Jacking rear of 116 series car

[alanm]

Hi all,

What do you guys do when you want to raise the rear of a 116 series car with a trolley jack?
The Haynes manual indicates a point at the centre of the rear axle tube next to the transverse link connection.

I was a little nervous about the idea of lifting on rounded surface, and then I came across a drawing in a factory workshop manual showing a special tool (shown in the attached picture). This of course confirms my concern!

So what's the best way of doing this without the tool? Has anyone had the tool fabricated? Or maybe a block of very dense rubber or timber with a V shaped channel cut out of it?

Cheers
Alan

[UNICO]

Alan,

When I owned my 116 gtv, I always jacked the rear of my car from the rear axle tube then placed the car on ramps, with no issues ever, however I am no mechanic. The tool in the attachment looks like it is designed so you can raise the car and keep it in balance whilst lifting, this will reduce the rocking. Again, I am no mechanic and would love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Ed

[Darryl]

+1 (ie just do what everyone is saying to do - you won't hurt the Dedion tube and it won't come off if you do the obvious thing with the jack as illustrated by Chode....)

[Al Campbell]

I use the trolley jack too. Then instead of axle stands push the wheel ramps in so the dedion tube sits on the flat, level bit where the tyre would normally rest. Wider base, so more stable than axle stands.

[alanm]

Thanks boys, I'll get stuck into it on the weekend!
I was going to use axle stands under the side jacking points to support the car but I might try Al Campbell's technique with the ramps first.

Fitting some Bilstein dampers

Alan

[Al Campbell]

I rest the De-Dion cross member/tube on the wheel ramps, so the dampers are still under load. Good for removing tyres and brakes, but not dampers.

Tried to draw a little diagram. The circle is a cross section through the cross member/tube.

You have to be careful that the vertical tyre stop doesn't foul the damper bottom mount when you lower the trolley jack.

If you're going to put in Bilsteins, then it'd be axle stands under the jacking points.

Al's jacking trick No.2: When I can't get a high enough lift from the trolley jack, I made up a couple of pads from redgum sleepers that I put on the ground, then the jack sits on top of that. Get up to 4 inches of lift.

Usual caveat of don't get under car when only on jack...

[alanm]

Thanks for the additional information Al, I really appreciate it.

In regards to the maximum lifting height of the jack, I found out out by trial and error that I need 420mm height at the front to get my axle stands under the car at their minimum height setting. This is lifting from the cars center jacking point just rear of the radiator.

Have'nt tried at the rear yet but I think my jack will have enough height.

Don't worry, I'm with you 100% on the safety issues associated with this!

Cheers
Alan

[Al Campbell]

It's at the front that I need to use the red gum pads.