Hi. I bought a Halfords 5 piece lifting kit today (I was going to try my first oil change - I've never lifted the car previously, other than to change tyre/remove a single wheel with the Toyota jack). The Manual for the Halfords lifting kit says the trolley jack lifts 14-34cm. Trouble is, when I lift the car and the trolley jack is fully extended (i.e. won't jack any further), I can't get the jacks underneath the side lifting points of the car unless I lower the stands below the lowest pin/locking point - even then it's tight. The manual says I should use the locking pin for safety - I reckon this may be a silly question, but is it OK to use the stands lowered all the way without using the pin - I've posted some pictures below to show where I've been placing the jack (both front and back) and where the axle stands sit at the car side jacking points relative to full extension of the trolley jack. Am I being thick, or is this just a limitation of the combination of the car/jack/stands?
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_192922_zpsagjgwigp.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_192922_zpsagjgwigp.jpg.html)
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_193344_zpsxkiaxf5v.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_193344_zpsxkiaxf5v.jpg.html)
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_195252_zps9rcqazxh.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_195252_zps9rcqazxh.jpg.html)
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_201603_zpsodkgjryl.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170621_201603_zpsodkgjryl.jpg.html)
Kind of wishing I'd just got these:
http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=62753#p733319
Perfectly OK.
Try a thick wood block on the jack to get some extrs height. If only to put a little bit of wood or a rubber puck between the stand and your sill. Prevents potentially slipping off the stand and also prevents damaging your sills.
I would turn the stand 90deg. That way if it slips a bit, it's less likely to slip off the stand entirely.
Again by using a rubber puck you can get away with jacking it up at the sill just up from where those notches are, then slip the stand next to it. You can get it up about 2 inches higher that way.
So big block between jack and car (not a brick!.. They shatter), turn stand 90 deg and consider "padding" the stand.
Brilliant, thanks Shnazzle
Ive got the same stands and jack. When you lift up the back the stands fit nicely under the subframe with the pins in place. If you plan to use them on the jacking points the will be, as you say, on their lowest setting with no chance of putting the pin into the bar. Assuming the pin is to stop the bar moving and them dropping down it's not an issue on the lowest setting where there is nowhere to go.
For an oil change I found the easiest way to get at the filter was to jack on the drivers side and get in from the side. My filter was a pig to get off so I got a filter removal tool, three pronged one, which worked a treat.
Remember to have the car level when draining all the oil out.
Quote from: "paulj"Remember to have the car level when draining all the oil out.
Cheers PaulJ. I found a good video that showed me where everything was
https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2000_Toyota_MR2_Spyder_1.8L_4_Cyl./oil/change_oil_and_oil_filter
I managed to find the drain plug on mine, and figured I'd need it level whilst draining, but when I saw where the filter was I nearly p*55ed myself laughing. I'm not huge, but let's just say I like cakes and pies a bit to much to get to the filter without stands! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170620_184512_zpslbflhaxi.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170620_184512_zpslbflhaxi.jpg.html)
I have the same one. You're right about the mounting point, but the sides are perfect. I can get to the second notch which is plenty enough for servicing. In fact ,have replaced brake cables on second notch only.
Consider putting a hard piece of wood (Or as someone else suggested, a hockey puck) on top.
We have a couple of pucks about the place as we're hockey fans.
Also buy some ratchet stands. Far easier to use.
Quote from: "delhusband"Quote from: "paulj"Remember to have the car level when draining all the oil out.
Cheers PaulJ. I found a good video that showed me where everything was
https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2000_Toyota_MR2_Spyder_1.8L_4_Cyl./oil/change_oil_and_oil_filter
I managed to find the drain plug on mine, and figured I'd need it level whilst draining, but when I saw where the filter was I nearly p*55ed myself laughing. I'm not huge, but let's just say I like cakes and pies a bit to much to get to the filter without stands! [emoji38]
(http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b442/delhusband/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170620_184512_zpslbflhaxi.jpg) (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/delhusband/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170620_184512_zpslbflhaxi.jpg.html)
Can I go off-topic for a brief moment and request you have a good inspection, top and bottom, of your subframe?
Poke at it with a screwdriver.
Especially the rusty bits.
When I looked it over (without an expert opinion and the nappy on), there were no holes - and tapping/pressing along accessible bits it didn't feel like my finger would go through. A local mechanic took the nappy off and gave it a once over and said he thought it looked OK. but yeah it looks very rusty - I was hoping to get someone familiar with 2's to give me quotes for removal, inspection and media blasting/coating if it was structurally sound enough. I asked about this on another thread and got a contact, but the 'shop was down in Chester I think. I'll ask around Scottish members (maybe Cpt, Spalding?) to see if anyone's aware of somewhere up here I could take it for a professional opinion. I'm going to Lindisfarne on 12th August, if you or anyone else is down there I'd be really grateful if someone could take a peek.
That'd be mine and Tricky's run to Holy Island? s:) :) s:) Happy to have a look then
Thanks again, appreciated s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown: s:) :) s:)
Got the same Halfords kit and keep a small block of wood to put in between the jack and the jacking point on the subframe (or at least I hope it's the proper point).
