I plan on using the 4 jack points on the sides of the car, but what is the deal with black jack pads ? I tried one and it crushed immediately..is it just old and brittle and should I just replace them all ?

Thats strange, I use the black jack pads all the time and haven't had any trouble.

I found a couple of mine were crushed the first time I went to lift my car.

I replaced all of them, but first I filled all the hollow areas with epoxy.

Yeah mine are probably OEM and brittle. Good suggestion on the epoxy. I am getting ready to tackle motor mounts and the trans mount, stealer only wanted more than I paid for the car to perform this service. I politely passed.