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.