Porsche 928: How to Jack Up Your Car

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1979-1995).

There are countless different projects you can take on with your car on the inside, outside, and underneath. Many of them require the car to be off the ground, whether it be to get at the suspension or brakes, or to give clearance for you to get under the body. Different chassis have different jack points and requirements for lifting the car off the ground, but every car requires the use of sturdy jack stands before any work can begin. The 928 is no exception but offers some added difficulties. Although jack stands aren't particularly cheap, they will certainly pay for themselves over time, especially if you intend on completing maintenance items that require lifting your car. While lifting a car is free at the shop, it's what they do after that will cost you.

Step 1 – Prepare the car to be lifted

The first step is to make sure the area you are working in is well-suited for the task. The floor absolutely must be level and solid, and there needs to be sufficient space around the car to maneuver the jack. Once you have the car positioned, chock the front wheels and set the E-brake. For expediency, set your jack stands down near each wheel.

Step 2 – Find your lift points

There is more than one way to lift the 928, but this is a safe and reliable method that should work for everyone. The OE lift points are four reinforced steel boxes just behind the front wheels, just in front of the rear wheels. You will notice the hole in the center of the point – this is for a special centering tool that goes on your jack or stand. It can make things easier, but isn't necessary. Now, we get to the problem; having four dedicated jack points is great, but you will need to lift elsewhere if you are going to fit stands in. The transaxle cross member is a perfectly acceptable lift point for the rear, and the bash points under the front bumper work for the front end.

Step 3 – Get the jack involved

Center yourself at the rear bumper of the car, and push the jack underneath toward the transaxle and onto the cross member. The jack must be right in the middle so the car doesn't become unstable while lifting. Once you have lifted the rear end just high enough to fit the jack stands, slide them into position under the OE rear jack points. Very gently lower the car, making sure the jack points are centered on the stands just before they touch. Now it's time for the front. Position the jack underneath either of the front bash points, and begin lifting. Always keep an eye on the rear stands while doing this to make sure the car isn't twisting off of them. Once you have just enough height for both stands, slide them in under the lift points.

Step 4 – Rinse and repeat

It's always a good idea to start with the stands at their lowest point, especially on the 928 since you have to lift unevenly. However, once you have the car up, you are free to repeat the process if you need some extra height. Again, start with the rear, finish with the front. Going in small increments keeps the car from twisting and binding on the stands.

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