It's still very close and unfortunately I've (or at least I like to think a previous owner may have done it) got a crush in the lower sill. Either way I put some thick corrugated card on top of the axle stands before lowering the car into them, to prevent it happening again.
Interested to know where you might position the stands under the subframe if anyone has a pic of that route
I'm not a fan of putting stands under the sills. They can crush. I use the front mounts of the suspension arms that go from the chassis back towards the hub. You'll get your stands in there. Let the car down gently, though! And, as suggested, a bit of padding on the stands won't hurt.
Quote from: "Bossworld"Got the same Halfords kit and keep a small block of wood to put in between the jack and the jacking point on the subframe (or at least I hope it's the proper point).
It's still very close and unfortunately I've (or at least I like to think a previous owner may have done it) got a crush in the lower sill. Either way I put some thick corrugated card on top of the axle stands before lowering the car into them, to prevent it happening again.
Interested to know where you might position the stands under the subframe if anyone has a pic of that route
Here:-
l viewtopic.php?f=11&t=57532&p=666935&hilit=Jack#p666935 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=57532&p=666935&hilit=Jack#p666935) l
Quote from: "The Other Stu"I have the same one. You're right about the mounting point, but the sides are perfect. I can get to the second notch which is plenty enough for servicing. In fact ,have replaced brake cables on second notch only.
Consider putting a hard piece of wood (Or as someone else suggested, a hockey puck) on top.
We have a couple of pucks about the place as we're hockey fans.
Also buy some ratchet stands. Far easier to use.
well I'm in the right place for hockey pucks. If anyone wants some let me know.
If your worried about how strong they are look up the hydraulic press channel on YouTube.
Quote from: "gazza1286"Quote from: "Bossworld"Got the same Halfords kit and keep a small block of wood to put in between the jack and the jacking point on the subframe (or at least I hope it's the proper point).
It's still very close and unfortunately I've (or at least I like to think a previous owner may have done it) got a crush in the lower sill. Either way I put some thick corrugated card on top of the axle stands before lowering the car into them, to prevent it happening again.
Interested to know where you might position the stands under the subframe if anyone has a pic of that route
Here:-
l viewtopic.php?f=11&t=57532&p=666935&hilit=Jack#p666935 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=57532&p=666935&hilit=Jack#p666935) l
Brill, thank you.
Thanks everyone for the links, feedback and advice.
Quote from: "Carolyn"I use the front mounts of the suspension arms that go from the chassis back towards the hub.
Thanks Carolyn - any chance you could show me a picture of where you mean?
Cheers again,
Derek
I looked for a pic in the file... no luck.
I'll have a go...
There are 3 suspension arms. Two from the sub-frame and one that goes from the chassis to the hub. That one is mounted to some pretty strong mounts forward of the wheel - a little way inboard.
Got it, Thanks Carolyn s:) :) s:) all set.
For reference I have bought these m https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cax-6tb ... le-stands/ (https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cax-6tbc-6-ton-axle-stands/) m
A bit of overkill, but I do appreciate how high the lift the car. I can easily fit a creeper underneath and do stuff, came in handy when I did shifter cables.
Only pain is, my low profile jack can't lift high enough for the axle stands to slide under so I have bought another jack as well s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "manos3003"I have bought another jack as well s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
What jack did you get manos, and how high does it lift?
Ever thought of a wooden block on top of your jack? All jacks have limits. If you want bags of working room, use blocks and lift in stages.
Cheers Carolyn s:) :) s:) I did eventually have a go with a block of pine between jack and engine mount, and got onto stands. I've chickened out of doing oil change a couple of times now - first time didn't have tie wraps to replace on central cover (lots of rusty screws needing dremmeled out), then before second attempt I'd read i should change the sump plug washer (seen them on mr2-ben). I'll need to get a bigger block of wood, the bit i had started splitting, I got a wee bit scared s:( :( s:(
Quote from: "Carolyn"Ever thought of a wooden block on top of your jack? All jacks have limits. If you want bags of working room, use blocks and lift in stages.
Good shout, but I didn't have anything at hand at the time and was desperate to raise the car up.
Now I have two jacks s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "delhusband"What jack did you get manos, and how high does it lift?
It's this one (https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/ctj3000ql-3-tonne-quick-lift-trolley-j/)
I've spent a stupid amount on tools and things so far, but they've proven themselves useful, as I'm not a pro mechanic, more of a DIY enthousiast.
anyone got tips on best place for stands on the front end ?
Quote from: "ilovejapcrap"anyone got tips on best place for stands on the front end ?
Other than the actual jacking point? Remove bumper and use the beams to put the stands underneath, if they're tall enough to support there.
Where the rear of the A-arm meets the chassis. Plenty strong.
Quote from: "ilovejapcrap"anyone got tips on best place for stands on the front end ?
This will help if you've got some bits of timber lying around:-
l viewtopic.php?f=11&t=52440 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=52440) l