Does the FR-S require a low-clearance jack?
 

I'm in the market for a jack and set of jack stands.

Just wondering if I need a "low clearance" one, and/or what sizes have worked for everyone here.

Recommended kits? Any I should avoid entirely?


Thanks

I was actually about to look into this today, looks like we're on the same boat.

To make life easier, I'd get a low-profile jack. I've used normal sized jacks, and low profile jacks. If you're jacking up from the front or the back (diff), you will need a low jack.

I have a "big red" racing jack, my brother has a harbor freight racing jack. Both BARELY squeeze under the front bumpers of ours (our cars are 1" lower).

http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-p...NzgxNCJ9%0D%0A

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9316513/01674/

If you're wanting to jack from the side, you will need a side lift jack pad:
http://protechproducts.com/index.php...&product_id=57

The Harbor Freight 68050 jack works exceptionally well for this car. It's long and low enough to raise the front from the center crossmember, and then reach all the way under the rear bumper to reach the diff after the front is up. This is the problem because the bumper gets much closer to the ground. Even at stock height, the jack is just long enough to reach, but, two quick jacking sessions and the entire car is off the ground.

I posted a coupon for $109 a while back but it expired around Nov/Dec. This jack is heavy but it's reach is spectacular. Unfortunately there's no aluminum version.

Agree on getting a low-profile "racing" jack. I bought a nice one from HF a few years ago using one of their ubiquitous 20% off coupons.

You'll eventually own even lower sports cars so you might as well plan ahead.

And don't scrimp on the jack stands! (Check out the ESCO 3-ton stand)

The car fits on 90% % of jacks lifts and alignment racks without boards.
It has about an inch of clearance.

Harbor Freight only $69.99 after a rebate, what a deal

+1 What a coincidence, I started looking into this a couple days ago too! I'm planning to get this one because it's relatively lightweight, not that I'd be lifting it around a lot anyway, but still: http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-p...html-7814.html

I was also going to get http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-h...nds-38846.html and http://www.harborfreight.com/solid-r...ock-96479.html

I posted on this thread http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10111 to get GrimmSpeed to relink the photos, but they haven't done it yet.

Is it a good idea to use a hockey puck between the jack and the car to protect the car?

And lastly, sorry to threadjack, but could someone please confirm that the areas circled in blue are the front and rear jack points?

http://i.imgur.com/apPFuzc.jpg

Mine, although I paid $129 about a year ago and still consider it worth it. It's an all-in-one jack I use for my FR-S and then with it's high lift ability that exceeds almost all others, my FJ Cruiser.

Selvedge, for the front crossmember lift I put a 2X4X24 between the lift top and car to spread the load.

not sure what type of jack I've got, but its definitely just a quarter inch too high for the FR-S. I've found myself rolling it on boards several times.

If you're getting a low-profile jack, make sure it can lift high enough to get your car on jack stands. I bought a low-profile aluminum jack from HF tools, and it's great but doesn't lift the car high enough for my stands.

So I guess my circled spots are correct (it's easier to refer to a real photograph versus a diagram).

So, can I get away with this cheaper one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-p...NzgxNCJ9%0D%0A

Or do I need to get the one that costs significantly more?

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-h...ump-68050.html