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4 Jack Supprts Showing Some Rust


RAS-2002

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I'm finding out I don't know "jack...." about jacks.

 

To my horror, I've noticed some signs of rust starting to form around the 4 jack supports on my '72 '02.  So I'm more than a bit reluctant to use them anymore, until I get them repaired over the Winter or next Spring.  

 

Searching the forum, I've seen numerous mentions of the correct placement of jack stands, such as front frame rails, rear subframe, and so on.  I've also read it is not recommended to jack up the rear via the differential. 

 

But I haven't been able to locate any pictures of the correct jack/jackstand placement. So if someone has any pics, would you be kind enough to post them?  Showing exactly where, in the front and rear, to 1) jack up the car using a hydraulic jack, and then 2) where to place the jackstands.  For safety sake, I'll be using the hydraulic jack as a back-up support, in addition to the jack stands. 

 

Also, I've seen some mentions of how unsafe the China-made jack stands can be, and many people don't recommended using them at all, because the notches on the upright can give way.  What if I drilled through a 3/8" hole through the jack housing and upright arm and used a 3/8" steel rod to support it (see attached horrible pic).  Would that offer enough strength?  I know, lots of questions. If you got this far, thanks for reading.   

Thanks,

Bob

post-42229-0-70798200-1381523033_thumb.j

-Bob
(current: 1972 Malaga 2002, VIN 2584644, build date July 26, 1972)

 

Previous: 1973 Sahara 2002 #2585896 (RIP), 1969 1600, 1971 2002, 1964 Triumph Herald convertible, 1965 Triumph Herald convertible, 1961 Triumph TR3A, 1967 Triumph TR4A-irs, 1959 Austin Healey 100/6, and about 10 other cars (most of which were quite boring)...

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If the area around the factory jack supports (for using the factory jack) gets too rusty and weak they will punch through. I don't like jacking the front using the frame rails as eventually they get beat up. Yeah, a block of wood prevents that, but on a low car that doesn't always work. I jack the front from the center of the subframe and place the jacks under the two large control arm bolts in the subframe. A little close together, but I have found that to be plenty stable. Sometimes I need to jack from the side to get high enough to do this, I use the pads my roll cage is built onto.

I jack the rear either from the diff or center of the rear subframe. Never had a problem with this. Jack stands go on the subframe just outside of the sway bar mounts. I will also jack from the side on the large bolt holding the main subframe mounts, again to get clearance so I can get to the center of the subframe. Never had a problem damaging those bolt threads.

I now use mainly 6-ton jack stands--nice and beefy. Also have 4-ton for lower lifts. Putting a pin in may secure from dropping, but if cheap steel then you have to wonder if drilling the hole would weaken resistance to side load and it would snap off. Not saying it will, but jack stands are a safety item and therefore justifies investment in good ones.

 

When I get the car really high I put tire stacks (with rims, I have *quite a few* sets) under it just in case. When I stripped the shell and did the floor pan I think I had 4-tire stacks on all four corners the car resting on long 4x4 beams. Took a bit of creative work to get it that high.

 

--Fred '69 & '74tii

Edited by FB73tii

--Fred

'74tii (Colorado) track car

'69ti (Black/Red/Yellow) rolling resto track car

'73tii (Fjord....RIP)

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Just buy a set of used, strong american made stands and you'll have them forever. Honestly though, ive never had a jackstand (even the cheap harbor freight ones) fail on on me. Our cars are light, and properly used the jackstands should do just fine. 


Just buy a set of used, strong american made stands and you'll have them forever. Honestly though, ive never had a jackstand (even the cheap harbor freight ones) fail on on me. Our cars are light, and properly used the jackstands should do just fine. 

1974 Grey European Market BMW 2002 

1976 Yellow BMW 2002 "GOLDENROD" SOLD

1972 Yellow Austin Mini 1000

A bunch of Bikes...

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Thanks, guys! 

Seriously, this forum is the best thing since sliced bread.

Bob

-Bob
(current: 1972 Malaga 2002, VIN 2584644, build date July 26, 1972)

 

Previous: 1973 Sahara 2002 #2585896 (RIP), 1969 1600, 1971 2002, 1964 Triumph Herald convertible, 1965 Triumph Herald convertible, 1961 Triumph TR3A, 1967 Triumph TR4A-irs, 1959 Austin Healey 100/6, and about 10 other cars (most of which were quite boring)...

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I usually support my vehicles by four tires... handles better that way.

 

You mean like this? Here 12 tires is even better than four. Notice the wide track--virtually no body roll B)

 

post-36969-0-12906000-1381687256_thumb.j

 

 

--Fred

'74tii (Colorado) track car

'69ti (Black/Red/Yellow) rolling resto track car

'73tii (Fjord....RIP)

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That is rather concerning.... though since it's bare, I suspect if it ever fell on you it'd be like dropping a toaster on the floor - nothing's broken but you're pissed because you've dropped your toast!

Joking aside though, I always stack some wheels or tires under the rockers as a failproof backup when using jackstands. I also have 6 jackstands under another car in my garage.

Edited by mikebontoft
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