Anybody know anything about suspension?

[ec437]

Will it hurt my car to leave it up in the air on jackstands?

I don't think it will, hence why it is up in the air on jackstands, but I just want to confirm.

[2.2 Straight six]

are the jack stands under the suspension or under the jacking points?

[ec437]

Originally Posted by 2.2 Straight six

are the jack stands under the suspension or under the jacking points?

They are under the frame rails.

[2.2 Straight six]

not a problem at all.

you can sit it on them for years and it shouldn't warp or bend.

[2.2 Straight six]

What kind of car is it?

[ec437]

Originally Posted by 2.2 Straight six

What kind of car is it?

1985 BMW 635csi. I was more concerned about the suspension bushings really. Are the extra stresses that come from being in a fully unloaded position for a long period of time still within their design limits?

[2.2 Straight six]

isn't the 635 a unibody? what "frame rails" are you talking about?

the bushings should be fine being unloaded, they're designed to hold up the weight of the car, i'm sure they can manage just holding the unspring weight.

[ec437]

Originally Posted by 2.2 Straight six

isn't the 635 a unibody? what "frame rails" are you talking about?

the bushings should be fine being unloaded, they're designed to hold up the weight of the car, i'm sure they can manage just holding the unspring weight.

The ones that run from the front bumper, down underneath the engine, and connect into the rest of the car body.

The reason I was thinking it might be bad for them is because with the suspension hanging, it stretches the bushings to their very limits and puts some of them into awkward positions and I didn't know if that would hurt them.

[beef_bourito]

i'd suggest putting them on the jacking points, they're specifically designed for holding up the car

[skibum1111]

Jacking points or frame rails, both are designed to support the structure of the car. However, if you are planning on leaving the car in that position for any length of time, switch to the jacking points as the unibody is designed to take stress there, but not necessairly on the rails. If the doors don't open and close easily change the jack stands to the jacking points and see if that makes a difference. If not, change the stands to the suspension, rear axle and front control arms as close as you can get to the ball joints. I kept my grand am on jacks for 3 months while waiting for a transmission last year, supported the rear suspension and the radiator support, only tweaked the body a little bit.

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

Originally Posted by ec437

1985 BMW 635csi. I was more concerned about the suspension bushings really. Are the extra stresses that come from being in a fully unloaded position for a long period of time still within their design limits?

You have an E24.........

[ec437]

Originally Posted by ThatRoundHeadedKid

You have an E24.........

So I'm guessing you like those?

[TexasF355F1]

I agree, put them on the jack points.

If you're really concerned, leave the car on the jacks. However, leave it so the tires are you barely making contact with the ground. I mean, it's on the ground, but you can still rotate the tires w/o any resistance. I've seen people do this before so the suspension isn't completely stretched out for extended periods.

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

Originally Posted by ec437

So I'm guessing you like those?

Any old BMWs my friend. I friggen love them.