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I know we discuss all kinds of under-car work, or jobs simply requiring raising a wheel off the ground. Here's a picture of one good way to lift your car and work safely. Other acceptable jacking points include the control arm "elbow" where I've got the jack stand, or under the center of the front crossmember- preferably with the splash pan removed. Watch for slippery surfaces there, however. I'm also a big fan of wheel ramps- for certain kinds of work. They're very stable, though they do preclude removing the wheels.
Some things to note when working under your car: work safely! Nothing is worth risking the serious injury that can result. Block the wheels on the low side or end, with cement blocks, wheel chocks, or large pieces of wood. Lift the car with the jack, at the jack point or under a major suspension or frame member. MAke sure the jack is fully engaged into the location and won't slip. Place a jack stand at each raised corner, under a solid area of the frame. Lower the car onto the stand, and tighten the jack again, leaving it in for good measure. I use two jacks for a side or end lift. Jacks alone are NOT ENOUGH to support a car when you're under it. On uneven ground they can roll, twist, or collapse, or just leak down. The factory jacks are equally unacceptable- they're only good for temporary use, and not much of that.
Note also that this car has a bit of rust starting outboard in the floor- that frame outrigger is therefore NOT a good point to support the car. Watch for this on older cars.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K
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