Can I Use the Differential as a Jack Point?

[West Coast GT]

Can I jack the entire rear of the GT by using the differential as a single jack point without creating undue stress or destruction?

I prefer to lift the front of the car with a single jack point (cross member). It saves time plus it frees up the two side jack points for the jack stands.

I'm looking for the same convenience in lifting the rear, but I've got a sneaking suspicion this isn't very good for the diff. or axle.

Thanks in advance.

[sawdust]

I would be interested also to find out if doing it harmfull.
Can't see why.
Been doing it this way since I got my cars.

[jordan]

Absolutely, the center of the differential is a great place to jack the car from. It is virtually the strongest point on the car. I would never hesitate doing this.

[guyopel]

Yes this works , just put you jack stands or supports on the axle housing or under the springs to keep the rear shocks from being pulled down to max. length . HTH
John

[heimue]

The differential is in fact the best point in the rear of your Opel to jack it up. I much rather do that than dent or scratch any rocker panels. Remember, the rear axle is made to carry the load of the car!

Dieter

[namba209 (R.I.P.)]

To amplify what the others have said, the whole differential is one-piece cast iron assembly, so you can jack up the center section with no problem. I've had to use it to jack up the rear-end after the front was off the ground using jack stands under the jacking points. You can't use the OEM jack to raise one side, with the front in the air, because the whole body will liift and shift, which may cause the front to fall off the stands.

[West Coast GT]

Thanks guys.
My fear had been that the load was designed to be supported through the springs to the outer portion of the axle (shear).

And, that by jacking the diff, which normally hangs from the drive shaft & axles, the car's weight would be shifted so that it loads the outer axle and transfers to the diff creating a moment on the gears within the differential.

I've been told "Don't over-think it, just do it". This must be one of those times.

Again, thanks. I won't worry about it, and I'll save lots of time by lifting the entire rear-end at once. Plus, I won't have to twist the body by jacking a corner.

[oldopelguy]

I have seen a couple of truck axles ruined by jacking in the center of the diff, but I think on most Opels it would be fine. Those trucks were heavy ones with utility bodies on the back, and well loaded-down, and when jacked up in the center of the axle the weld joints where the steel tubes are attached to the center of the axle flexed enough to crack and bend.

Try figuring that failure out 1000 miles later when the differential suddenly fails. It wasn't easy.

[jeff denton]

I'm afraid I'd have to be restrained from instantly bopping you right smack up side the head if I ever catch you doing that to my car, and especially a truck.