Lifting points - BDR Chassis

lomdel · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 06:09 AM

In the attached photo (not mine), the lift pads are placed under the outer chassis rails. Are these rails strong enough to lift the BDR or should the inner main chassis rails be used instead?

nathanmargolis · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 07:15 AM

I am not an expert but it looks like you got them. I have been using a lift for over 50 years starting out pumping gas and changing oil since the early '70s when gas stations provided service. I was told to "catch the frame" and as long as the car starts lifting the car eveningly, all is good. Has not failed me yet when using lifts today at friends that are fortunate to have a garage with a ceiling tall enough for a lift.

ERA 626 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 09:44 AM

It depends if the chassis rails on the outside have any vertical structural support, if not I would not do it as it may put stress on the welds...

cycleguy55 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 11:17 AM

I just finished some work on my car. Lifted it with a QuickJack BL-7000SLX (7000 lb.) at the outer edges of the frame / chassis. No creaks, groans, etc.

You can see the lift points in this photo:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9v7HexiA88BuRFDp7

p.s. I have no idea why this site can't handle Google Photos links as photos. C'est la vie.

BDR_Boy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 04:30 PM

I always place mine on the beefier inside rails... just my 2 cents... BDR #509.

beemerb0y · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2019, 04:37 PM

Why not email BDR for a concrete answer

4278BN · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2019, 07:37 AM

I have a Quick Jack BL 5000. I have been using the main frame rails as the lifting points. When I drain the oil the Quick jack is so close to the oil pan drain plug that I always drain much of the oil on the Quick Jack and I end up with a mess. I was told to use the main frame rails, but would like to use the outer part of the frame to lift the car. Is this a good idea or will I damage my car?

cycleguy55 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2019, 10:50 AM

Contact info:

Backdraft Racing
Head Office
Backdraft Park
3210 SW 14th Place
Boynton Beach, FL 33426

p +1 (561) 752-3693
f +1 (561) 739-5126
e info@backdraftracing.com

dacobb · #9 (**permalink**) 07-16-2019, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

I just finished some work on my car. Lifted it with a QuickJack BL-7000SLX (7000 lb.) at the outer edges of the frame / chassis. No creaks, groans, etc.

You can see the lift points in this photo:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9v7HexiA88BuRFDp7

p.s. I have no idea why this site can't handle Google Photos links as photos. C'est la vie.

The outside of that frame looks very stout, but the outriggers on many others are not like that.

cycleguy55 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2019, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacobb

The outside of that frame looks very stout, but the outriggers on many others are not like that.

Agreed. Many ladder frames have relatively light outriggers and outrigger supports. It would therefore be prudent to check with the manufacturer before using them to lift the car.

hauss · #11 (**permalink**) 07-19-2019, 09:35 AM

Just curious what did backdraft say? I too use the inside rails.

BDR_Boy · #12 (**permalink**) 07-19-2019, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hauss

Just curious what did backdraft say? I too use the inside rails.

Ditto... would be nice to know what they said. You would think the topic is covered in the Owners Manual... but no.

Grey 65 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-21-2019, 11:33 AM

Car is fine being jacked as shown in the photo. Avg BDR will weigh in at about 2,650lbs wet with a 57% rear weight bias. Those outer bars are more than capable of supporting 700lbs at each point.

This being said when I jack car up at home I use inner rails at 4 jacking points. When I jack a side of the car up at the track I use outer rail 1 jacking point.

In conclusion, I have probably jacked my BDR up using 1 jacking point on outer rail than you will ever do using double the jacking points... i.e. it is fine to use outer rails.

lomdel · #14 (**permalink**) 07-22-2019, 10:53 PM

Reply via email from the Backdraft factory in SA is that they use the outer rails all the time to lift their cars during construction and engine installation. I would not store the car lifted on the outer rails for long periods, only while working/cleaning it.

Dewey McBride · #15 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 12:11 PM

I have a Quick Jack BL 5000 and built a "Bridge" so I'm lifting from the main rails but have the jacks as wide as possible. I built my bridge out of 3 40" 2x4's and laminated them together. It also jacks my car up an extra 3.5 inches off the ground. I found that when I put the jacks under the main rails they are too close together and the car rocks a bit from side to side.