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MG MGA - jack heights

There is little clearance to get a trolley jack under the MGA particularly in the front. Practical Classics just did comparisons which show the minimum saddle height. This is all very well but surely the height of the chassis of the jack is just as important. This is usually highest near the carrying handle, much higher than the miniklum saddle height and limits how far one can push the whole jack under the car. Any comments please?
H L Davy

I have two trolley jacks, with different capacities. If you use a "small" capacity jack, 1.5 ton I think it is, there should be no problem with getting the saddle under the suspension cross member to lift the front of the car. Are you trying to get under the transmission?

George
G Goeppner

I presume you are talking about raising the car with all tyres inflated? I guess it depends where you are attempting to place the trolley jack. I have never had any problem with my trolley jack under any of the obvious jacking points. It has a 5.5inch high point at the pivot. This is it: http://tinyurl.com/6hv5mto

Steve
Steve Gyles

I would add that I removed the side handles on this jack to avoid obstruction with the tyres if I was jacking under the suspension points.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I use a professional one which is lowered by twisting the grip. It's no slender thing, and has a big rubber cushion on the saddle. It fits just fine under the car, and is much bigger than any of the hobby things I have seen. Raises the car a lot higher too!
dominic clancy

Guess really I am talking about getting the jack under the (British) number plate. In practice I usually use scissor jack to take off one of the wheels first.
H L Davy

Getting my trolley jack (above) under the number plate is not a problem, plenty of room, although I never see any need to do it that way; plenty of room round either side. It does not really matter if the jack is at an angle. The real issue is the clearance for raising the handle during the pumping process. If jacking centrally, I position my jack so that the handle rises and falls between the number plate and the bumper over-rider.

My jack is similar to Dominic's by the sound of it; rubber contact pad and a twist of the handle to release. It's lifting geometry is excellent. Once the pad is in contact with the selected jacking point it is 3 pumps to lift the wheels clear of the ground. It is also light weight and very well made. One of the best £90 I have spent on this type of amateur/enthusiast garage equipment.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
Your jack looks similar to the Kincrome racing jack - price in the UK looks good compared to Oz.
http://www.kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=K12063
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Well thanks guys. You're right about handle clearance Steve.Other problem is its a long way from the back bumper to the diff. Need a long bent handle!
H L Davy

This thread was discussed between 17/05/2011 and 18/05/2011

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