I live in Brooklyn, NY. I am always loath to climb under a jacked-up truck on a city street - you just never know…
Consequently, I occasionally visit a mechanic for work that I would ordinarily do myself. On this particular occasion, we needed a routine starter replacement. The mechanic was going to install it while I waited - 15 minute job!
As the lift raised my beloved '93 to just above my head, a strong wind hit the side of the truck. The lift shook and without notice the vehicle lurched. I reflexively stepped back away back and not a second too soon!! It immediately crashed onto it's side to the ground at my feet!! My first concern was for the lift operator who had been standing closer than I! A panicked scan revealed that all but my poor Explorer survived unscathed.
At 2:45pm, I had 30 minutes to get to my kid's school before dismissal. I turned to the owner of the garage who's eyes were still bugging out of his head and calmly said, "This is really bad". I dashed to catch the "L" train…
The diagnosis?? A poorly placed lift support. As all of us who own a First Gen know all too well, the rocker panel just behind the rear doors are NEVER a good spot to place any kind of jack!! My truck was no exception.
The moral of the story??
Watch carefully where your mechanic places his lift supports!!!!!
Consequently, I occasionally visit a mechanic for work that I would ordinarily do myself. On this particular occasion, we needed a routine starter replacement. The mechanic was going to install it while I waited - 15 minute job!
As the lift raised my beloved '93 to just above my head, a strong wind hit the side of the truck. The lift shook and without notice the vehicle lurched. I reflexively stepped back away back and not a second too soon!! It immediately crashed onto it's side to the ground at my feet!! My first concern was for the lift operator who had been standing closer than I! A panicked scan revealed that all but my poor Explorer survived unscathed.
At 2:45pm, I had 30 minutes to get to my kid's school before dismissal. I turned to the owner of the garage who's eyes were still bugging out of his head and calmly said, "This is really bad". I dashed to catch the "L" train…
The diagnosis?? A poorly placed lift support. As all of us who own a First Gen know all too well, the rocker panel just behind the rear doors are NEVER a good spot to place any kind of jack!! My truck was no exception.
The moral of the story??
Watch carefully where your mechanic places his lift supports!!!!!