Terrified of jacking on the diff

  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2008 NC 2l
  2. I’m based near: SE London
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: jacking points for the rear of the MX-5

Hi, couldn’t find much on the topic so I thought I’d make a post.
The title says it all, I just bought this used 08 and while it’s not a rust-bucket yet I really don’t feel comfortable jacking the rear on the diff.
I’m uncomfortable as it is to put the axle stands on a few millimeters worth of weld points.
From my research it looks like the diff is not a good structural jacking point, as the car does not in fact rest on it, am I being overly cautious?
Whats my alternative?
I could try to reach the aluminium subframe beam right behind it..
or try lifting the car side to side..?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Covered in detail here:

Personally I’ve jacked up the rear on my previous NC2 using the manufacturer recommended diff location without issue or damage several times, but it’s down to each individual owner to do what they feel most comfortable and safest doing.

I’ve never been confident about using the diff. Instead, I find that using the front jacking point lifts the rear of the car on that side anyway so I then place an axle stand at the normal seamed jacking point at the rear, then do the same on the other side. Never had any problem with this. The front is easy using the central jack point, though I run it up on wooden ramps to ensure the jack clears the front lip.

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Jack on the subframe where the lower adjustment bolts are.

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What are you looking to do I’m not far from London and know ncs well

If jacking on the diff pulls your mountings apart they were knackered in the first place

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Thanks everyone, I’ll try doing side to side for the rear and then jack the front, I’ve got a wonky driveway but should work fine.
If not I’ll use the subframe as Nick suggested.