Jacking up car by tow hook - thoughts?

[x_hawker]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone here jack their car up from their tow hook? For example, installing a solid tow hook and using that to jack the car up? A significant number of us did that with the S-chassis and I was wondering if anyone here does it, especially if you can't fit the jack under the front end, jacking it up from the tow hook saves a lot of time. I was thinking one could just install a tow hook (or even the Perrin licence plate relocator) and jacking it up from there.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and to see if anyone does do that.

[soundman98]

i don't think that's a good idea. no different than lifting yourself out of bed by your ears every morning.

[LimitedSlip]

This sounds like a great way to become a Darwin Award recipient.

[soundman98]

i just wouldn't trust a bar of steel, extended off the crumple zone structure-- that is specifically meant to fold when subjected to force, to take 2/3's of the cars weight...

[x_hawker]

I was thinking the same thing since with the S-chassis, the tow hook was attached to the frame. I agree and don't think it would be a good idea in this case.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[Mr.ac]

Try it report back.

I would think it might work once or twice. Then it would just bend at some point.

The tow hook area was meant for horizontal forces, not vertical forces. But eh. Can't say it's proven.

[Takumi788]

I had a friend do that on a 240sx bc everywhere else was rusty. It eventually bent sideways. Those cars are so flimsy.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Drive onto some 2x6 planks of wood first, then get your jack under the front jacking point.

[Tonrogs]

The bumper to which it attaches to has no capability to hold a vertical load. You will crumple the soft areas which are meant to give under impact and bend your bumper upwards. I would not even attempt it. These areas are quite flimsy.

[8RZ]

Don't be lazy and do it the right way lol.

[JeremyR]

you can buy some nice low profile ramps on ebay for under 50 bucks, or just use some 2x6 or 2x8 boards if you're really strapped for cash.

This car isn't a 240sx...don't treat it like one (former 240sx owner speaking here)

[e1_griego]

I use the oem tow hook in front to lift the car enough to get a jack under the front crossmember.

Also been doing it with my 240sx for a number of years with no problems.

[FirstWinter]

My quick and easy way especially if car is lowered is to jack from the sides under the pinch weld. Otherwise use wooden planks. I would strongly advise against using the tow hook as a jacking point.

[ka-t_240]

I use the pinch welds most of the time, I buy some hockey pucks and cut them in the center to put between the jack and pinch welds, and they still look like new.


Never used the tow hooks to to jack up an S-Chassis. Didn't know it was a thing, and I have owned 13 of them.