MG Car Repair: Safe jacking rear of midget, trolley jack, axle stand

Question
Hi Barrie

I am about to remove the gearbox from mkii midget.  I need to get the rear onto axle stands so that ~I will have easier access to the propshaft to remove it from the diff.  As this is the first time i have needed  to lift the rear with a trolley jack could you please advise where is the best place to use the jack?  I am adduming that i can place the axle stands near the spimg boxes?

Many thanks for ant guidance.

Regards

Tony


Answer
Hi Tony.  This is a safety-critical question, so please be careful and never get under the car without it being supported securely.  Do not rely on the jack when placing the axle stands.  Do it without getting under the car.  

Firstly, chock the FRONT wheels.  Otherwise, once you lift the rear there is nothing to stop the car from running away.  Next, jack the car up centrally using the trolley jack under the differential in the middle of the axle.  Place one axle stand under each axle tube, as close to the sides of the car as you can get them.  Finally, carefully lower the axle onto the axle stands.  (This is why they are called axle stands).  Leave the trolley jack partially raised but with no weight on it, so it acts as a second safety measure.