Floor Jack question

[Richard Ramon]

Hi y’all, what are your thoughts on the 3ton Pittsburgh Jack sold at HF? It is the red model that sells for about $119.

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Good floor jack.
Look for a coupon, save some $$$ and always use jack stands (not from HF)

• This reply was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Richard Kirshy.

[Richard Ramon]

Thank you again Richard. How come not to use jack stands from HF?

[Richard Ramon]

Where can I get some decent stands for decent prices?

[Richard Kirshy]

How come not to use jack stands from HF?
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&ei=VujFX7OVDoSz5NoPgKyNsAw&q=harbor+freight+jack+stand+failure&oq=harbor+freight+jack+stand+failure&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQDDICCAAyAggAOgcIABBHELADUNonWNonYNc2aAFwAHgAgAFsiAFskgEDMC4xmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpesgBCLgBAsABAQ&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwizmLejmaztAhWEGVkFHQBWA8YQ4dUDCAw

Where can I get some decent stands for decent prices?
Just remember… How much is your life worth??? your trusting your life to these products.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Automotive-Shop-Equipment-Car-Jacks-Jack-Stands/N-5yc1vZ2fkoo14
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_automotive+jacks+jack-stands

[Richard Ramon]

Got it. Yeah, I just read an article about the HF jack recall. I am planning on getting the Torin Big Red 3 ton double locking for my daughter’s sedan. And if they offer the double locking version of the taller ones I will use them for my Taco.

[Richard Ramon]

Hey Richard. When checking up the front end should I put chokes on the backs of the rear tires and same with back in front of the front tires?

[Richard Kirshy]

Jacking up the front end, you’d want to block the backend of the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling backwards providing the ground is flat and level.
If it’s not best to block both the front and rear of the back tires

[Richard Ramon]

Great! Thank you for your help

[Richard Ramon]

Hey Richard,

I still have not purchased my jack but have used my mechanic friend’s.

3 weekends ago, I(we) finally got around to replacing my lower ball joints and my outer tie rods (both sides). Took awhile as I have never worked on suspension prior. Everything went well until the last ball joint (passenger side). For some reason, we had a difficult time in getting the stem to seat properly and completely. Managed to get a few threads of the crown nut to take which is where I decided for my buddy to use his 1200 ft torque cordless. Well, we ended up stripping the stem and were unable to get the crown nut fastened all the way; hence we were unable to put the cotter pin in.

I managed to LIMP my truck home driving no more than 30mph on a couple freeways. The steering was scary at best! Drove it about 20 miles. My truck has been sitting in my driveway since. I am hoping an alignment will fix the issue but wanted to get your take.

thanks

[Richard Kirshy]

Whoa ….
Your telling me you have a ball joint that has no captive holding nut and no cotter pin securing the castle nut of the ball joint.
My take is that you get another ball joint, remove the damaged one and properly install the new one before ever attempting to drive that vehicle again.
One other item to note:
If your alignment shop is any good they should refuse to perform an alignment providing they inspect all front end components.

[Richard Ramon]

Sorry, I meant to say the outer tie rod is the issue. Should I replace?

[Richard Kirshy]

Yes, unless you’d like your passenger tire to make a sudden unexpected right or left turn of its own accord.
Also inspect the threads and find out why you had an issue threading the tie rod end

[Richard Ramon]

Okay. I have a feeling that the parts were not compatible. I had no problem getting the tie Rod on the driver’s side to slide right into the ball joint. The parts are moog replacements.
Should I order just another tie Rod from the same place hoping it will fit or what should I do?

[Richard Kirshy]

First thing you should have done is visually compared the replacement parts to the originals to confirm they are the correct ones.
Also confirm what you received was what you actually ordered, not uncommon that a mistake is made when your order was pulled and there is a mix up.
Yes, order up another replacement.
Double check that it is for your specific make and model.
You can also check other sites using the MOOG p/n to confirm it is the part for your car.
And before you commit to the install make sure it fits with out a struggle.
If it doesn’t you can return it and try to get another MFG replacement.

[Richard Ramon]

Copy that. I did make sure the parts looked like the ones being replaced. It was a very good lesson for me. Thank you for your help, time and input.

[Author]

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