Where to place the jack stands ?

[bpossel]

Hi All,

Where is the best, safest place, to locate the jack stands at the rear of the car?  I plan on replacing the rubber on the rear springs this weekend and want to ensure that the stands hold safely and dont damage the underside of the car.  They also need to be located so that I can use the hydraulic jack to hold and lower the spring plates.

  Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Benz Dr.]

There's really only one safe place.
Under the trailing arm stud mounts at the rear and under the front frame near the trans tunnel. If you're working in either of these two areas then you will have to locate the jack stands under the running gear but I never use that area unless I have to.
Now that I have a hoist I don't use jack stands as much but I still place the arms of the hoist in the same locations as I would using jack stands. If the car is really weakened by rust I use a piece of wood under the arm to extend the weight bearing surface. If it's too rusty I won't let it near the hoist. Not safe!

Daniel G Caron

[signalred280sl]

Bob:
Go to  www.motoringinvestments.com/T111photo4.htm  to find an excellent photo of where the jack stands should be positioned. Good luck on your weekend's work!
Les 1970 280SL

[bpossel]

Thank you for the info.!  Since its the trailing arms that I will be working on (rear), lowering the arms to get at the rear springs, that leaves the "running gear".  Can you describe what you mean by running gear.  Where is this?  Is this the axle?

Thanks again!
Bob

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

There's really only one safe place.
Under the trailing arm stud mounts at the rear and under the front frame near the trans tunnel. If you're working in either of these two areas then you will have to locate the jack stands under the running gear but I never use that area unless I have to.
Now that I have a hoist I don't use jack stands as much but I still place the arms of the hoist in the same locations as I would using jack stands. If the car is really weakened by rust I use a piece of wood under the arm to extend the weight bearing surface. If it's too rusty I won't let it near the hoist. Not safe!

Daniel G Caron

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Benz Dr.]

Running gear means front or rear axel. If you need to do some work around the trailing arms you will need another place for the jack stands.
If the frame rail is solid you can place your stand under the area where the jack hole is. Try to move the car by shaking it a little bit. If it's sturdy and doesn't move around you should be OK. If it moves or wobbles get away from it fast!  Cars do and will far off of jack stands and hoists.
I'd feel terrible to learn that someone on this or other lists got hurt or killed while working on their car because they weren't carefull enough.

  BELIEVE ME!  YOU CAN GET KILLED WORKING AROUND CARS.  Unfortunately for me, I've seen it happen........ ( not at my place )

Daniel G Caron

[bpossel]

Thanks Dr. Benz!
Bob

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

Running gear means front or rear axel. If you need to do some work around the trailing arms you will need another place for the jack stands.
If the frame rail is solid you can place your stand under the area where the jack hole is. Try to move the car by shaking it a little bit. If it's sturdy and doesn't move around you should be OK. If it moves or wobbles get away from it fast!  Cars do and will far off of jack stands and hoists.
I'd feel terrible to learn that someone on this or other lists got hurt or killed while working on their car because they weren't carefull enough.

  BELIEVE ME!  YOU CAN GET KILLED WORKING AROUND CARS.  Unfortunately for me, I've seen it happen........ ( not at my place )

Daniel G Caron

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320