Jacking Quandry...

[Lwanmtr]

Ok, I was gonna jack one corner temporarily so I could drill out the old rivets for the engine compartment handle....but...

The car is sitting too low to even get under a corner..I may have a low tire, but its not that low and I know my suspension needs replaced (but thats not what this is about..hehe)...soo
Any suggestions on how to raise it enough to get the jack in there (and be able to get it back out too)?

46626

Thanks

[DMC-81]

Ok, I was gonna jack one corner temporarily so I could drill out the old rivets for the engine compartment handle....but...

The car is sitting too low to even get under a corner..I may have a low tire, but its not that low and I know my suspension needs replaced (but thats not what this is about..hehe)...soo
Any suggestions on how to raise it enough to get the jack in there (and be able to get it back out too)?

46626

Thanks

Hi Rob,

Yeah, I always used to use that same type of trolley jack (for 20+years), but I had the same problem you are having with the D. I eventually solved my issue by getting a low profile floor jack like this one:

http://t.harborfreight.com/3-ton-low-profile-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61282.html

In the meantime, you can perhaps drive one wheel onto a piece of wood like a 2x6 to give that extra clearance.

Cheers,

[cdrusn]

Drive the car upon a 2 X 4 and if you need even more put a 4 X 4 after the 2 X 4. :race:

[Lwanmtr]

Right now Im trying to avoid running the car until I get it up to DMCNW because one of the transmission cooling lines is leaking.

[Rich]

Low tire:
Inflate the LR tire to at least 32-36PSI. See if that's enough. Deflate it later before driving.

The 2x6 can work, too.

[Lwanmtr]

Yeah, looking now for a new air compressor....only ones I got need to be plugged into the car...lol.

[David T]

Yeah, looking now for a new air compressor....only ones I got need to be plugged into the car...lol.

Try lifting it at one of the jacking points. If you still can't get the jack under get the jack that came with the car and put IT under a jacking point and lift the car enough to get your floor jack under the frame.

[Lwanmtr]

Picked up a compressor...Home Depot has a 2 gal for $80, which I needed anyway. Getting a bit chilly now, so I'll get the tires aired up and try again tomorrow.

Yeah, if I cant get it under there with that, I'll use the car's jack to raise it enough to get the floor jack under.

Prolly invest in a low profile jack at some point too, since Im not sure where they car will be after I get the suspension redone and upgraded at DMC...lol

Thanks.

[Rich_NYS]

When I had the same situation, I used a long 2x4 [under the engine cradle] as a lever to raise the car enough to slide the jack under.

[BLWNAWY]

Right now Im trying to avoid running the car until I get it up to DMCNW because one of the transmission cooling lines is leaking.
Curious how and when you plan to take it up to DMCNW if you are avoiding running it enough to drive onto a board. The reason I'm asking is that when Toby gets the parts in that I ordered today I will be going up to get them. I have a car trailer and live south of you. For a small contribution toward the gas and maybe lunch I could be talked into transporting your car if that is of any interest. I'm retired and have lots of experience - have trailered lots of my own cars plus close to 1,000 for the LeMay Museum. And you can check me out with Toby if you want. Just thought I would offer.....
Darryl T
McCleary WA

[Lwanmtr]

I had planned (after I get what I can do myself done...and get the money for what I need up there) is to have it towed on a flatbed.

Feel free to send a PM. Nice to know more folks in the quandrant...hehe.

[Rich_NYS]

When I had the same situation, I used a long 2x4 [under the engine cradle] as a lever to raise the car enough to slide the jack under.

Rob, did you try this? Doesn't require running the car....

[DaraSue]

Got any neighbors who are weight lifters? :wink: For real, I got run off the road and stuck on a curb in my CRX once and four guys just picked it up and moved it. The D weighs about 1000 lbs more but if you didn't have to lift it very high or move it very far, manpower might do the job...

(Well, as long as nobody grabbed it by anything that would break off!)

[Lwanmtr]

Rich, nope havent tried that yet..I'll be working on it a bit later today.

Dara..sadly, no weight lifters in the area..lol

Stay tuned.....

[Josh]

jack it by the jacking points on the tub. Easy

An air compressor will be a good investment for future jobs, you should still buy that.

[Lwanmtr]

Yep I got the air compressor...and then had to o buy a 19mm socket for my 1/2 drive because the openings for the lug nuts on the rear are smaller than the front, and I couldn't get my lug wrench on them...Ill take some pics tomorrow to prove this, cause I know y'all are going 'no they aren't...hehe....

Soon.... I aired the tires up which gave me enough room to get the jack under it. Ill post a little more tomorrow in my restoration thread as well as a few pics from todays fun (and a ton from other things I done...hehe)

[Nicholas R]

I definitely recommend getting a low profile jack. It will come in handy a lot. There are a lot of inexpensive options. I've always heard good things about the Harbor Freight ones.

I've been using this one for so long that I forgot how high normal jacks can be.
http://image.ec21.com/image/tommysun/oimg_GC01422031_CA01422097/Aluminum_Racing_Jack_1.5_Ton_Dual_Pump.jpg

[Lwanmtr]

Yeah Im planning on getting one...Saw one at home depot for not too much.

[ssdelorean]

And for when your car is running - make cheap ramps like these:
http://ohiodeloreans.com/gallery-TipsTricksMods.htm
(scroll to bottom)

[Lwanmtr]

Thats a good idea, thanks.

[AirmanPika]

Remove the front wheels of the jack. It'll fit.