Is this safe??

[zak_62]

Is it safe to jack the car at the 4 metal plate on the bottom of the car close to the wheels? I am thinking about leaving the car "PARKED" on the lift that will support the car at that 4 plates and don't know if it is a good idea.....

[superdave]

zak_62 said:

Is it safe to jack the car at the 4 metal plate on the bottom of the car close to the wheels? I am thinking about leaving the car "PARKED" on the lift that will support the car at that 4 plates and don't know if it is a good idea.....

Hi there, not sure where you mean but if you are leaving it jacked up for a while then don't use the jacking points as they are not up for the job over prolonged periods. Try the chassis points, there is a cross bar at the front and a central piece at the rear.

Cheers,


Dave

[lotusguy]

superdave said:

zak_62 said: Is it safe to jack the car at the 4 metal plate on the bottom of the car close to the wheels? I am thinking about leaving the car "PARKED" on the lift that will support the car at that 4 plates and don't know if it is a good idea..... Hi there, not sure where you mean but if you are leaving it jacked up for a while then don't use the jacking points as they are not up for the job over prolonged periods. Try the chassis points, there is a cross bar at the front and a central piece at the rear. Cheers, Dave

Hi,

Hate to disagreee, but the jacking points are actually the place to place the jack stands. You should place a 4"-6" piece of 2X4 atop each jack stand to spread the load slightly and ensure that both the jack stand and the wood are well away from the rocker panel outriggers as these will not support the weight.

That having been said, it is unwise to store the car off it's wheels. In the past, fear of flatspotting a bearing, spindle or tire were the primary reason for doing this. On the Esprit, the suspension should not be 'unsprung' for long periods. This will cause the suspension bushings to 'learn' a new 'normal' position and they will not operate properly in the future and will degrade much more quickly as a result.

The best way to store an Esprit for extended periods is to leave it on it's wheels/tires and run up the air pressure several pounds, say 35-40PSI. This will prevent flatspotting and air leaks from around the rim and valve. For really long periods of storage (>12 mos.), consider filling the tires w/ nitrogen, available from welding supply houses for about $50USD which will prevent dry-rot internally.

Also, it's a good idea change the tranny fluid, motor oil and brake/clutch fluid to eliminate any inetrnal moisture which can evaporate from the oil/fluid and condense on the internals where rust and corrosion can form as a result. Also, loosen each sparkplug and add a little motor oil to each cylinder to prevent the rings from corroding and sticking to the liner, disconnect the battery, if the anti-freeze is more than 12 mos. old, this too should be changed as it can become acidic with age and contribute to system wear, slightly open each window just a crack. Hope this helps...Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[zak_62]

I see I see.
Thanks for the info.

[MikeyRide]

lotusguy said:

That having been said, it is unwise to store the car off it's wheels. In the past, fear of flatspotting a bearing, spindle or tire were the primary reason for doing this. On the Esprit, the suspension should not be 'unsprung' for long periods. This will cause the suspension bushings to 'learn' a new 'normal' position and they will not operate properly in the future and will degrade much more quickly as a result.

I have heard that several times but don't know anyone who's actually experienced it. FWIW, Dwayne Shumate told me not to worry about it when my car was going to be in the air for about 3 months. As it turned out, I ended up R&Ring the front lower control arms and all the rear suspension bits were loosened (and the wheels off) so my experience tells us nothing.

Anyway, I would think that wheels off and suspension mounting points loose would be just fine if you were really worried about it. Retorque at ride height later and you're good to go.