I just purchased a 2 1/2 ton lift capacity hydraulic floor jack.
Where is the best and safest place to raise an '84 Spider so that I can place jack stands underneath and get all four wheels off the ground. Where is the best place to put the jack stands?
for the rear I put the jack under the the trailing arms so it contacts both pieces of steel, not just one(worried Ill bend it) and the stands directly under the axle midway between diff and wheels. for the front, I put the jack under the shock bucket nearer to the engine and the stand under the bucket at the opposite side. Probably doing it wrong, but it works for me. I guess it also depends on what kind of stands you have.
Osso was basically correct as to the location for the hydraulic jack. Going directly from the front of the car however presented a new problem. The oil pan is lower than the clearance of my new 3 ton jack. So what I did was this: Using my two factory equipment jacks, raised the car up a few inches, on both sides at the same time. Then I had enough clearance for the 3 ton jack. It then went up like a dream and I put the jack stands under the shock bucket. The rear was easy. Raised at the differential, making sure the wood was in the right place. Then eased her down on the jack stands under the rear axle. Up on all fours, solid as I needed, lots of clearance. By the way my project was to replace the two piece Speedometer cable with a one piece from the older models. I did it and the speedometer is now as smooth as possible. No more shake and vibrate. I'm a happy camper, at least as far as that project. Thanks for all the help.
Ray
Hey, Red spider. That looks nice. and it is light weight. But it only lifts to 15 inches. I think that's the problem with the little ones. The one I bought will lift up to 20 1/2 inches. I paid $62.00, picked it up at "Harbor Freight Tools", (A teriffic store for someone like me) did not have to pay shipping. Mine is made in China by Central Hydraulics Model 34271. Their headquarters is at 3491 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo, Ca. Phone 1-800-444-3353. I bought it at one of their tores in Laurel, Maryland. The down side is that it is a REAL JACK and weigh 93 pounds. Hope this helps.
Ray
I use a hockey puck, which fits nicely in the saddle of my jack and won't mar aluminum like the sump cover yet is still pretty grippy. Cheap as can be.
To clear the oil pan, I lay a piece of 2X6 3' long in front of each front wheel. I then drive the car up onto the wood. I can then get the jack under the car.
I use a hockey puck, which fits nicely in the saddle of my jack and won't mar aluminum like the sump cover yet is still pretty grippy. Cheap as can be.
Joe, that is a disgrace, and a blatant disregard for the game of Hockey... Pucks, when not in use on the ice, should be kept on a shelf in a climate controlled environment (preferably 75-80 degrees F.) and polished regularly.
Seems to be universal agreement about using the differential as the jack point for the rear and the axles for the stands.
But, the front end, on the other hand, is still not clear to me as to the exact point you put the jack on the front end before you place the jack stands under the shock mounts. Anyone have a photo?
Joe, that is a disgrace, and a blatant disregard for the game of Hockey... Pucks, when not in use on the ice, should be kept on a shelf in a climate controlled environment (preferably 75-80 degrees F.) and polished regularly.
My Goodness, Davy13. Flyers logo'd pucks could have no higher use than jacking up an Alfa! Rangers pucks belong in a "puck humidor", and non branded pucks can be used for Miatas.
Seriously, JoeCab's suggestion is a great use for old pucks. I have always used a block of wood, but no more.
But, the front end on the other hand is still not clear to me as to the exact point you put the jack on the front end before you place the jack stands under the shock mounts. Anyone have a photo?
Seriously, I jack my car the same way as Osso, and it works great. I usually slide the jack under the car from the side (under the doors) and roll it to the jacking point (front cross member or rear axle sump). This keeps the jack under the car and out of the way for most work.
My Goodness, Davy13. Flyers logo'd pucks could have no higher use than jacking up an Alfa! Rangers pucks belong in a "puck humidor", and non branded pucks can be used for Miatas.
Seriously, JoeCab's suggestion is a great use for old pucks. I have always used a block of wood, but no more.
How about we compromise, and only use Maple Leaf pucks to hold up jacks?
Seriously, though, I've never cut one in half but it is my understanding that under the rubber is a chunk of metal. It is almost the perfect widget to have in any garage. I'm with you. I used to use a 6 inch chunk of 2x4, but no longer... By the way, looks like the Rangers have a pretty good team this year. Should be a fun season.
I went to the web site for the AC jack. They're now on sale, including free shipping, at $271 for the AC DK20 and $298 for the AC DK20Q. I like the DK20Q, but I'm worried it won't go under the Spider from the front and clear the oil pan to get to the crossmember as in Paradiso's photo. What do you think?
I use 2 2x12's stacked and offset to make a sort of 3" high ramp on each side in the front and drive the front up on them giving me a head start on the jack, then use the jack on the front cross member with a 15" piece of 2x6 as a pad to spread the load. then I can put the stands at the jacking points. At the reae I also use the diff. with a pad and use the rear jack points for the stands. If I need more height, I put the jacj on 1 or 2 2x12,s and raise as needed.
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