Hi there,

I've seen the horror videos of cars flipping over backwards when heavy parts are removed from the front end. I am about to do the manual transmission on my R56/N12 base Cooper.

The question is: If I properly position the lifting arms on the designated lift points on the car, will the car stay stable when I remove the transmission? Or do I put the rear support as far back on the frame as possible?

Thanks,
Mike

 

The car will be fine when supported at the factory jack points

 

Thanks!

 

To help you get started, cut a 2 X 4 to fit exactly between the two jack points then balance it on the jack, raise it up between them and lift so you can set jackstands fore and aft then over to the other side.

 

I second this suggestion. About three years ago I watched a YouTube video showing how to change rear and front struts. The guy in the video did exactly what you say -- cut a 2X4 to fit between the two jack points, put the 2X4 on the jack, lift the side of the car, put jack stands under the jack points, lower jack, go to the other side. Makes raising the car easy and safe.

 

There was a NAM guy, gone now, who posted videos, one titled "How a 2 X 4 lifts a MINI".

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. In this case, I am actually lifting with a two post lift, BUT I actually used the 2x4 idea to get my Juke up on stands this weekend for brake work and it worked just as well.

Appreciate it!