Lifting the Z question.

[vilant]

Since my car is out commission, was planning on lifting it and putting it on jack stands. My question is will I damage the car if I leave up on stands for an extended period of time? I plan on changing the diff. and trans. fluids and replacing the fuel filter. Also may clean up under there while I'm at it. The front shocks need changing also. It's a pain lifting and putting it back down. If I can, I was going to leave it up for a month or so. I guess I should pull the tires to relieve strain on springs and shocks? Or is leaving it up not a very good idea? Thanks in advance.

[scottfab]

No, I don't think so. I use to lift mine up just to keep the tires from getting a flat spot over the winter.

[vilant]

Originally Posted by scottfab

No, I don't think so. I use to lift mine up just to keep the tires from getting a flat spot over the winter.

I take it you experienced no ill effects on the suspension from the tires hanging down all winter. Or do you take them off?

[RyanChappel]

Use caution picking up the Z. Getting the front end torqued on one side can cause the windshield to crack...

[vilant]

Originally Posted by RyanChappel

Use caution picking up the Z. Getting the front end torqued on one side can cause the windshield to crack...

I've lifted it before and I'm extra special careful. My concern is leaving up for a few months, while I take my time maintenancing.

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by vilant

I take it you experienced no ill effects on the suspension from the tires hanging down all winter. Or do you take them off?

No, I used to just leave the tires hanging but contacting the ground just enough to keep the shock from taking all the weight. Now I just take it out for a quick drive once a month in the winter.

I've never found lifting one side or ever heard of lifting one side causing any problems. I would not lift one corner though. Lifting by the front , or back or side evenly is fine.

[Paul Workman]

Had mine on jacks for over a year at one time w/the tires on...no problems.

Far as jacking at one corner goes, if it were likely to break windshields, then heaven help us if we ever hit a pot hole! I know Discount Tiire's policy is to open the hood, doors, and hatch to "avoid cracking", which Ilm dubious about too (again, normal driving stressing). I even drove over the end of my wheel ramps once, causing the car to crash down on the frame on top of the ramps...No problems. So, i guess the worries about jacking and cracking are a bit overblown. But, i tossed the wheel ramps and now use a pair of jacks most of the time. (Except to change a tire.)

Flexing does occur with the top off. Maybe there are concerns when jacking sans the top, but with the top on I've jacked my two C4s every which way and never had a problem.

I'm just sayin...

P.

[vilant]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Had mine on jacks for over a year at one time w/the tires on...no problems.

Far as jacking at one corner goes, if it were likely to break windshields, then heaven help us if we ever hit a pot hole! I know Discount Tiire's policy is to open the hood, doors, and hatch to "avoid cracking", which Ilm dubious about too (again, normal driving stressing). I even drove over the end of my wheel ramps once, causing the car to crash down on the frame on top of the ramps...No problems. So, i guess the worries about jacking and cracking are a bit overblown. But, i tossed the wheel ramps and now use a pair of jacks most of the time. (Except to change a tire.)

Flexing does occur with the top off. Maybe there are concerns when jacking sans the top, but with the top on I've jacked my two C4s every which way and never had a problem.

I'm just sayin...

P.

Ok, good that's what I was worried about. I too use 2 jacks when lifting it, both on the same side. And I put the painted top on. I really don't know which one is stronger, but I feel the fiber is less likely to crack than the acrylic.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I have not confirmed, but I think my shocks were ruined from hanging down for about 2 years when I was deployed then relocated to GA. I had new shocks and was planning on replacement so did not care. It was very bouncy after storage. I don't know for sure, but I would not leave them extended hanging all the way down for an extended period like I did if no plans to replace. JMHO.............

[vilant]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

I have not confirmed, but I think my shocks were ruined from hanging down for about 2 years when I was deployed then relocated to GA. I had new shocks and was planning on replacement so did not care. It was very bouncy after storage. I don't know for sure, but I would not leave them extended hanging all the way down for an extended period like I did if no plans to replace. JMHO.............

Well, I only plan to leave it up for a month, no more than two. I will be replacing the 2 front shocks. The rears are brand new. I guess I'll just use the 2 jacks to keep the rears supported and not worry about the fronts since they're getting changed.