Axle stands

[Pilo-Wedgebits]

I want to do some work on the car over winter. Is it ok to leave the car on axle stands for a prelonged period and what is the best place to position them?
Cheers Shaun

[grahamw48]

Personally I'd place the stands under the main chassis (not outriggers or suspension arms) close to where several tubes meet, using a small square of wood/chipboard to spread the load. Obviously make sure the car is balanced and stable.

I would remove the wheels to take the weight off the suspension and bushes.

Eta:...and take the bonnet off, or at least make sure it can still open BEFORE you put the car up. Same goes for doors, etc.

Edited by grahamw48 on Tuesday 24th November 23:28

[SEvans]

Had mine on axle stands for about 3 years (well 5 years if you ask the Mrs's!!). As Graham says it's no problem as long as you support it on the chassis. I put stands on the front where all the chassis tubes meet and at the back on the inside of each outrigger.

[jeff m]

"On blocks" is the prefered method for long term car storage.
Positioning depends a bit on what jobs you intend to do.

[HOTTY]

shaun
What work are you thinking of ?
Do you need some axle stands ?
cheers
Stephen

[Pilo-Wedgebits]

Hi Stephen,

That would be great - thanks - I have one pair and was going to buy a second set.

I need to sort the exhaust, brakes are binding and I want to clean off the chassis so I thought axle stands would be the best way forward.

By the way, do you want some boxes for packing the dashboards? I have lots of new cardboard boxes at work, in varying sizes.

We'll sort out getting together for stands etc

Cheers mate

Shaun

[wooly350i]

Just echo whats been said before,support it under the main chassis where all the tubes meet with a bit of rubber between stand and chassis,dont stand or swing on sill area once up cos it may unsettle the balance,i feel safer with the wheels parked underneath as well to keep me company just in case i've got the stands that gave way,at least the car would stop at the wheels,ive managed to move the chassis when underneath levering stuff,i take you have a trolley jack! We did support it at the back as well for a while on the flat plate beneath the boot floor when we removed the diff cradle but it was a bit dodgy cos the plate being flat and having the stands as far apart as poss left em close to the edge but hay ho kept eyes on it and job done.

[wooly350i]

PS Shaun,thanks for looking for those wheel centres but yes mine are different ( M141 ),John