Spitfire Proper Jack Points? Spitfire

[pjsmetana]

Where are the proper jack points on an 80 Spitfire? There are tow/tie down points, but they are angled and I don't know if they would be strong enough. I put my jack against the frame for the rear no problem, but the front just does not look like Triumph ever expected you to have to change a tire.

BTW, my lug nuts are in from Spitbits... and 1 of them stripped, where I can use the original one no problem. I'm not even using an Air gun, as I don't have one, I've just been trying to slap them in with a ratchet and 18mm socket. It never grabbed, just lost its threads :frown:

 

[Andrew Mace]

"Proper" or "best"? Depends on the jack, I suppose. Using the original supplied scissors jack, front jack points are just behind each front wheel, where a body mount bolt comes down through the outer part of the chassis outrigger. One locates that bolt in the center of the jack. There's a somewhat similar arrangement for the rear wheels, but I've no manual handy to verify (and my memory is failing me...again).

Using a trolley jack, I've always found it easiest to use the crossmember under the engine for the front, and either the rear crossmember or the differential case itself for the rear.

 

[pjsmetana]

Awesome info! Thanks again Andy!

 

[Trevor Triumph]

Depending on the size of the trolley jack-height, I raise the front first, otherwise the I can't get the jack under the sway bar and front cross member.

T.T.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Good point, T.T.! Sometimes it even helps to drive the front wheels up onto 2x6s to get that not quite 2" extra height that some jacks (and Spitfires) need!

 

[3798j]

Good point, T.T.! Sometimes it even helps to drive the front wheels up onto 2x6s to get that not quite 2" extra height that some jacks (and Spitfires) need!

I do the same and I like to place the jack's saddle right on frame at the point outrigger is attached.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I probably should not admit this, but....

On a lowered, ex-GP SCCA autocross Spitfire 4, one can jack on the bottom radiator tank. Of course, in doing so, one WILL pretty much render the radiator useless.

 

[pjsmetana]

I actually use the scissor jack from my Honda Element. It has a 3 inch profile when flat and is big enough to raise a good 18 inches. After seeing just how well it works compared to the tiny factory TR scissor jack, I'm going to have to buy another one. With how many Honda's there are out there, I bet I can get one from the junk yard for peanuts. Stupid Drivers = Cheap parts! :thumbsup:

 

[myspitfire]

My Triumph Spitfire owners handbook;says,use the correct jacking points(which take the form of 'bolt heads)located under the front & rear of the side sills or alternatively place the jack under the chassis box member(s)also look for a nub of a bolt sticking down that fits into the jack hole plate.
Ken&Whitelightning..1500 square tail(1980)