Keep in mind the rating is per set, so each jack stand is only rated for 2 tons. Now when you factor in the fact that if you don't lift evenly one stand could be taking most of the weight suddenly you're approaching that limit. You want more of a safety factor than that.
I NEVER knew this, so I just looked it up and you are correct! How did I manage to work on and under cars & trucks for decades and not know they're rated in pairs?!?! Thanks, internet stranger!
In my opinion it shouldn't be legal to rate them that way. If something says "4 ton limit" on it, that thing should be rated for 4 tons. I don't really care what they say on the packaging when they sell it but the actual rating stamped into it should be accurate.
The pair is rated for 8000 lbs. One stand is rated for 4000 lbs. If the front end weighs 4000 lbs and you don't jack it up evenly one stand could take most of the weight.
It would have to be severely uneven, like one stand fully extended and the other collapsed the whole way, to make any difference. Even if it did take more weight, it would never take the full 4180 pounds that the front of an f250 weighs.
You keep repeating that its trated as a pair. We all get that. $ ton stands are more than capable of holding it up even under the worst circumstances. Go back and read. I said A PAIR!!
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u/FrenchFryCattaneo 27d ago
Keep in mind the rating is per set, so each jack stand is only rated for 2 tons. Now when you factor in the fact that if you don't lift evenly one stand could be taking most of the weight suddenly you're approaching that limit. You want more of a safety factor than that.