Proper way to support Fiero on 4 jack stands (Page 1/2)
Skybax MAY 14, 05:52 PM
I'm putting my Fiero on 4 jack stands (no wheels and tires) for a week. I've worked on cars for 40 years and have common sense, but I wanted to ask if anyone had suggestions on the "proper" or "ideal" placement on the frame/cradle to support it for good stability/balance, thanks.

(also plan to putting a few 4x4 pieces in other areas just in case one of the jack stands would fail)

[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 05-14-2021).]

fierofool MAY 14, 06:06 PM
Save the chart image in your files. Every time you take it to a place to be serviced, print 2 copies. Place 1 in the driver's seat and give the other to the service writer.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/143481.html
Skybax MAY 14, 06:17 PM
Thanks for the link...

I'm not taking it to get serviced and I'm familiar with Fiero jack points, I'm putting it on 4 jack stands and was just looking for ideal balance points, thanks.

[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 05-14-2021).]

Skybax MAY 14, 06:58 PM
By default I would put front stands on front cross member and rear stands on rear cradle at most forward position, but thought maybe there might be better placement, especially at rear.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 14, 07:04 PM
I would put two jack stands at the rear on the cradle and two near the front on the channel reinforcements in the unibody or on the cross member. When we use the two post Rotary lift the lift points are on the cradle and body channel. When we drop the cradle the lift points on the rear are the jack points

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theogre MAY 14, 07:27 PM
See my Cave, Safe Jacking & Jacking to Clear Engine
Likely use 4 points far apart.

⚠️ Warning: Unless you do this on Level Concrete surface, Jack Stands can/will Move under load over time. Time can mean minutes, hours, days or longer.
Asphalt and dirt often hates point loads from anything. Worse if they get hot or wet.

Most people don't know that Asphalt never dries. Is a super thick fluid that will flow even in cold weather but you won't see that normally, likely not even in you're lifetime. In very hot weather... Any w/ high heels can have problems. That isn't just a gimmick from movies.
If it does "dry out," the road or whatever is very old and turning to dirt.
Related to "The Pitch Drop Experiment," just web search that name.

But when you point/edge load, bad things often happen even at "room temps" depending on exact surface.
3 or 4 leg stand and wheels on jacks can sink fast and often don't sink at same rate letting the top to shift or drop the load w/ little or no warning.
Semi Trailer can sink the jacks on front of trailers too. Is why many drivers have big wood pieces to spread the jacks footprint on iffy pavement etc.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


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Skybax MAY 14, 10:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

I would put two jack stands at the rear on the cradle and two near the front on the channel reinforcements in the unibody or on the cross member. When we use the two post Rotary lift the lift points are on the cradle and body channel. When we drop the cradle the lift points on the rear are the jack points




Thanks, just to clarify... are you suggesting Example A or Example B in images below?



[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 05-14-2021).]

reinhart MAY 15, 05:37 AM
A). But use discretion if you're working on something. e.g. Don't block what you're working on.
fierofool MAY 15, 09:45 AM
Skybax, Example A has 8 locations indicated for safety (jack) stands, 4 of which you circled.

I included the suggestion for printing out the graphic in the event you ever did have to take it to a service department. Maybe to get a new set of tires, perhaps?
skywurz MAY 15, 11:37 AM
I prefer supporting on the blue circles below and jacking on the red. The orange rectangle represents where I like to support with a 4x4 on jack stands for a cradle drop.



Edit.

Also be careful when putting the whole car in the air. Make sure your stands are not tilting. If your jack gets hung up and is not rolling freely it can push the car and rock the stand or cause it to shift on the stands.

[This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 05-15-2021).]