Choosing between 2 or 4 jack stands is quite easier when you know what you need them for.
2 jack stands are sufficient for most mechanic work unless you want to raise all four wheels. You will obviously need 4 jack stands then.
Let’s find out what else you should know about choosing jack stands beyond the numbers.
Should You Buy 2 Jack Stands or 4?
At a time, two jack stands can hold two wheels or corners of your car. It can be either the front tires, rear, left side, or right side tires. You can change a tire, brake pads, and oil with one side being lifted. It allows you to creep in under the vehicle.
If you choose four jack stands and use them all, you will have all the wheels above the ground, giving you more space and ease for the job. However, it comes with a cost – your money, time, and energy, and maybe you will not always need them.
Because you need all the wheels up when you want to rotate the tires, which you rarely do. And this can be done with two stands as well. Raise two wheels, exchange the tires, and then do the same with the other wheels. Find out more about rotating tires with two jack stands in this article.
The point is that if you do repair every other error that comes across your car which needs all the tires up in the air, opt for the 4 stands. Most people are not good at DIY and they just change a flat tire themselves which needs a single jack stand, not even two.
Two jack stands won’t be enough anyway. You need at least two chocks to block the wheels that stay on the ground if you lift the other two. Yet, this kit is cheaper than 4 stands.
How Much Weight Do 2 and 4 Jack Stands Hold?
The holding weight of 2 or 4 jack stands depends on their load capacity. They come in a pair in most cases. They’re rated for a specific capacity, which should not be exceeded. If a pair has a 2-ton capacity, you can only hold 2 tons (around 4,000 lb) load with them.
Two pairs of 2-ton capacity each turn out 4 tons. Meaning you can hold 4 tons (8,000 lb) weight by them. Its load capacity is clearly labeled on it. Their capacity is built for holding vehicles. They can hold them unless you’re lifting a heavy-duty truck with 2-ton jack stands.
For safety purposes, cross-check your car or truck’s weight with the stands. They should exceed the truck’s mass. If it weighs 6,000 lb, the stands should have more capacity than that. 8000 lb (4 ton) jack stands would fit in this case
Are 2-ton jack stands enough?
Yes, 2-ton jack stands are enough if you want to raise a car that weighs less than 4,000 lb, which most Sedans do. They can hold up to 4000 lb (2000 kg) load. To double-check, look at the car’s manual and find out its weight.
If it is under the mentioned capacity, you’re good to go with the stands. And with the two stands, you can only raise one side of the vehicle – front, rear, left, or right. This means it will for sure fall in the lift range since the weight is not only relying on the stands but the ground as well which has two wheels on it.
Do you need 2 or 3-ton jack stands?
This is up to the load that the stands will hold. 2-ton jack stands hold 4000 lb and 3 tons hold 6000 lb. Most Sedans weigh under 2 tons which means the two-ton jack stand would be fit for holding it. On the other hand, SUVs and trucks weigh more than sedans. So the 2-ton stands won’t be the best option but the 3 tons.
The best solution is to know about the weight you’re going to hold with the stands. If it is under 2 tons, opt for the 2-ton stands. If it is near 3 tons, pick the 3-ton jack stands. That’s that simple
How many jack stands do you need to change a tire?
You just need a single jack stand to change a tire or oil. Raise the flat tire, and place the stand near it. Replace the tire and lower the wheel. No need for raising two wheels, so no need for two or more stands. If you want to change two tires at a time or rotate them, you need at least two stands.