Servicing a D3 on the ground

[RobMichelle]

Hi all, is it safe to get under a d3 in the raised height mode?
I’ll be servicing it soon and wondering if it is an option to do it with suspension raised or put on my ramps to do fuel filter and oil drain.
Rob

[BradC]

I do, but I always put jack stands under the chassis. Where possible I use the iid to raise it up as far as I can, but off-road height is well and truly enough for an oil change.

[PerthDisco]

Definitely can do it all in normal height but off-road so much better. The steel belly pan is the worst part. I have never ever seen the car move in off road height downward. That includes recently 7 days up north in off road height non stop.

[Plane Fixer]

I am paranoid, as even changing a wheel I put stands under the chassis. I always use off road height when doing so as I do not trust the suspension not to move.

[RobMichelle]

Thanks for replies folks,
So heavy duty 3 to 4 ton stands have enough height to reach chassis?
I’ll go purchase some I’ve always used cut blocks of wood but since moving we only have has heating now.

[DiscoJeffster]

I bought 4 tonne stands that work for 4wd vehicles. They’re actually to high for normal vehicles but get the LR well off the ground if you need

[INter674]

I'm paranoid and use acrow props front and rear on the hoist...and insist all the blow flies do too. My grandfather almost died from a Ford Popular falling off a jack on him....he was 6'6 docker too.

Don't trust the factory jack either.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Always always always use stands when under any vehicle. Do not trust the suspension, regardless of type.

Its a 3t 4wd vehicle and pop you like a grape if it lands on you.

4t per stand is probably overkill, but would give you great height.

I have 4 stands, 2 sets of two. First set are 2800kg rated each, second are rated at 1200kg each and absolutely ok. I have a 3t low profile trolley jack which is awesome as this has a 450mm lift height.

Doesnt matter what the suspension height is at, because as soon as you lift it, the height reference changes per corner, so if not on stands, the car will try to adjust level, and this is dangerous when underneath it.

[Grappler]

Before I had the luxury of a hoist in the shed, I did oil changes on the ground. Off road height with safety stands.
To make it easier I fitted a Fumoto drain valve. I also cut small access port in the skid plate with a domed cover held on with self tappers. Much easier than wrestling the skid plate off

[Eric SDV6SE]

I am sooo glad the D4 has the top suction tube, oil changed in 20 min, no need to get underneath the car at all.

The Fumoto or Stahlbus drain valves are handy, but IMHO anything like that sticking out underneath is asking for trouble, might as well not bother with the bash plates.

[BradC]

I have a stahlbus. I thought about cutting an access panel into the bash plate but I quite like having a good look around while the oil is draining. Now I have the right bolts on the bash plate ( all sorts of dodgy and missing crap when I bought the car ) I now have a little routine. Spin them out with the rattle gun and it’s off super quick, they go back in with fingers to start the thread and hang the plate, and then a quick buzz with the air ratchet to do them back up.

[RobMichelle]

So the stahlbus is still protected by the bash plate?

[SeanC]

I am sooo glad the D4 has the top suction tube, oil changed in 20 min, no need to get underneath the car at all.

The Fumoto or Stahlbus drain valves are handy, but IMHO anything like that sticking out underneath is asking for trouble, might as well not bother with the bash plates.
I have a Stalhbus and it fits under the bash plate.

For services I use 4 ramps and any suspension work I have 4 stands but only jack the front or back up so I don’t have the entire vehicle supported by the stands. Have a 2500kg trolley jack. Wouldn’t go any lighter.

[Tombie]

I am sooo glad the D4 has the top suction tube, oil changed in 20 min, no need to get underneath the car at all.

The Fumoto or Stahlbus drain valves are handy, but IMHO anything like that sticking out underneath is asking for trouble, might as well not bother with the bash plates.

No problem with the Stalhbus - and a small hole through the bash plates has it sorted. It certainly won’t get hit offroad or on.

No pump to clean, no waiting. 5 min from lifting bonnet to new oil and filter in. [emoji3]

[Tombie]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/f079438d4436fe2c09d5a1f969012a74.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200726/fab33da076b85a9b5ee760a08dde91d3.jpg

[RobMichelle]

Oooh I’m liking that Tombie for sure [emoji106]I’ll source one this week hopefully and for when I do service. Mmm5 min is that including fuel filter [emoji15][emoji120].

