated lifting points, specifically designed to support the weight of the vehicle when lifted. These points are typically marked with a raised bump or a symbol on the frame.

• Front Lifting Points: You’ll find two front lifting points, located near the front wheels on the frame rails. These are the most common points for lifting the front of the Excursion.
• Rear Lifting Points: The rear lifting points are located near the rear wheels on the frame rails. These are used to lift the rear of the vehicle.

Important Note: Never attempt to lift the Excursion using any other point besides the designated lifting points. Using an unsuitable point can cause damage to the frame and potentially lead to a dangerous situation.

Preparing the Excursion for Jacking

Before you start lifting the Excursion, take these crucial steps to ensure safety:

1. Engage the parking brake: This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you’re working on it.
2. Shift the transmission into Park (for automatic transmissions) or into first gear (for manual transmissions): This will further secure the vehicle and prevent it from rolling.
3. Place chocks behind the tires: This is essential to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you’re working. Place chocks behind the tires that are opposite the ones you’re lifting.
4. Locate the jacking points: Make sure you know exactly where the designated lifting points are located.

Jacking Up the Excursion

Now, you’re ready to lift the Excursion:

1. Position the jack: Place the jack under the designated lifting point. Ensure the jack is positioned securely and that the lifting arm is properly engaged with the lifting point.
2. Start lifting: Slowly raise the jack, ensuring you are lifting the Excursion evenly and steadily. You’ll notice the vehicle begin to rise off the ground.
3. Place jack stands: Once the Excursion is raised enough to allow for clearance, place the jack stands under the frame, ensuring they are securely in place.
4. Lower the jack: Lower the jack slightly to transfer the weight from the jack to the jack stands.
5. Remove the jack: Once the vehicle is securely supported by the jack stands, remove the jack.

Working Safely Under the Excursion

Now that the Excursion is safely lifted, you can perform your maintenance or repairs. Remember to always follow these safety precautions:

• Never work under the vehicle unless it’s securely supported by jack stands: This is crucial for preventing the vehicle from falling back down.
• Never attempt to adjust or move the jack stands once the vehicle is resting on them: Doing so could cause instability and potential injury.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to any potential hazards, such as tools or loose items, and keep them out of the way.
• Use caution when working under the vehicle: Be mindful of your movements and avoid any sudden jerks or movements that could cause the vehicle to shift.

Lowering the Excursion

Once you’ve finished your work, it’s time to lower the Excursion:

1. Raise the jack slightly: This will take the weight off the jack stands and transfer it back to the jack.
2. Remove the jack stands: Carefully remove the jack stands, ensuring they are placed safely out of the way.
3. Lower the Excursion slowly: Lower the vehicle until the tires are back on the ground.
4. Remove the jack: Once the Excursion is fully lowered, remove the jack.

Time to Take On Your Next Project

Now, you have the knowledge and confidence to safely jack up your Ford Excursion. Remember, following these steps and prioritizing safety will help you tackle any maintenance or repair tasks with ease.

Information You Need to Know

Q: How often should I jack up my Ford Excursion?

A: You should jack up your Ford Excursion for routine maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. The frequency will depend on your individual needs and the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when jacking up their Excursion?

A: Some common mistakes include:

• Using the wrong jacking points.
• Not using jack stands to support the vehicle.
• Not properly securing the jack stands.
• Not disengaging the parking brake before lowering the vehicle.

Q: What should I do if I encounter problems while jacking up my Excursion?

A: If you encounter any problems, it’s best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could lead to further damage or injury.

Q: How can I tell if my jack stands are rated for my Excursion’s weight?

A: Check the label on the jack stands. It will indicate the maximum weight capacity. Ensure this capacity is equal to or greater than the weight of your Excursion.

Q: How can I ensure my jack is in good working order?

A: Before using any jack, inspect it for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any problems, do not use the jack. Replace it with a new one.