steering and suspension Jack Stands Under Trailing Arms.

[xferboy]

Took a spin through the search, and couldn't find anything directly related, so I figured I'd ask, for me and future searches

 

I'm looking for a noise from the rear end that seems to be speed related.  I was wanting to put the rear up on jack stands and run it in gear (with a helper).  I don't want the suspension at full droop (longevity of the axle shaft joints and closer to real world) while doing this so I thought about putting the jack stands under the trailing arms.  We do this all the time with a circle track car, but they have a live axle, so there is no question about putting the weight on that axle.

 

So I pose the question: are the trailing arms strong enough on a '73 tii to support the rear weight when placed on jack stands?  I don't see any indication that they're rusted.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Allan

[M3M3M3]

support the weight of the car on the subframe.  put another set of jackstands under rear axle bearing area of the trailing arm so that the only weight it is supporting is the weight of the trailing arm and a little spring tension.  do not have entire weight on the trailing arm. 

[thehackmechanic]

I think they're strong enough, but I don't think it's secure enough to be safe, especially since you're talking about running the car. I'd jack up the car and support it primarily by jackstands under the rear subframe, then jack up each wheel and put a secondary block or jackstand beneath each trailing arm.

tag, Marshall, you win!

[M3M3M3]

tag, Marshall, you win!

 

great minds.....   

[xferboy]

Did that, worked great.

 

the tires are sitting about an inch or so from ride height, so most of the weight is on the cross member.  A couple of good hip checks confirmed it was well set.

 

Of course, since I was by myself I couldn't run it up.  Didn't get the noise (if I remember it started about 25 or so).  A little vibration from the tires sitting in the cold for a couple of months and having flat spots.  Could have been the old tired exhaust rubbing/bouncing.  If I remember, the noise wasn't real tinny, but more of a 'muted metallic'.

 

I forgot how rich it runs on initial start at freezing temps.

 

Thanks and good night!