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Winter Storage question

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Gliderman8

Gliderman8

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So every winter I store my car up on jack stands and it stays up until the spring. There's always something to be taken care of so having the car up off the ground helps. Also having it off the ground for 3+ months means the tires are not on one spot all that time.
Another car friend of mine told me it's better to leave the car on the ground since there is no load on the suspension when it's up on stands.
What is the best way to store the car on jack stands or on the ground?
What do you do for winter storage?
 
Elliot, Up on stands, that's how I store mine. If you put the stands under the outer rear axles, under the spring U bolt brackets, it's on the suspension and under the front spring pans/lower control arms, likewise. The chassis sets in the same position as if it was on the tires with no change in load on the body or chassis. And yes, no flat spots on the tires in the Spring! :encouragement: PJ
 
As long as the suspension is in it's normal loaded position, you're fine. On my Austin Healey, I put 2" blocks under the upper A-arms to keep the front at the normal ride height and the stands under the rear, live axle.
 
As most know, the MG T series is a very flexible unit due to a weak chassis and wood framework, if jacked wrong the doors won't work properly, first indication a correction is needed. I store the TF on stands all winter with no problems in the spring when it is set on it's wheels. View attachment 51489
 
Thanks gentlemen. I think I will continue to keep my car on stands but move them to locations so the suspension is under load.
 
Elliot, just drive it down and leave it with me.
Now that's winter storage with a smile
 
That's a tempting offer Don.
 
I store my Caddy on the ground but I also like to fire it up and move it about once a week or so.
 
Oh... Elliot's rig would move around occasionally
rotfl.PNG
 
Paybacks are he|| don :D
 
So what is the purpose of jacking it up?
is it the springs ?
With modern tires does it real make a difference?
now I’m just looking at this from my buyeyes storage pretty light car.
but honestly I have never stored it on jacks in the last 10 -12 years
wish the rear springs would sag a little.
 
Looking forward to the answer!
 
Chassis for the jack stands, let the springs and tires"sag".
 
DrEntropy said:
Chassis for the jack stands, let the springs and tires"sag".
Click to expand...

Thanks. But why is that important? Aren't cars (suspension) and tires designed to support that weight for years?
 
To diminish the effect of full weight on old suspension bits and flat spotting tires over time. Hanging limp, the springs are not taxed, the tires are not "set" in one place.
 
DrEntropy said:
Chassis for the jack stands, let the springs and tires"sag".
Click to expand...
That's exactly what I've been doing every year since I completed the restoration.
 
Any supporting evidence?
:excitement: I couldn’t resist :glee:
 
Outside of putting in a can of fuel stabilizer and some drygas and topping up the fuel tank to prevent condensation, I do nothing else each winter for at least 3 months. No jack stands. Car has always started right up each April and modern tires do not develop flat spots - at least mine haven't. My garage temperature stays around 45F. This has gone on for 22 years now. Your results may differ.
 
Paul - that's what I've been thinking. Certainly doesn't hurt to put the car up on stands, but some folks might call that overkill.

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