When you're in the business of flipping cars, every penny counts. A simple oil change or tire rotation gone wrong can turn a profitable flip into an expensive nightmare.
If you own or are working on a 2017 Ford Explorer, knowing the precise jack and jack stand locations is non-negotiable. Putting a jack in the wrong place can crush your rocker panels, damage suspension components, or warp the frame—and that's a mistake we can't afford!
We break down exactly where to place your jack (and more importantly, your jack stands) on the fifth-generation Explorer (2011–2019).
Why Jack Points Matter on a Ford Explorer
Jack points are reinforced sections of your vehicle's frame, specifically designed to handle the pressure of lifting thousands of pounds. When you use the wrong spot, you risk damaging the undercarriage, which is not only costly to repair but also a huge red flag for potential buyers.
In our latest video, we show you the exact spots. Watch the full video here:
2017 Ford Explorer Jack Points (2011–2019 DIY Guide)
The Front 2017 Ford Explorer Jack Points
There are two ways to safely lift the front of your Explorer, depending on whether you are lifting one wheel or the entire front end.
1. Side Lift Points (Single Wheel)
For quick jobs like changing a flat tire, you'll use the reinforced pinch welds directly behind the front wheels.
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Location: Look for the reinforced pinch welds along the main frame rail, just in from the rocker panel.
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Identification: The video shows that Ford includes a small notch or indicator on this pinch weld [01:32] to show exactly where your jack head should go.
2. Central Lift Point (Entire Front End)
If you need to lift the entire front end for a major repair, use a high-quality hydraulic floor jack on the central point.
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Location: The central jack point is the subframe crossmember [01:46]. This solid metal component is located underneath the front of the vehicle, in front of the engine oil pan.
Crucial Safety Step: Jack Stand Placement
NEVER rely solely on a jack when working underneath your Explorer [02:01]. Once the vehicle is raised, you must immediately secure it with jack stands.
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Placement: The jack stands go right under those reinforced pinch welds [01:53]—the same spot you'd use for the side lift.
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Extra Safety: If you are only lifting one side of the vehicle, always use a wheel chock or block on the opposite tire as an extra precaution [02:09].
The Rear 2017 Ford Explorer Jack Points
When moving to the back of the SUV, the lift points are similar, but with one critical distinction.
1. Side Lift Points (Single Wheel)
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Location: The rear side jack points are located on the same reinforced pinch welds [02:15] that you used up front, but these are positioned in front of the rear wheels.
2. Central Rear Lift (Proceed with Caution)
On many SUVs, the rear differential is the go-to central lift point. On the 2017 Ford Explorer, we strongly advise against this.
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The rear differential assembly is often blocked by other components or features less secure areas for lifting [02:30].
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The Recommendation: To play it safe and avoid risking damage to the rear components, stick to lifting only from the side pinch welds in the rear [02:48].
Applicability: 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer
The good news is that if you're flipping multiple models, this guide is not just for the 2017 model year!
The jack point locations and safety guidelines covered here are identical for the entire fifth generation of the Ford Explorer, which runs from 2011 all the way through 2019 [02:56].
Ready to Flip for Profit?
Now that you know how to safely lift and work on your Ford Explorer, you're ready to tackle those DIY repairs that boost your car's value.
For more DIY repair guides, car flipping tips, and strategies for maximizing your profit on every vehicle, be sure to subscribe to the Sell Those Flipping Cars YouTube Channel and check out the other guides on our website!