Ford Mustang Jack Stands: The Ultimate S550/S650 Lifting Guide
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When the sixth‑generation (S550) Mustang arrived in 2015, it brought independent rear suspension, a stiffer chassis, and record‑breaking global sales. The brand‑new S650 platform (2024‑on) builds on that legacy with sharper tech and even more performance trim levels. One thing hasn’t changed: lifting these cars safely is tricky. The factory pinch‑weld lift points are narrow, easily crushed, and awkwardly placed for standard saddle‑style stands.
Enter Jackpoint Jackstands with our purpose‑built Block Pad. In this guide we’ll explain why conventional stands fall short, show you exactly where to place your floor jack, and walk through a photo‑illustrated lift sequence you can finish in under five minutes—while keeping your ‘Stang’s rocker panels pristine.
1 Meet the Modern Mustang (S550 & S650)
Model | Years | Chassis highlights |
---|---|---|
S550 | 2015‑2023 | Independent rear suspension, aluminum front subframe, shared pinch‑weld lift rails front‑to‑rear |
S650 | 2024‑present | Revised geometry, new undertray aero, GT & Dark Horse Brembo packages |
Both generations use the same four factory jack points: two just behind the front wheels, two in front of the rears. They’re stamped pinch welds jutting below the rocker panel seam—fine for roadside scissor jacks, terrible for cradle‑style stands.
Fun fact: Bend that weld even a little and you’ll compromise both corrosion protection and resale value. Replacement rocker panels run four figures per side.
2 Why Generic Stands Aren’t Enough
- Crushed welds. A V‑shaped saddle concentrates force on a knife‑edge seam.
- Paint damage. Bare metal at the weld equals rust in humid climates.
- Lateral slip. Lowered cars push the stand feet farther under the rocker, creating unstable angles.
- Wasted time. You can’t lift and support at the same spot without constant jack repositioning.
The Block Pad Difference
- Wide, flat contact that cups the pinch weld inside a machined channel
- Hard‑anodized aluminum rated well above the Mustang’s curb weight (incl. track aero)
- Dual‑use design: fits your floor jack and locks into the Jackpoint stand—a single, seamless motion
TL;DR: Protect the weld and free your floor jack for the next corner.
3 What You Need Before You Start
✅ Two Jackpoint Jackstands with Block Pads (add a second pair for all‑four‑corners work)
✅ Low‑profile floor jack rated ≥ 3 tons
✅ 21 mm or 13/16" lug wrench (stock wheels)
✅ Wheel chocks
✅ Torque wrench (150 ft‑lb max)
✅ Gloves & eye protection
4 Step‑by‑Step Lift Guide
Read completely before you begin. Work on level concrete and engage the parking brake.
Front‑End Only (Oil Changes, Sway Bar Work)
- Chock rear wheels and set parking brake.
- Locate the front pinch‑weld notch behind the front wheel.
- Insert Block Pad into floor‑jack cradle, aligning the weld inside the pad channel.
- Pump the jack until wheel clears the ground.
- Slide Jackpoint stand under the pad, position feet flat, then lower carefully until the pad locks into the stand receiver.
- Repeat on the other side.
Rear‑End Only (Diff Service, Exhaust Swaps)
Same procedure but start at the rear weld. Chock the front wheels instead.
5 Pro Tips for Track‑Day Mustangs
- Splitter clearance: Use a 2×10 ramp under the front wheels; the Block Pad adds only 1" but every millimeter helps GT‑500 owners.
- Hot swaps: Jackpoint’s captive pad lets you drop each wheel in <60 seconds—perfect between HPDE sessions.
- Brake cooling: With the car on stands, open the hood and run a box fan across the fronts. Rotors cool faster; pedal feel returns sooner.
6 Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work on a Shelby GT350/GT500 or Dark Horse?
Yes. All 2015‑2025 factory pinch welds share the same dimensions. Aftermarket carbon‑fiber rocker skirts? Check that they leave the weld exposed.
My Mustang is lowered 1.5". Do I have enough height for the stands?
Probably. The Block Pad adds 2.25" between weld and stand cradle. Measure ground‑to‑weld height (> 5") before lifting. A low‑profile jack is still required.
7 Ready to Protect Your ’Stang?
Safety & Liability Disclaimer
Jackpoint Jackstands are designed for vehicles lifted according to the factory service manual. Always chock wheels, work on level ground, and verify stand stability before entering the work area. Jackpoint Jackstands is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company and this guide is not endorsed by Ford. Follow all local regulations and wear proper protective equipment.
Questions? Drop a comment below or tag @jackpointjackstands on Instagram with your setup! We love featuring customer rides.