use hydraulics to lift coach front?

[Telad5]

can the hydralic levelers be used to lift the front of the coach to replace the Coil springs/bell crank/drag link ? Hopefully only a couple hours, but need the front tires off the ground - also will repack fron bearings.

Also, what is the difference between bushings and bearings for the bell crank

Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks

[RickO]

Will the jacks lift the wheels off the ground? Yes.

Should you get under it in this condition? Never ever, ever.

Invest in a good set of jack stands before you slide under there. We don't want to lose a new member.

I replaced my OEM steering bell crank with a Super Steer model. The OEM was bushing and the SS is bearings. Once removed, there was no way I could turn the shaft of the bushing bell crank with my bare hands... and it only had 6000 mile on it. The bearing bell crank turned freely. I replaced it because it seemed like a no brainer but I'm not sure it makes any noticeable difference in handling.

Good luck

Rick

[Richard S.]



! WARNING

Your coach should be
supported at both front and
rear axles with jack stands
before working underneath,
failure to do so may result in

personal injury or death.

[wa7hra]

I had to replace my engine starter in the middle of noplace and with nothing but the tools I had on board. In order to get the room I needed to swing the wrenches, I had to raise the front end with the leveling jacks and slide myself under the front axel with the wheels off the ground. I laid on my back so I would have clearance for my chest. I said a little prayer and proceded with the repairs. I survived because I felt lucky, not because I had faith in the jacks.

Bob, wa7hra..........

[Mr_D]

On our 2002 Dutch Star I called Newmar, Spartan, Reyco-Granning and HWH. ALL said it was no problem to store the unit with the front wheels off the ground. BUT no way would I work under the rig without cribbing or heavy duty jack stands.
I've stored the rig with the front tires suspended for 6 months or so with no problem, but I don't work underneath either.

[wa8yxm]

I agree with the "Warning" folks here. Yes, the jacks can lift it, But

1: Make very sure you are on level ground

2: NO wind

and 3: Place jack stands before getting in a position where you can be crushed should the hydrauilc line go POP.

[TXiceman]

Lift the RV and get jack stands under it or solid wood blocks before you get under it. Also block the rear wheels before lifting the front. Let the weight off the leveler jacks and let the stands support the weight.

Ken

[macantic]

the instructions that came with mine says not to lift the tires off the ground with the jacks.

[rvguy40]

Never, never NEVER use just the hydraulic coach jacks to lift the coach for repairs, ESPECIALLY if you're going to be underneath it. It's not safe. A super heavy duty floor jack, jackstands are the only things you want to use when lifting the coach. you may use the leveling jacks just as added support, but never crawl under it with ONLY the leveling jacks supporting. You will never see a qualified shop using this method, and with good reason. PLEASE go get jackstands so we don't read about your coach falling on you. :-)

[JJH3rd]

Harbor Freight has both 6 and 12 ton rated jack stands. $200 for four 12 ton jack stands is cheap insurance plus they take the load off of the tires.