Using a trolley jack

I frequently jack the jimny to take off the wheels to fiddle, clean etc. I use a scissor jack and axle stands one side at a time. I often see video and images of the jimny being jacked using a hydraulic trolley jack under the front or rear diff lifting both wheels off the ground simultaneously. Sometimes a piece of wood is placed on the small round pressure plate other times not. Considering that we now have around half a ton of jimny resting on a contact point that is very small, the concentrated forces / stress must be enormous. 

My questions: what are the chances of the diff cracking when doing this and is the use of a trolley jack recommended?

I use a trolley jack most of the time, but only jack one side at once, usually under a radius arm. Mind if it is more than a quick job I put an axle stand underneath as well.

If you want both wheels off you could jack one side, put an axle stand in, then jack the other side.

Robin

Plenty of people do jack the diff but like Robin I only lift on the radius arms. Mostly because there's the little nubbin the scissor lift locates to to help minimise the risk of the jack slipping.

Thanks to you both - you have confirmed that what I am doing, whilst not the fastest, is the correct way. I use the radius arm and fit the little stud into the scissor jack as show in the manual. I always place the vehicle onto axle stands and when the wheels are removed, place them under the vehicle. Chock the wheels on the ground too. I hired a lift in Kent (I am in Huntingdon when I am in the UK) and that was absolutely the best. Pity there is not such a facility closer to me or I would use it very frequently!

Thanks again to both of you!

Julian

The chance of the diff cracking or being damaged in anyway is zero. They are the strongest part of the car, and 500kg is a tiny load. You can also safely use a trolley jack under the radius arm mounts, any point on the chassis and the towbar if you have one fitted.

You won't hurt the diff. However It's generally safer to jack one side at a time.