Jack stands for the winter
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer Alberta
Jack stands for the winter
I was told yesterday that putting a car up on jack stands for our 5 - 6 month winter up here is "Bad" for the suspension. I've been doing this to all my summer cars, for years ??????????????
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Ever go to your local Race track ? Well the first thing they do is put the car up on stand jacks (after they come in from hot laps or anything).Asked why one time, the dude said it takes the pressure off the frame & shocks and suspension. I keep using the stands.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you use jack stands on the 'side' frame rails only, the whole weight of the front end is hanging on the front frame/birdcage. If there is any weakness in there at all (rust, etc.), it could do some damage. Just come up with a way to take some of that hanging load off the front when you store it. [i.e. another jack stand/wood block under the front cross support]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer Alberta
If you use jack stands on the 'side' frame rails only, the whole weight of the front end is hanging on the front frame/birdcage. If there is any weakness in there at all (rust, etc.), it could do some damage. Just come up with a way to take some of that hanging load off the front when you store it. [i.e. another jack stand/wood block under the front cross support]
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Letting the suspension hang will twist the suspension bushings into an extreme position that they're not designed to handle for long periods.
The tire flat spot idea is either false (I've never had such a thing) or can be overcome byu puishing the car a few feet forward and back every now and then.
The stress on springs and frame myth is pure BS. What do you do with your daily driver?
The tire flat spot idea is either false (I've never had such a thing) or can be overcome byu puishing the car a few feet forward and back every now and then.
The stress on springs and frame myth is pure BS. What do you do with your daily driver?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Flat spots go back many years (1950s) to the era of nylon-belted bias-ply tires. I lived in the Yukon at that time and with the cold of winter tires did develop flat spots overnight. These disappeared after a few minutes of driving.
I do not use jack stands October to April storage time.
I do not use jack stands October to April storage time.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer Alberta
[QUOTE=Mike Ward;1570026864]Letting the suspension hang will twist the suspension bushings into an extreme position that they're not designed to handle for long periods.
I don't doubt what you are saying but I can't visualize which bushings or how they would be stressed
I don't doubt what you are saying but I can't visualize which bushings or how they would be stressed
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I would worry about tweeking the frame by having it sit on stands that long. As we know, the frames on these cars do crack and bend. Especially if there are rust issues.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Both the inner and outer sleeves are bonded permanently to the rubber part of the bushing. So- how is it possible for the trailing arm to move up and down? Simple, the rubber bushing distorts by being 'twisted' away from it's natural position.
No conventional suspension bushing is designed to stay at maximum deflection for extended periods.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
The easiest example to visualize is the rubber bushing assembly at the front rear of a trailing arm. The outer metal sleeve is rigidly mounted in the trailing arm itself. The inner metal sleeve is prevented from rotating by the nut and bolt that squeezes the frame pocket and shims tightly together.
Both the inner and outer sleeves are bonded permanently to the rubber part of the bushing. So- how is it possible for the trailing arm to move up and down? Simple, the rubber bushing distorts by being 'twisted' away from it's natural position.
No conventional suspension bushing is designed to stay at maximum deflection for extended periods.
Both the inner and outer sleeves are bonded permanently to the rubber part of the bushing. So- how is it possible for the trailing arm to move up and down? Simple, the rubber bushing distorts by being 'twisted' away from it's natural position.
No conventional suspension bushing is designed to stay at maximum deflection for extended periods.
The stock rubber bushings grip the bar very tightly and when movement is experienced they actually twist or distort. There might be a similar effect by letting the front wheels hang on jackstands. The poly bushings are much harder and not prone to twist. Instead they rotate on the bar via the lube. Some say this lack of distortion provides a more "solid" feel in the steering. This may be hype but I should have the units this coming week and give them a try.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Your analysis of the poly wanna cracker bushings is correct Paul, that's why I specified 'conventional suspension bushing' in my response. The poly type actually slide back and forth over the mating metal components giving off the famous squeaks.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 12
From: Midwest
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
No reason for you not to add additional jacks wherever you choose; as long as they don't lift as opposed to support.
Last edited by dannyman; May 10, 2009 at 06:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
When I have mine up, which usually seems to be 3-4 months at a shot these days, I usually slide a 3rd pair of jack stands in front, right about where the exhaust pipes are coming down, where the frame curves inward to the center of the car.
That helps to alleviate any hanging stresses the front end might be seeing.
I'm also using 6 ton jack stands.
That helps to alleviate any hanging stresses the front end might be seeing.
I'm also using 6 ton jack stands.
