How to Install 2005-2014 Mustang Jacking Rails

The SVE Jacking Rails are designed specifically to provide a stronger, more convenient lifting point along the side of the S197 Mustang. Unlike relying directly on individual pinch-weld lift points, the extended SVE rails allow you to support a much larger portion of the vehicle's weight and, when properly installed, lift an entire side of the Mustang.

The SVE rails are constructed from 14-gauge mild-steel tubing, providing the rigid structure necessary for the rails to function as a dedicated lifting point rather than simply relying on the Mustang's factory pinch welds. One of the major features is the extended length of the rails providing greater weight distribution and larger lifting areas. This makes wheel and tire changes easier, works well with floor jacks and vehicle lift systems, and makes QuickJack-style lifting more convenient. Instead of lifting one corner at a time, the rail allows the lifting force to be distributed along the side of the vehicle. The SVE rails feature a powder-coated black finish, providing a durable exterior coating designed to withstand normal exposure to the elements while also giving the rails a clean, finished appearance underneath the Mustang. Finally, the SVE rails use welded end caps rather than plastic caps, giving the SVE rails a more integrated and finished construction.

Parts

2005-2014 SVE Jacking Rails

Tools

• Jack
• Jack Stand
• Impact
• Compressed air
• M12 × 1.75 tap
• Cut-off wheel — only needed if making a homemade thread chaser from an old bolt.
• Thread chaser
• 15 mm tool/socket
• Torque wrench 

Verify SVE Jacking Rail Fitment

Before beginning installation, verify that the SVE Jacking Rails are appropriate for your Mustang.

The SVE rails shown in the video are designed for:

• 2005–2014 Mustang coupes/hardtops
• Driver-side and passenger-side specific
• Compatible with the 2012–2013 Boss 302, including models equipped with side pipes
• NOT compatible with convertible Mustangs

1. Safely Raise and Support the Mustang

Before installing the SVE rails, the vehicle must be safely supported.

Front Support Location

Position the front lifting/support point on the K-member just forward of the oil pan.

The important thing is to keep the vehicle supported without using the pinch-weld area where the SVE rail will be installed.

Rear Support Location

At the rear, we used the rear lower control arm front body-mount area.

This provides sufficient clearance for the SVE rail during installation.

Important

The SVE rail installs between the K-member and the body, so there needs to be enough room to slide the rail's front mounting plate into position.

The K-member carries significant weight, so use caution when separating or positioning components to get the SVE mounting plate into place.

Never work underneath a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.

2. Keep the Pinch-Weld Area Clean

Before installing the SVE rail, clean the area where the rail will sit.

The SVE rail is designed to provide a dedicated lifting structure along the Mustang's rocker area. Proper positioning is therefore important.

Make sure:

• The pinch-weld area is clean
• Dirt and debris are removed
• The rail can sit properly against the body
• No wiring or other components are trapped underneath the rail
• There is sufficient clearance around the mounting points

3. Remove the Factory K-Member Bolts

The front portion of the SVE rail uses the existing K-member/body mounting location.

1. Locate the two factory 18 mm bolts securing the rear of the K-member to the body.
2. Remove both bolts.
3. Expect them to be difficult to remove.
4. The factory bolts may have significant thread locker on them.
5. An impact wrench can be helpful for removing them.

These mounting points are important because the SVE design uses the existing structure of the Mustang rather than requiring you to drill additional holes into the body.

4. Clean the Front Mounting Threads

Once the factory bolts are removed, clean the threaded holes.

1. Blow compressed air through the holes.
2. Remove loose dirt, debris, and old thread locker.
3. If available, use an M12 × 1.75 tap to clean the threads.*
4. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the tap.
5. Start the tap by hand.
6. Carefully run it through the threaded hole.
7. Remove the tap.
8. Clean the tap.
9. Blow the hole out with compressed air.
10. Repeat as necessary.

Why this matters for the SVE installation

The SVE rails rely on these existing mounting locations. Clean threads allow the SVE hardware to engage properly and reduce the chance of cross-threading or improper bolt seating.

* If you don't have an M12 × 1.75 tap, an old bolt can be modified into a thread chaser by cutting three grooves along its threads as shown in the video.

5. Clean the Rear Mounting Holes

The SVE rails also use existing rear mounting holes.

1. Clean the two rear holes.
2. Use an M10 × 1.5 tap/thread chaser.
3. Remember that these holes are slightly angled.
4. Do not force the tap straight into the hole.
5. Follow the existing angle of the threads.
6. Blow out the holes with compressed air.

These holes may not contain old thread locker like the front holes, but they can collect dirt and debris.

6. Identify the Correct SVE Rail

The SVE jacking rails are side-specific.

