Jacking with underside panels removed-jack pads required?

[Husky44]

New to me 23 R1T with running boards installed and the underside panels removed (didn't come with truck).

Do I need jack pucks? I've got an extensive collection for other vehicles but none that seem to match what I'm seeing for sale for Rivians.

Will I need pucks to use my floor jack and stands for doing my tire rotations?

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[Nixapatfan]

Yes you will need jack pucks but tricky to get jack stands under there. There is a thread on here that discusses how you can lift from opposing corners to get jack stands under the others.

 

[Husky44]

Yes you will need jack pucks but tricky to get jack stands under there. There is a thread on here that discusses how you can lift from opposing corners to get jack stands under the others.

I saw several threads about jacking but didn't see mention of whether pucks are, necessary without the panels. It seemed to me that the pucks were necessary mainly to reach though the panels to the jack points. If there's no panel, can the, floor jack pad or jack stand pad sit straight on the jacking point?

 

[Tucker74]

No - you will need pucks, the jack points are reinforced bolt-hole type points inboard (towards centerline on outer rail) of the wheels. If yours came with a spare, it has a cheapish plastic puck in the kit. Several of the vendors here sell better pucks, as a single or as kits of 4. I bought a rubber pad for my floor jack as well, these pucks are mostly aluminum that can slip on the steel jack pad. Some of the sliders/steps can be used as structural jacking points negating the need for pucks (my DCE are), but you should research yours first.

 

[ndmiller]

get the magnetic pucks they are easier to use. There is also a jack/stand device that uses the puck with the jack and then become a stand. Can't remember the brand.

 

[Singletracker]

No - you will need pucks, the jack points are reinforced bolt-hole type points inboard (towards centerline on outer rail) of the wheels. If yours came with a spare, it has a cheapish plastic puck in the kit. Several of the vendors here sell better pucks, as a single or as kits of 4. I bought a rubber pad for my floor jack as well, these pucks are mostly aluminum that can slip on the steel jack pad. Some of the sliders/steps can be used as structural jacking points negating the need for pucks (my DCE are), but you should research yours first.

This is not true. Check the owners manual. It gives clear instruction for jacking the vehicle, without using pucks. You CAN jack on the jack points after removing the covers. I would go as far as to say it would even be safer to do it that way. The jack puck design is an accident waiting to happen. I know. I had a jack puck get ejected when I was changing a tire. Clearly, it was operator error. I should have been paying better attention. But, I have jacked many vehicles in my time and never had that kind of scare. If a person is going to use jack pucks, they had darn well better be paying very good attention to perfect puck alignment, as the vehicle is being lifted. I shudder to think about doing this off road on uneven terrain.

 

[DeanB1452]

Rivian does make a puck/jack stand combo unit: https://rivianservicetools.com/Catalog/Product/TSN00597-300-E?groupId=34

https://sbsprograms.snapon.com/EqsE...UI-TSN00597-300 RIVIAN JACK STAND_English.pdf

 

[usulio]

This is not true. Check the owners manual. It gives clear instruction for jacking the vehicle, without using pucks. You CAN jack on the jack points after removing the covers. I would go as far as to say it would even be safer to do it that way. The jack puck design is an accident waiting to happen. I know. I had a jack puck get ejected when I was changing a tire. Clearly, it was operator error. I should have been paying better attention. But, I have jacked many vehicles in my time and never had that kind of scare. If a person is going to use jack pucks, they had darn well better be paying very good attention to perfect puck alignment, as the vehicle is being lifted. I shudder to think about doing this off road on uneven terrain.

Yes, the "tire guide" shows this method: https://rivian.com/support/article/r1-tire-service-guide

 

[Husky44]

Yes, the "tire guide" shows this method: https://rivisearchan.com/support/article/r1-tire-service-guide

Thanks!

I couldn't get the link to work, but a search found the tire guide, which definitively answered my question. I'll take the money I would have spent on pucks and buy a second jack so I can do the diagonal lift method.

One of these days hopefully manufacturers will agree on a standard puck design so I don't have to have 4 different sets of pucks that still don't work for my new vehicle!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Owners manual has been available online since deliveries began. It’s also accessible from mobile app and in-vehicle UI.

Pucks are not needed at all if panels are removed to expose larger reinforced area. You just need to put something suitable between frame rail and jack saddle that will not be crushed, slip, or mar the frame rail.

 

[Husky44]

Owners manual has been available online since deliveries began. It’s also accessible from mobile app and in-vehicle UI.

Pucks are not needed at all if panels are removed to expose larger reinforced area. You just need to put something suitable between frame rail and jack saddle that will not be crushed, slip, or mar the frame rail.

My apologies. I have read through most of the owners manual, but didn't catch the part about using a non-Rivian jack. What was shared above is a "tire guide" that now that I looked back at the owners manual I see that it's just an excerpt, but it was helpful to me.

 

[zpyroro]

Honestly, you’re definitely going to want a set of pucks for the R1T. Since the underside panels are missing, those jack points are even more exposed, and the truck is way too heavy to risk lifting directly on the frame rails without a proper interface—you’ll likely just end up crushing the trim or slipping. Most standard pucks from other EVs don't fit because the Rivian's attachment points are pretty specific in diameter. For tire rotations at home, I’ve found it much safer to use the pucks with a high-capacity floor jack just to ensure everything stays stable, especially given how much that suspension wants to travel when you start lifting it. Better to grab a set now than to realize your existing collection doesn't clear the running boards mid-project.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Honestly, you’re definitely going to want a set of pucks for the R1T. Since the underside panels are missing, those jack points are even more exposed, and the truck is way too heavy to risk lifting directly on the frame rails without a proper interface—you’ll likely just end up crushing the trim or slipping. Most standard pucks from other EVs don't fit because the Rivian's attachment points are pretty specific in diameter. For tire rotations at home, I’ve found it much safer to use the pucks with a high-capacity floor jack just to ensure everything stays stable, especially given how much that suspension wants to travel when you start lifting it. Better to grab a set now than to realize your existing collection doesn't clear the running boards mid-project.

Agree. Every single owner should own a set of pucks and keep them in the car. Even if they don't foresee doing any DIY work. AND know what is in the Owner Guide about proper lifting procedures.

The reason: If you ever need emergency roadside assistance, chances are those coming to your rescue do not have a set or know the proper procedures. Be prepared. It's your car. Not theirs. And it's not like a set cost their weight in gold. Likely not much more than cost of AL these days.

Very recently, someone had their car damaged because the tow operator assisting them jacked up the front by placing a jack directly under the fake/cosmetic skid plate on the front bumper skin. Then, went online to complain about it after the fact.

 

[Nixapatfan]

As others have pointed out you'll still want a set of pucks. I always pre attach magnetic ones every time I go for a state inspection or tire service just so there is no confusion on jack points.

 

[usulio]

Thanks!

I couldn't get the link to work, but a search found the tire guide, which definitively answered my question. I'll take the money I would have spent on pucks and buy a second jack so I can do the diagonal lift method.

Oops, I fixed the link for future readers.

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