Jack stand question

OK, so I'm working in the middle of the car, from underneath. Working on trans crossmember and such. Need the car in the air, not sure about a whole car lift. Lots a bucks.

Got four jackstands. I'm thinking two on the rear axle, two under the front springs. The box the new two jackstands came in says not to do that.

I know I don't want to get under there and get nuts, but is this pretty safe???

Living out here in the woods, I don't want to have to chew my arm off (I know where it's been!)

I have my car up in the car to work underneath too. I jacked the rear up and slid ramps under the rear tires. They're the type that have pockets to keep the car from moving, then put my jack stands under the main frame memebers, as far forward as seemed reasonable.
It's worked so far, but like they say, that day ain't over yet.
As a safety precaution, you could throw some tires (inflated, and on wheels) underneath just in case.

I currently have the rear of my 80 LE supported by two jack stands under the leaf springs right near the axle. This is because I needed access to the center of the axle as well as the axle area to replace the brake lines. If I did not need more room by the center of the diff area, I would have put them under the axles.

Actually, come to think of it, I jacked up the rear of the car by the axles to put the jack stand under the car.

I second the "just in case" safety precaution of throwing something under the car that will limit how far the car will drop, if something goes awry. I've also used the "jack up and insert ramp" method as well. But that method would limit some things you might want to work on.

I've done it lots of times, but who said I was smart? The trick is to get the car up without tipping the first two stands . I do it gradually, don't try for total height right away. Once the car is up on all 4 stands I feel the falling danger is over with. It's only tenuous as you raise and lower the car. For Winter storage I always put the car up on 4 stands.

You don't want the car to bounce while it is in the air. Put the stands under the frame.

So, Wayne, am I gonna have to drive my John Deere down there and pick that puppy up for you?
If I leave now, I could be there by Friday.

I have in the past used the four jackstands, two in the back under the axle with blocks between the axle and frame to eliminate "bounce" and two in the front under the crossmember. I have always used a floor jack under one side or the other depending on where I was most vulnerable. Of course I'm not always the sharpest knife in the drawer...so who knows if OSHA would understand this method.
Good luck and err on the side of safety

I've used 4 stands numerous times with no issues. Depending on the job at hand, the fronts go under the spring pans or as far forward on the frame rails (usually just before the rails curve upwards) and the rears have gone under the axle or just ahead of the leaf spring hangers.

The idea is to get all 4 as far out to the corners as possible, depending on what your project is.

I've had the 75B in the air on four jack stands a couple times now. Located up front just like the pic and in the rear on the axel housing. It worked out well. No suspension movement. Just my own opinion here but I would not use the split tube type jack stands in the pic. They make my skin crawl due to their light duty construction. I bought four 6 ton JStands from Harbor Freight. Big, heavy duty construction and a big foot print for more lateral stability.

Raymond, that garage is too clean!(tu)

I dont know about the whole "jack stand on leaf spring" thing. The springs move, therefore move off the stand. Put the stands on the frame, and one half on ramps with the pockets. I do that all the time.

It's probably safest to raise the front first, with the emergency brake applied and keeping the rear wheels from rotating. Place the jack stands under the frame rails and then raise the rear. Place the jack stands under the rear axles. When lowering, lower the rear first, with the emergency brake applied. Then lower the front.

If you raise the rear first and place the jack stands there is nothing preventing the car from rolling forward if you accidentally bump the rear.

Learned something sort'a spooky today. I have my rear wheels on ramps, and the front on jack stands. My engine is out, interior out, front suspension in its entirety off. Well, I was leaning over the side, and almost knocked the car off the jack stands. Just for fun I went to the front and picked it off the jack stands - yep, by hand, straight up in the air. Trust me, I ain't a strong guy. This car, with no engine or trans, is a light weight! I'm going to put a chain from the front end up into my rafters just for safety sake.
Just a word of caution if you're doing what I'm up to.