TR2/3/3A Best jack points/location stands TR3

[ottawa3]

I have the rear of my TR3 on jack stands mounted at the frame but on the rear cross tubes (since they are rounded they fit nicely into the cupped top of the jack stands). I noticed yesterday, that the door wasn't closing quite as perfectly as it did before I put the car up.
So the question is, given that I am doing extensive body work and will eventlually remove most panels after the floors are done, where should I be putting the jack stands? I have 4 and would ideally like the car (safely) up on all four.
The wheels can stay on for some time as this is a long term project so I could alternatively just make some secure 2x6stacks under each, which might be the safer option...The frame is not soft, nor is the change in door gap major, but it is more snug than pre-jacking up the back end...
thanks,
Kerry

 

[TR4nut]

Kerry-

Just a guess, but I'd think putting the jacks on the frame roughly at the diff location (midpoint of the springs) would be close to the same as having the car supported by the wheels.

Randy

 

[alfa33047]

I use a 3 ton walker jack to jack up my tr-3s, starting in the rear, jacking up on the differenial, sliding the rear jack stands in front of the rear wheels under the solid frame. I then jack up the front placing the jack stands under the front A arms or the front frame horns. This method has worked for me for years. Good Luck, Bill C. Mesa, Az.

 

[TR3driver]

The TR3 frame is simply not all that stiff, due to it's rather short height through the center of the car. If you want the doors, etc. to fit exactly as they would on the ground, then I would suggest putting the stands under the rear axle. But as Randy says, supporting the frame near the axle location will do.

OTOH, there is something to be said for having enough door gap to cover the worst-case flex. That is preferable, IMO, to not being able to open the doors when the car is jacked up under the cross tube (which is where I normally jack mine up for service).

 

[Geo Hahn]

I too prefer having the jackstand under the axle in the rear. This is more or less a must if you're installing an exhaust system and is handy the reat of the time. The only challenge is the LR stand as it can be a tight fit getting it under the axle (due to the proximity of tail pipe & frame).