Safe to use body crossmembers to jack up truck?

[gnet158]

A buddy of mine who's an ex mechanic told me I could use my floor jack on the body's crossmembers to jack the truck up so I could slide both back stands in at the same time? Is it safe to do so?

I usually just jack one side up at a time (using the body's frame rails) to place the jack stand.

Truck is a 08 Sierra Crew Cab.

Thanks!

 

[Shannow]

Diff centres (live axle) are OK if you want to place two stands.

Crossmembers maybe so depending on where they are /how designed.

 

[IndyIan]

Just remember your truck is close to 7000lbs when you are looking for jacking points. If you are looking at something like a 2" diameter tube between the frame rails, I wouldn't use that...
If you don't need it way up in the air, I just jack each side on the recommend points and put a stand under each frame rail. My "truck" is pretty light though, 03 Tracker.

 

[eljefino]

If you're talking about the stout crossmember under the engine that connects the frame rails, 99% of the time that's an okay jacking point. Your manual will have this info near the back.

If you jack on the outer frame rails with intentions of putting stands there, you typically compromise between the best jacking point and the best stand point, as only one can be in place at a given time.

 

[TooManyWheels]

I have to comment about "body crossmembers". If that is really what you mean (the crossmembers of the cab or bed), then absolutely not.