2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

floor jack on differential to raise rear : okay?

Old Jun 5, 2002 | 10:57 PM
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Question floor jack on differential to raise rear : okay?

I saw a post from Hailers that said he'd never jack his car from the differential again.

The workshop manual says this is the spot to use for lifting the rear.

Something about this I should know... Is this a disaster waiting to happen? Is this okay?

Thanks
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 10:58 PM
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That is how I have always done it...
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 11:00 PM
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I've jacked my gxl up and down many MANY times via the rear differential, hasn't ever caused an issue, and the FSM says to do it that way as well, so why not! Hey rico, why aren't you on AIM!?
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 11:05 PM
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If Mazda FSM says so, go do it!
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 11:13 PM
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I have always used the rear diff but I always use a piece of thick rubber (piece of old mud flap from a truck) to keep the metal plate of the jack from scratching or scraping on the diff. Just be careful and it will be ok. btw: just got myself a new shop with lifts so no more floor jacks in the driveway! (I hope) ---Jeremy
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 11:17 PM
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Just be careful, you "can" break the differential mount on the front of the differential.
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Old Jun 5, 2002 | 11:52 PM
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Originally posted by telus.net
If Mazda FSM says so, go do it!
Agreed. I have done this on FC's for over 14 years, and have never had a problem.

My F-150 truck, on the other hand, is not supposed to be jacked by the differential. I don't know why, but I'm not going to try it because the owner's manual expresses quite clearly not to do this. It really sucks to jack it up one wheel at a time. #@^*! live axles!
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 09:59 PM
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Thanks everyone!

Rear half of the differential I guess is the right place. There's some sort of fitting on the front half that gets in the way of the jack.

Again, appreciate the tips.
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 10:11 PM
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I jack from the diff too. I can see why Hailers says not too, but I'm skeptical that jacking is the cause of the broken mount.

PaulC
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 11:25 PM
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Out of curiosity, for those of you who DON'T jack from the diff mount, where do you jack up the car? The arms?

Steve
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Old Jun 8, 2002 | 12:01 AM
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i used to jack it up from the diff. but i think it very very very slowly weakens the front diff mount. i have broken a diff mount many times and know that the rubber very very very slowly seperates from the metal and i think all that weight of the car focused on that mount makes **** worse. i jack it it from the subframe now (a couple inches forward of the jacking spot of the diff) but this is only theroy, i cant prove anything i just said.
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Old Jun 8, 2002 | 12:06 AM
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I'm sorry, I should have said REAR diff mount! I dont jack it up from the front diff mount either, I do it from the arms there...

Steve
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Old Jun 8, 2002 | 09:09 AM
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Originally posted by Evil Aviator

Agreed. I have done this on FC's for over 14 years, and have never had a problem.

My F-150 truck, on the other hand, is not supposed to be jacked by the differential. I don't know why, but I'm not going to try it because the owner's manual expresses quite clearly not to do this. It really sucks to jack it up one wheel at a time. #@^*! live axles!
'

Hmm Thats weird, cus before we got a new lift at my job, we Jacked ALL Trucks from the diff, to lift the back.

I wonder what that may have done.



BTW, MtnRacer the Diff. and its mounts are 2 different thigns.
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Old Jun 8, 2002 | 09:17 AM
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I have always done it. As for the front mount, it's probably already broken on most cars.
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Old Jun 8, 2002 | 10:24 AM
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I agree with FLYINGOUFER.........I've changed two of the differentials front mounts(seperate cars) and just decided why cause more stress on this piece of rubber bonded to a piece of metal? I know the manual says jack it here and some people have done it for decades with no problems, but..........

So I jack it from the same place as FLYINGOUFER.
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