[101RRS]

Any body got a link for buying Stalhbus in Australia? Also what size is needed for a 2.7 TDV6?

Thanks

Garry

[SeanC]

No problem with the Stalhbus - and a small hole through the bash plates has it sorted. It certainly won’t get hit offroad or on.

No pump to clean, no waiting. 5 min from lifting bonnet to new oil and filter in. [emoji3]
Yep. I have cut a hole in the bash plate too. I cover the hole with some wide cloth tape to keep sand out. So far it has stayed on between services.

[DiscoJeffster]

No pump to clean [emoji3]

Never cleaned mine - simply drain it into an oil bottle like an oil pan. Sure gravity is quicker, but the additional ten minutes allows me to drink two additional beers. I think I’m on the winner.

[Tombie]

Oooh I’m liking that Tombie for sure [emoji106]I’ll source one this week hopefully and for when I do service. Mmm5 min is that including fuel filter [emoji15][emoji120].

Fuel filter is another 5 min.

[Tombie]

Never cleaned mine - simply drain it into an oil bottle like an oil pan. Sure gravity is quicker, but the additional ten minutes allows me to drink two additional beers. I think I’m on the winner.

Enjoy [emoji2]

I lift the D4 to offroad as I roll into the workshop, pop bonnet. Slide under, connect, drop oil, spin off oil filter and replace.

By that time the flows stopped, the hose is disconnected.
Pour in the required oil, close bonnet and done.

Engine check done as it’s reversed out.

[DiscoJeffster]

Enjoy [emoji2]

I lift the D4 to offroad as I roll into the workshop, pop bonnet. Slide under, connect, drop oil, spin off oil filter and replace.

By that time the flows stopped, the hose is disconnected.
Pour in the required oil, close bonnet and done.

Engine check done as it’s reversed out.

I hope you use the ten minutes saved every 6 months (assuming how often you do it) wisely.
I can’t imagine what I’d do with 20 minutes spare a year.

[Discodicky]

Hi all, is it safe to get under a d3 in the raised height mode?
I’ll be servicing it soon and wondering if it is an option to do it with suspension raised or put on my ramps to do fuel filter and oil drain.
Rob

A point worth mentioning, but I reckon most are aware, it's a must to remove the oil filter whilst the engine oil is still draining.
I've noticed that as soon as you loosen the filter, another 1/2 litre or thereabouts (the capacity of the filter obviously, duh! [bigwhistle]) drains into the sump.
May as well drain that dirty oil out too.

[Tombie]

I hope you use the ten minutes saved every 6 months (assuming how often you do it) wisely.
I can’t imagine what I’d do with 20 minutes spare a year.

I’d love a spare 20min in any day [emoji106]

[Eric SDV6SE]

Enjoy [emoji2]

I lift the D4 to offroad as I roll into the workshop, pop bonnet. Slide under, connect, drop oil, spin off oil filter and replace.

By that time the flows stopped, the hose is disconnected.
Pour in the required oil, close bonnet and done.

Engine check done as it’s reversed out.


Any quicker and the car would be servicing itself eh Tombie ?

[RobMichelle]

[QUOTE=101RRS;3018917]Any body got a link for buying Stalhbus in Australia? Also what size is needed for a 2.7 TDV6?

Thanks

Garry[/
Gary I went through these guys, they are listed on Stahlbus website as Australian distributor.
Hastings River Brake & Exhaust
1/10 Denham Street
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
P 02 6583 7400
F 02 6528 6305
E sales@hastingsbrakes.com

Rob

[Tombie]

Any quicker and the car would be servicing itself eh Tombie ?

That would be great. I’m getting too old to **** around with them nowadays. Just want to enjoy driving them.

Anything that helps keep time spent down is worth it.

[SeanC]

Any body got a link for buying Stalhbus in Australia? Also what size is needed for a 2.7 TDV6?

Thanks

Garry

I got mine from Demon Tweeks UK. Couldn't find one in Aus.
M14 x 1.5mm (for D3)
$72 including shipping.

[RobMichelle]

Oh well that’s better price than I paid today $92 with express post from Sydney.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Oh well that’s better price than I paid today $92 with express post from Sydney.

Yes, but you got some free Covid19 with yours

[101RRS]

I got mine from Demon Tweeks UK. Couldn't find one in Aus.
M14 x 1.5mm (for D3)
$72 including shipping.

Not responding to emails [bigsad]

[Tombie]

Mine were via Amazon.