Normally you would jack under the axle directly. Otherwise you have to jack the body so far to allow the springs to unload that you have to have a tall bumper jack.
thanks for the response.
do you know where i'm supposed to place the jack stands?
I'm trying to replace my shocks (first time doing any work on the vehicle) and am looking not to get killed in the process.
Jack under the axle just enough to remove the tire. Put a jack-stand under the axle to hold it up while the tire is off. The shocks should actually come off without jacking it at all, but you need to remove the tire to give yourself room to work.