Should I put truck on jack stands for storage

Winter will be here in no time so I was wondering if it would be better for the suspension and tires (just installed lift and tires) if I put the truck on jack stands for the winter since I don't drive the truck in the winter ? I was thinking of putting the jack stands under frame so the suspension hangs? Thoughts?

 

Yeah, it will keep the tires from getting deformed. Also you might want to either fill the gas tank up completely or completely empty. Otherwise you run the risk of getting rust in the tank. If you keep it filled and it is in a easily accessible place I would suggest going out and running it for 10-15 minutes a few times a week just to keep everything in shape. But I do have to ask... why are you not running it in the winter when these trucks really are at their best?

 

Not driving it in the winter?!?! The worst thing for a vehicle is to just let it sit.... On a serious note, it would be a good idea to start the truck every few days to keep everything in working order. Believe someone else has said it above, but I'll say it again!

 

Why would you buy a tacoma and not run it in the winter?

 

I bought it as my toy and will keep it until I die and then pass it to my daughter . Since they don't make single cabs anymore I can't replace it and I don't want it to rust so I don't drive it in the winter.

 

I say bed line the underneath so you won't have to worry about rust!

 

I already have a daily driver and i might be getting a work truck to bring home so i dont need to pay for insurance on two vehicles for the winter. It will be stored in a insulated garage. I will start it regularly. I work with road salt so i know what it does to vehicles. I will not be driving it in the winter i am just wondering your guys thoughts on if i should put jack stands under the frame and let the suspention droop and tires off the ground or should i just leave it on the ground?

 

Jack it up and remove the wheels/tars.

 

Here is my advice...get is clean and give it a good wax, fluid film is NOT a bad idea. CHANGE THE OIL. Run the tank almost dry, fill it with ethanol free gas and add a double dose of marine stabil. Put the battery on trickle charge, surround it with mothballs. It should start right up in spring...

 

why remove the wheels?
put it on jack stands if you want, leave the tires on.

i store my truck on the ground.

i would listen to this guys suggestion VVVVV

 

Oops my bad. Thought he was asking "leave it on the ground or jack it up and remove the tires."

 

@mjp2

 

I don't think the tires would deform from sitting for a few months over winter. Deformation used to be more of a problem with old bias ply tires. Modern radials shouldn't have a problem sitting for a few months. It may be best to leave it on the ground that way you can move it in and out of the garage if you need space or whatever.

Many new vehicles also have plastic fuel tanks (my 2014 Taco does), so rust in the tank shouldn't be a problem, but all the lines are steel. Ethanol free fuel is a great idea for storage, as I believe ethanol can absorb water and cause problems in a fuel system after months of sitting. Since it's difficult to find ethanol free gasoline, Sta-Bil, as mentioned by hetkind is a great idea.

Fluid Film is a popular choice for coating the underside of vehicles but be warned, it doesn't dry so dirt will stick to it and it will always be oily to the touch, in fact that's probably why it works so well. I coated mine and I'm confident in its ability to fight corrosion, but I just got done adding a leaf to my spring pack and I got filthy! That said I think Fluid Film is worth it.

As far as oil changing, I'd probably leave it and change to fresh oil in the spring. Letting the vehicle come up to normal temp might be a good idea once or twice a month. It would help keep all the systems working properly like the thermostat, heater core, AC pump, power steering, etc.

 

I stored my 03 Tacoma left it on the ground with a trickle charger on the battery. Never started it until it was time to drive again. The only issue was the tires had a flat spot, but after running down the highway after heating up, no more flat spot.

 

Come on guys don't make more to this than it is. I have been a mechanic for over 35 years. My 69 Camaro never ever goes out in winter and is always in the garage. Never lifted it off the tires. Like coma said you might get a flat spot but once you drive it and warm the tires and no more flat spot. But make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure.

I like to over inflate them a bit due to the cold temps and loss of pressure over time. But always use a trickle charge, change the oil immediately before driving it again. Also filled the gas tank and added some fuel stabilizer, Never has an issue

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...entionally-powered-vehicles-1-6-months.33252/