How to Jack Up Chevy Silverado: The Ultimate Guide

The Chevy Silverado is a workhorse, ready to tackle any terrain and haul any load. But sometimes, you need to get under the hood, change a tire, or perform other maintenance tasks. This is where knowing how to safely and effectively jack up your Silverado becomes crucial. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to handle any situation.

Essential Tools and Safety Gear

Before you even think about lifting your Silverado, make sure you have the right tools and prioritize safety:

• Jack: Your Silverado came with a factory jack, but a high-quality floor jack will provide greater stability and ease of use.
• Jack Stands: Never rely solely on the jack for support. Invest in a pair of heavy-duty jack stands to secure your vehicle while you work underneath.
• Lug Wrench: This is essential for removing and tightening lug nuts.
• Wheel Chocks: Use wheel chocks to prevent your vehicle from rolling while on the jack.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grease, and potential cuts.
• Safety Glasses: Shield your eyes from debris and potential hazards.
• Work Light: Ensure you have sufficient illumination for working under the vehicle.

Finding the Right Jacking Points

Knowing where to place the jack is crucial for a safe and stable lift. Your Chevy Silverado has designated jacking points, marked by raised sections on the frame. Here’s a breakdown:

• Front Jacking Points: Locate the raised sections on the frame, just behind the front wheels.
• Rear Jacking Points: Find the raised sections on the frame, just in front of the rear wheels.

Avoid placing the jack on any other parts of the vehicle, such as the suspension components or the bodywork. These areas are not designed to support the weight of the vehicle and could cause damage.

Preparing for the Lift

Once you’ve gathered your tools and identified the jacking points, it’s time to prepare your Silverado for the lift:

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, solid surface. A paved driveway or a parking lot are ideal.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake to prevent your vehicle from rolling.
3. Place Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that are opposite the jacking point to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
4. Loosen Lug Nuts: Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. This makes it easier to remove the wheel once the vehicle is lifted.

The Lifting Process

Now, you’re ready to lift your Silverado:

1. Position the Jack: Carefully position the jack under the designated jacking point. Ensure the jack is centered and stable.
2. Start Lifting: Slowly and steadily pump the jack handle to lift the vehicle.
3. Place Jack Stands: Once the vehicle is slightly lifted, position the jack stands under the frame, directly below the jacking points.
4. Lower the Jack: Carefully lower the jack until the vehicle is resting securely on the jack stands. Remove the jack.
5. Remove the Wheel: Now you can remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Returning Your Silverado to the Ground

Once you’ve completed your work under the vehicle, it’s time to lower it back down:

1. Remove Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
2. Position the Jack: Place the jack back under the jacking point.
3. Lift Slightly: Lift the vehicle just enough to clear the jack stands.
4. Lower Slowly: Slowly lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the ground.
5. Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts by hand to ensure they are secure.
6. Remove Wheel Chocks: Remove the wheel chocks.
7. Release the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Jacking Techniques

While these steps cover the fundamentals of jacking up your Chevy Silverado, there are some advanced techniques and considerations for specific scenarios:

• Lifting for Tire Changes: When changing a flat tire, you can lift the vehicle just enough to clear the ground, allowing you to remove and replace the tire without fully lifting the vehicle onto jack stands.
• Lifting for Extensive Work: For more extensive work under the vehicle, it’s recommended to lift the vehicle higher to provide ample space and better accessibility.

Safety First: Always Remember

• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands for added safety.
• Avoid lifting the vehicle higher than necessary. Lifting it too high can potentially damage the suspension components.
• Inspect the jack and jack stands before each use. Ensure they are in good working order and free from damage.
• Use caution when lifting and lowering the vehicle. Move slowly and deliberately.
• Never work under a vehicle while it is running.

A Final Thought: Mastering the Lift

Learning how to jack up your Chevy Silverado is a valuable skill for any owner. It empowers you to handle basic maintenance tasks, perform repairs, and even change a flat tire on the road. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct tools, and follow these steps carefully. With a little practice, you’ll become confident in your ability to lift your Silverado and tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use a scissor jack to lift my Chevy Silverado?

While a scissor jack is included with your Silverado, it is not recommended for general lifting. Scissor jacks are designed for quick tire changes and are not as stable or durable as floor jacks.

2. How high should I lift my Silverado for a tire change?

For a tire change, you only need to lift the vehicle high enough to clear the ground. This is typically a few inches.

3. How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?

It’s a good practice to inspect your jack and jack stands before each use, checking for any damage, wear, or corrosion.

4. What if I don’t have jack stands?

Using only a jack to support your vehicle is extremely dangerous and should never be done. If you don’t have jack stands, consider borrowing them from a friend or purchasing a set.

5. How do I know if I’m using the correct jacking points?

The correct jacking points are marked on the frame of your Silverado by raised sections. These points are designed to support the weight of the vehicle safely. Avoid using any other areas for jacking.