Floor jacking question?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: Rhode Island
Floor jacking question?
Can you use a floor jack on the rear diff to lift the car to put it on jackstands?
Also, same question for the front crossmember just in front of the engine?
I used to do it with my 70 Camaro but I am new to this vehicle. Thnaks!!!
Also, same question for the front crossmember just in front of the engine?
I used to do it with my 70 Camaro but I am new to this vehicle. Thnaks!!!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 641
Likes: 449
From: Napa, CA
Yes you can but be careful not to damage the crossmember or rear diff in the process. Use appropriate sized blocks of soft wood between the car and the jack. I anticipate a lot of negative feedback from other members on this bit of advise. Many in the C3 community are very concerned with frame and body damage when jacking these cars and I understand why. Flexing and twisting when jacking on any corner of the car will induce twisting and with a 40-50 year old cars with a high incidence of hidden frame rust, the potential for damage is real. However, jacking the car in the way you’re considering keeps the twisting to a minimum and if you place the jack stands in the recommended jacking locations plus under the front lower a-arm pivot points to prevent nose droop you should be ok. Back in the days before Quick Jacks, and 2 or 4 post home auto lifts, DIYers routinely jacked up these cars like any other vehicle with a full perimeter frame. Just my opinion, and offered because you asked. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
I have two floor jacks and lift mine at the frame jacking points.
I lift both sides at the rear jacking point together first, place the jack stands, then lift the front sides together to the desired height.
It takes longer, but reduces the twist as 210ken mentioned above.
Make sure you block the tires for additional safety.
Many people also use Kens method and as he stated use wood to protect the front crossmember.
If you crawl underneath you might see some damage caused by a prior owner who lifted the front at the crossmember without using wood.
If you do find some damage, don’t worry it is easily repaired and there are several members who own and loan the tool for free to anyone who asks, to repair the damage.
Look up threads by AllC3s4Me and crossmember repair tools.
I lift both sides at the rear jacking point together first, place the jack stands, then lift the front sides together to the desired height.
It takes longer, but reduces the twist as 210ken mentioned above.
Make sure you block the tires for additional safety.
Many people also use Kens method and as he stated use wood to protect the front crossmember.
If you crawl underneath you might see some damage caused by a prior owner who lifted the front at the crossmember without using wood.
If you do find some damage, don’t worry it is easily repaired and there are several members who own and loan the tool for free to anyone who asks, to repair the damage.
Look up threads by AllC3s4Me and crossmember repair tools.
