"Proper" Way to Use a 2-post Lift on 3rd Gen

[rbattelle]

I once (and only once) attempted to put my truck on a 2-post service lift. I placed the lift pads in the locations discussed in the service manual. When I began to lift the vehicle the drivers-side front pad shot (and I do mean SHOT) out from beneath the truck as it slipped off the frame at a height of about 1.5 ft. I never attempted to lift it again with a 2-poster.

Truth be told, 2-post lifts scare the heck out of me with a 7000 lb vehicle, not to mention the prospect of doing major axle/suspension work on one (jarring the vehicle on the lift). The shop I use has no safety stands and the lift pads are not rubber.

Since I think it's ignorance on my part that makes me so scared to put my truck on a 2-post lift, I was wondering if anyone out there who has successfully used a 2-post lift on a 3rd gen truck might post some pictures and a little instruction on how to do it with absolute safety. Or, would I be better off just doing my axle/suspension work on the ground with a floor jack and some jack stands?

-Ryan