Riggers

[jned2]

My S3 needs some work doing to the outriggers. I was planning to do a partial body lift to see full extent of damage before deciding what to do next however I've just come across an advert selling an S3 and in the blurb it states "riggers can be changed without the body off so quite easy if ever needed". Is this correct, if so how's it done, it could save me a load of work?

[GreenV8S]

There are a few ways which various people have tried.

Some do a partial lift (6" or so) just to get enough clearance to weld around the outriggers.

Some make a partial outrigger which can be slid into the stub end of the old one and welded to it.

Some hack a hole in the body to get access to the outrigger and repair the body afterwards.

Many people who have lifted the body to get access for what they expected to be a minor repair have found the rest of the chassis urgently needed attention too, so my advice would be to assume that if the outriggers have gone, it's time to check the whole chassis over. It's impossible to do that without lifting the body.

[Steve_D]

On an S as well as the outriggers you need to check carefully the rear tube that has the lower swing arm mounts.
You are looking for rust on that tube inside the 4 mounts for the swing arm bushes.
Also the rear body mounts that also mount the seat belt reel.

Steve

[jned2]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll go ahead with the lift at least then I can have a good look around and see if anything else is affected.

[glenrobbo]

Loads of info on body lifts etc on this forum:

Useful links > S Series FAQs
Owners blogs etc

[jned2]

Thanks Glen. I'll start searching.

[Kitchski]

The difference between lifting it and removing it is probably just a case of removing the bonnet for access, and possibly disconnecting brake, clutch and coolant pipes, so if you find it needs to come off (which it will, if you want to do it properly) you'll have done the bulk of the work already.

[Ceejay73]

glenrobbo said:

Loads of info on body lifts etc on this forum:

Useful links > S Series FAQs
Owners blogs etc

Here's my little thread. Hope it is of some help.

Click Here

Good luck,

Carl.

[jned2]

Carl many thanks, just the sort of thing I've been looking for.