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Jacking points
Posted: 03 Feb 2011, 16:10
by Brian1
Hi I have just bought a good quality secondhand trolley jack. I am not sure where the places are which are safe to jack up my van. If anybody could draw me a little diagram or something that would be very helpful.
Thanks
Brian
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 03 Feb 2011, 17:43
by billy739
no diagram but behind the jacking point .
the box section that runs towards the middle of the van (outrigger) is a good place to use, not ever seen one completly corroded.
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 03 Feb 2011, 18:14
by sarran1955
Hello,
Its well worth getting one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rubber-Trolley-Ja ... ing_Equipm
It makes life easier and safer.
Cordialement,
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 05 Feb 2011, 01:02
by edoh
just to try and make it visual and definitive -
if using a trolley jack -
would the front jacking point be ?-

would the front axle point be just behind this jacking point?

would the rear jacking point be?

would the rear axle point be?- just behind this jacking point?

be useful to get a visual idea -
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 05 Feb 2011, 02:21
by Red Westie
The first picture shows the proprietory jacking poing (the point at which the VW supplied jack is inserted) this should be strong enough but are known to corrode and weaken on some older buses.
The second part you point to isn't strong enough.
The third part is strong enough but I wouldn't advise jacking on there as the suspension tends to open out and so the jack is likely to slip if situated on that point.
Firther under the van there are some much stronger chassis members (box sections (that would also be ideal).
Martin
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 05 Feb 2011, 09:51
by edoh
thanks so much -
makes good sense -
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 19:21
by fidget
Hi all
Which is the best way to support the front of a van for longer periods. I have to overhaul both my callipers and generally tidy up the front suspension over the next couple of weeks and would like to keep the van raised up so I can do a bit when I get the chance. I was working on the steering rack this weekend and had the van supported both sides on blocks of wood on the front out rigger up close to the petrol tank as the pic below
is this a good idea for long term support or is there a better soloution.
thanks in advance
James
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 20:47
by edoh
matey -
i'm sorry but i cant help you with your query -
however i'm intrigued as to where you've put your axle stands -
i've got a 3 ton trolley jack (that works!) - and can lift the van from the original jack points - (they are all rust free solid and non corroded) -

still not 100% about where to put axle stands -
there's the long metal rails that run the entire length of the van -

and there's the rails that run width ways - alongside the steering -

where did you place yours? any preferences?
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 21:10
by fidget
Hi mate
nice to hear from someone relatively local , the axle stand was under the crossbeam that the steering rack mounts to , it was purely there as a fail safe. The weight of the van was on the wood and the ramps. My drivers side sill is shot to bits but the jacking point is solid , the front of the out rigger is corroded but remains solid near the base where it meets the chassis. I was dubious as to using this as a point to take the weight. But it seemed ok just not sure this is a good long term thing. The cross beam shows evidence of being used as a jacking point but Im not sure this is a good idea. Im hoping someone more knowledgeable can shed some light on the best way to go about this
James
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 21:25
by edoh
thanks for the quick response!
not sure what you mean by outriggers? is that the long metal rail running along the length of the van?
cross beam the metal rail running width ways across the van?
greetings to another essex driver!
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 21:36
by fidget
Chassis = the beams that run front to back on the van.
outriggers= the bits that the jacking points are mounted at the end of.
I was always taught at college that your safe any where on the chassis, the problem with the T25 is the petrol tank is exactly where you would want to put an axle stand.
James
Re: Jacking points
Posted: 06 Feb 2011, 21:49
by edoh
thanks for that -
your right about the fuel tank too!
i had to talk a garage mechanic out of trying to jack up the van from under where the spare wheel sits in order to check the suspension!
ahem! took the van to another garage!
we live n learn