Before installing anything:

1. Identify the driver-side SVE rail.
2. Identify the passenger-side SVE rail.
3. Hold the rail against the appropriate side of the Mustang.
4. Confirm the mounting plates line up with the factory mounting locations.

This is particularly important because the rails are shaped and positioned specifically for their respective sides.

7. Install a Rear SVE Mounting Bolt

Once the front of the SVE rail is positioned:

1. Have one of the supplied rear SVE bolts ready.
2. Apply a small amount of thread locker.
3. Insert the bolt through the SVE rail's rear mounting point.
4. Start the bolt by hand.
5. Do not fully tighten it yet.

The rear mounting holes are angled, so you may need to manipulate the SVE rail slightly to get the bolt started.

The first rear bolt is primarily being used to hold the SVE rail in position while you align the remaining hardware.

8. Install the Front of the SVE Rail 

The front SVE mounting plate is designed to fit between the K-member and the Mustang's body.

This is one of the more challenging portions of the installation because the K-member can place pressure on the area.

You may need to:

• Carefully maneuver the rail
• Move the K-member slightly away from the body
• Use an appropriate spacer
• Work the mounting plate into its final position

Spacer recommendation

The spacer should be:

• Slightly thicker than the SVE mounting plate
• Strong enough to hold the components apart
• Preferably non-marring

The purpose is to create enough clearance for the SVE mounting plate to slide into position without damaging the surrounding components.

9. Align the SVE Rail With the Body

With one rear bolt started, move to the front mounting points.

Make sure the SVE rail is sitting where you want it before tightening anything completely.

The extended SVE design means the rail runs along a significant portion of the Mustang's rocker area.

Proper alignment is important because the rail is intended to become a structural lifting point.

10. Apply Thread Locker to the Front Bolts

Inspect the factory front bolts.

If the threads are clean and in good condition:

1. Apply a small amount of blue thread locker.
2. Start each bolt by hand.
3. Thread the bolts in only a few turns initially.

Do NOT fully tighten the front bolts yet.

The SVE rail needs some movement while the remaining mounting points are being aligned.

11. Install the Remaining Rear Bolt

With the rail held in position:

1. Apply thread locker to the remaining rear bolt.
2. Start the bolt by hand.
3. Leave the other rear bolt installed to help hold the rail in position.
4. Adjust the rail as necessary.
5. Start the remaining bolt.
6. Keep all hardware only loosely tightened at this point.

The goal is to have all SVE mounting points started before final torque is applied.

12. Allow the SVE Rail to Contour to the Body

As you tighten the mounting hardware, the SVE rail will begin to conform to the body of the Mustang.

This is normal.

The rail may want to twist slightly as the mounting bolts are tightened.

Work gradually:

1. Tighten the mounting hardware.
2. Watch the position of the rail.
3. Make small adjustments as necessary.
4. Make sure the rail remains properly seated.
5. Continue tightening until the rail is fully positioned against the body.

Do not force the rail into an unnatural position.

13. Torque the Front SVE Mounting Bolts

Once the SVE rail is properly aligned:

Torque the front bolts to 85 ft-lb.

Make sure the mounting plate remains properly seated while tightening.

14. Torque the Rear SVE Mounting Bolts

Next, tighten the rear mounting bolts.

Rear bolt torque specification: 45–50 ft-lb.

As you tighten the rear bolts, continue watching the rail because it may move slightly as it contours to the Mustang's body.

15. Check Driver-Side Clearance

The driver side deserves particular attention.

On the example Mustang, the fuel-line shield creates a tighter working area.

Before considering the SVE installation complete:

• Check the fuel-line shield
• Verify that the rail isn't contacting it
• Make sure no fuel lines are being pinched
• Confirm the rail has adequate clearance
• Check that the hardware is properly seated

The exact clearance can vary somewhat between model years.

16. Check Passenger-Side Clearance

The passenger side generally has more available clearance.

Nevertheless, inspect the complete installation for:

• Proper rail alignment
• Adequate clearance
• Correct bolt engagement
• Proper seating of the mounting plates
• Interference with wiring or other components

17. Perform the Final SVE Jacking Rail Inspection

Before putting the Mustang back on the ground, perform a complete inspection.

SVE Rail

• Confirm the correct SVE rail is installed on each side.
• Make sure the rail is properly positioned along the body.
• Verify that the rail has fully seated against the mounting surfaces.
• Inspect the welded end caps.
• Look for any damage to the powder-coated finish.

Hardware

• Front bolts: 85 ft-lb
• Rear bolts: 45–50 ft-lb
• Verify thread locker was used where specified.
• Make sure all bolts are fully engaged.

Clearance

Check around:

• Fuel-line shielding
• Fuel lines
• Wiring
• K-member
• Body structure
• Pinch-weld area
• Other nearby components