Using Trolley Jack under rear Diff

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Hey Guys, Did a search but couldn't find anything on the site.

Just want to check before I do anything stupid.
I recently acquired a trolley jack which will make working on the car much easier. I understand under the rear diff is the recommended spot to lift the back of the vehicle, but notice the oil drain plug sticks out and assume this spot may take a large portion of the weight.
As the Head cap on the jack is metal (no rubber disk) I'm wondering if I need to put something between the diff and head cap to prevent any damage to the diff housing.

Any advice welcome.

Eddie

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

It'll be fine

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Hi EddieF
what is the capacity or working load limit on your newly acquired trolley Jack.
Had our Prado on the weighbridge and come in around 1.2T front and rear so 2.4T.
I have a large 2T trolley jack and have cut a disk out of 12mm ply wood that sits in the jack cup/head with a rubber disk on that. Stops the steel on steel slipping and protects the surface being lifted.
Bigger jack also means bigger wheels, its important that the jack can move or trolley under the load being lifted, Very important also to chock your wheels at the opposite end to that you are lifting. "You know" if you are lifting your rear axle clear of the ground that your hand brake is also lifted off the ground.
Make sure you use axle or chassis stands to safely support the vehicle prior to doing and work on it.
Finally, lifting from the diff center with the above arrangement quite regularly for me has never been a problem.
You may need to shift the jack left or right on the diff center to find C.O.G./ balance point to clear both wheels of the ground.

Cheers Troy

[watsea Member Find all posts View Profile Close watsea]

I had Posted but realised I had read something incorrectly but could not workout how to delete the whole post yet. Doh!

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Thanks for the response everyone.
Especially Troy for your great advice. Exactly the sort of info I was hoping for.
The Jack is ToolPro 3T low profile from Super Cheap. Price was very good.

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Hi guys, While on the subject
Attached picture shows jacking/support points for the front of the vehicle. But no room to put both the jack and the stands too. I have marked in yellow two alternate jacking points. I have used this location once before but hope someone can confirm if this spot is Ok to use.

Cheers Eddie

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

With the jack, I just use two square or slightly rectangular off-cut pieces of pine or hardwood fence paling on top of the crown to soften the contact. Easy to position just to the side of the diff drain bolt.
For the front chassis I just position the stands close behind the trolley jack. I usually just place an offcut of pine timber sleeper between the axle stand and the chassis rail to help soften the contact.

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Thanks Brett,