Is there a better way to get the back end in the air with the weight off the tires than jack stands under the sub frames?
this method makes me nervous!
If you're just trying to get the rear-end in the air, jacking from the rear housing always worked well for me. It leaves the suspension loaded, though.
I also use the pumpkin, but sure and not touch the rear cover w/ the jack. I then place jack stands under the axle on each side & lower on to the stands. Works like a charm unless you're messing w/ the axle.
Heres what you do you find a friend with an automotive lift and then you can lift the whole car with the weight off the suspension. j/k I use the torque boxes to let the suspension hang and the pumpkin to pull tires
I don't jack the car by the subframe unless SFC's are welded. I've seen mustangs bend when jacking like this.
Instead, i jack by the pumpkin and put the stands under the subframe or on te axle tubes together.
Up front, i lift in the center of the k-member and put the stands on the outside edges of the k-member or under the ball joints on the a arms if i want it loaded.