The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Another question: to check the landing gear mounting bolts or to install the P Ponk kit, what is the safest way to raise the gear off the ground so that the work can be done? I looked at a couple of posts and one post/picture caught my eye. I noticed the picture showing the tie down ring ... is the ring removed and a jack pad of some sort installed? TNX ... R/Lee

Reading your post I don't think you want Jacking Wings UP


Apparently you want to inspect;landing gear or install P Ponk Kit.

One method that has been discussed on the forum is to Use and engine hoist and raise one wheel at a time

Securely wrap straps around upper engine mount attachment at firewall. Raise only one (1) wheel at a time. Very very secure.

An associate of mine in St LOUIS, was saving money on an annual inspection. His Twin Cessna. Dropped it , fell off the jacks. Repairs 23-25,000 . 1978 dollars.

Suggestion You can rent engine hoist at a tool supply. Purchase from Harbor Freight Tools when finished sell the hoist.

Do research on subject you will be proficient for the work.

Yes, you will have one wing raised UP but you did i not jack it up.

You can do this.

Regards

Thanks for the assist ... I actually have a hoist at the hangar. I was a little concerned about using a hoist based on some of the posts I have read but, I think what was being discussed, was hoisting the fuselage up and getting both wheels off the ground at the same time. Your comment about doing one wheel at a time sounds good. I agree the work is not or should not be difficult. I am enjoying the work ... 'retirement' is finally allowing me the time to get the bird back in the air. TNX R/Lee

Using an engine hoist with a strap around the engine mount immediately next to the firewall seems to be the popular method. One gotta is to be careful when lifting one side if you have low ceilings, beams or lights. Doesn't take much to raise a wing tip into one. don't know that you couldn't raise both sides at the same time.

A cradle made from plywood that fits the belly to rest the fuselage on is also popular. A few threads here with pictures somewhere I think.

http://s328.photobucket.com/user/smcgre ... .jpeg.html
This link will take you to some photos of my plane in the shop while they replaced the outboard landing gear bracket. They did indeed use an engine hoist, and a stout cable attached to the engine mount near the firewall. They also used a tall wing jack placed under the tie down ring to stabilize the airframe. All-in-all a very stable way to pull off and work on one gear at a time.

Sorry, if you use this link, choose the "other albums" option to see the airframe and engine hoist

Here's what we did every annual when we had a 210. Never dropped it! I know this has nothing to do with jacking a 170, but I like the picture.

Bruce Fenstermacher wrote:Using an engine hoist with a strap around the engine mount immediately next to the firewall seems to be the popular method. One gotta is to be careful when lifting one side if you have low ceilings, beams or lights. Doesn't take much to raise a wing tip into one. don't know that you couldn't raise both sides at the same time.

A cradle made from plywood that fits the belly to rest the fuselage on is also popular. A few threads here with pictures somewhere I think.

Here is a pic using super strong rope and come-along (roof trusses very strong at my hangar). Just did that a few weeks ago to inspect/tighten wedges. Works great. Also don't just lift at engine hoist. Can crack the case. I have done that in the past before reading on the forum not to do so but there was no fuel or extra weight so guessing I was lucky. Anytime you lift a wheel off the floor, it is best to de-fuel to get weight down as much as possible. Also a carefully hollowed out end of a 2X4 cut to fit tightly between the tie down ring on the wing and wedged into the floor is a good way to steady up the lifted side so it aircraft doesn't wobble around after the wheel is hoisted. Just cut it long enough to require tapping towards the fuselage at the floor level so it wedges snugly. Very safe if the upper end is hollowed out to grab the tie down ring. Obviously use wheel chock on opposite wheel still on the floor.

Put the lifting eyes in.