I know of a car that has been stored in a heated garafe for many years on jack stands with the suspension hangiong. Does this damage anything? At the very least I would expect the bushings to be in need of replacement in the upper and lower control arms as well as maybe the trailing arms. Expert opinions appreciated.
C3-Long term strage on jack stands
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Re: C3-Long term strage on jack stands
If the rubber isn't cracked/checked you'll probably be ok. I'd worry more about oil seals and brake caliper leaks, etc. and possibly engine problems due to long term lack of lubricant. A minimum startup requirement might be to remove the distributor and run the oil pump with a drill and shaft before attempting to start the engine.... Change the oil first....- Top
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Re: C3-Long term strage on jack stands
I forgot, old ANTIFREEZE can cause a problem with radiator leaks and frost plug leaks... don't ask about how I know......- Top
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Re: C3-Long term strage on jack stands
I suspect it makes no difference...at least it wouldn't to me providing the jack stands are located near the suspension mounting locations.
If the jack stands are positioned on the frame intead of the control arms, the suspension bushings would see only the weight of the suspension instead of the the weight of the vehicle. That is no reason to automatically assume the busings would need replacing. If the jack stands are postioned on the control arms, then it makes no difference...the bushings would see the same weight as when the car is setting on the floor.
I have always assumed that the frame was designed strong enough to support the vehicle weight plus dynamic loads from performance driving...this assumes that the frame itself is supported somewhere near the suspension mounting points. My opinion on GM's careful specification of lifting points is to make every effort to insure the average maroon doesn't need to experiment. From their long experience with the driving and servicing public, it may have more to do with safety than damage to the vehicle. Their best efforts are mostly for naught anyway...maroons don't read owner's manuals or service manuals.- Top
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Re: C3-Long term strage on jack stands
Thanks everyone for the opinions. I was only concerned about the suspension issue. To answer Steves concerns,the car was absolutely pit into suspended anumation with all fludids changed or drained and the sylinders were oiled and plugs replaced. Ir has been properly brought "back to life" and runs perfectly.- Top
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Re: C3-Long term strage on jack stands
Rob
It has been my experience that rear shock absorbers are prone to develope leaks if the long term storage is conducted with the trailing arms hanging in the full rebound position. In this configuration, the leaf spring tugs on the shocks that are open to their maximum dimension. Placing a 9/16 bolt or similar item as a wedge/distance piece between the trailing arm bottom in the frame kick-up pocket will prevent this condition by keeping the trailing arm in more of a 'driving' angle. (KYB Gas-a-Just shocks on my example. Maybe other brands have longer extension authority)- Top
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