i have a 99 honda civic 4 door sedan. i need to jack up the back of the vehicle from the back tow loop. I don't have alot of money so I bought an inexpensive new floor jack thinking it would do the job. now that it's home, i see it will jack only to 14 inches. does anyone know what height the jack will need to be elevated in the rear to slip 11 inch high jack stands under the side jack points?

 

I use one of these guys to do what you're needing to do. it's max lift is 19" and some change. it lifts plenty high to get normal jack stands underneath.

are you not able to get under the side jack points in front of the rear wheels?

 

yes, it's low profile so i can get it under the side. i'm not clear how i could jack up the side using the jack point, then get the stand under there once it's up.

 

In general, anyplace the suspension or subframe (in front) mounts can have a jack stand on it without risk of damage. Also, spreading the load with some lumber at least 3/4" thick and 6" long or more will help with other areas. Avoid the gas tank fuel and brake lines and get as close to the wheels and outside edge as you can to keep it stable.

You could also use a large peice of lumber on top of the jack to lift somewhere else, then put the stand at the jack point. Cross brace areas are good for this (ridges that run from the tunnel to the sill) wherever you decide, just work slowly and carefully making sure you aren't doing damage.