Jacking ? for complete front suspension removal

[911SCfanatic]

I want to drop the entire front suspension as a unit. Of course, I am currently using the front torsion bar mounts to support the car on jack stands. Where do I jack the front of the car and how do I support it from a location that's not part of the front suspension? It's a '72. Thanks.

[Grady Clay]

On the sheet metal chassis just rear of the front tire. Make yourself some 8-12” soft pine interface between your jack stands and the sheet metal. Support alongside the welded ridge/seam.

Have backup support. The two front wheels stacked between the two stands may work. Make sure nothing can slip. They don’t make spare parts for your bod.

Best,
Grady

[911SCfanatic]

Thanks. I will be sure to support well and put the wheels under the rockers. Unfortunately the seam behind the right wheel well has some decent rust through, so it might be a little wobbly there.

[Zeke]

That'll work. I actually use a continuous piece of wood across the area Grady described. But he is right on the strongest point of the tub.

But, first, check for rust and weak spots with a screwdriver. That area is also subject to weakening by rust. That's why I try to distribute the load.

[Jdub]

I have a pair of wood blocks into which I cut reliefs that fit exactly into the seam you will find behind the front wheels. These blocks sit on my four-legged jackstands.

Also recommend the tire failsafe under the front end.

Best of luck,
John

[zerort]

Bill when are you planning this task? Are you going to P2P? I was going to check it out.

Need help? Maybe I can lend a hand if you need it?

Ed

[911SCfanatic]

Ed, I am have already started disconnecting some components of the front suspension. I will probably do the grand finale tomorrow night. But, it's hard to say when exactly it's going to happen because, with the 3 kids, I sneak out into the garage for a few minutes here and there whenever I can. Stop over any time though.

The '72 is almost completely stripped. After taking out the front suspension, really all I have left is the rear suspension and engine/trans drop. This baby is BARE! I'm getting pretty excited so I'll probably post some pics over the weekend.

When's P2P again?

[Grady Clay]

Bill,
There is somewhat less issue with a stripped car because of its light weight. Whatever you do, spread the load. You don’t want to damage anything. That just makes the rust repair more difficult.

Use jack stands with as wide base possible and definitely four legs. Look at the slipperiness of the surface. Before you get under, shake the car lightly to get everything firmly in place. Never have the stands higher than necessary.

Your next question is going to be “How do I get the engine and trans out with no front suspension.” Can you reinstall the front wheels and pull the engine and trans next? Much easier sequence.

Be careful. With the engine and transmission in place, the car may tip to the rear when supported on the rear torsion bars and nothing in front.

Best,
Grady

[aigel]

If you keep the crossmember, you can support the car from that. That's what I did on my suspension overhaul.

George

[zerort]

P2P -July 30-31st.

[911SCfanatic]

Grady, I had thought about that and this was my solution:




My garage floor has a concrete ledge that I could use to locate the front of the tub. Maybe it's a goofy idea, but I think it would work and I thought it would help me get the rear end up more than high enough. What do you think?

[911SCfanatic]

Ed, Tracy and I are celebrating our anniversary then so I won't be able to attend.

[zerort]

Ok, well I am sure you will be having more fun then! Good luck

[Grady Clay]

Bill,

Not a bad idea. I would be concerned that the front could move laterally, to the rear, or other. Can you tie it down to prevent that? As far as I’m concerned, you are in uncharted territory.

What is the rust/strength of the front? You don’t want to have any damage.

Good luck,
Grady