Jack Stand Question?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Jack Stand Question?
I'm looking for some suggestions on what to use under my jack stands to prevent them from sinking into my asphalt driveway. It's usually not a problem but with the temperature being as high as it was earlier this week, the stands sank into the soft asphalt. I was thinking of using some plywood but wood scares me since it splits pretty easily. Thanks for any input and suggestions..
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would get some 1/8" steel plate about a foot square. Round off the corners and add a non-skid paint to both sides. Drill a hole in a corner or on a side edge so you can hang them up when they're not in use.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: clinton ut
Use 3/4" plywood squares with rounded edges. Works great off-road and should work every bit as well on asphalt. In the event weight applied to a piece of solid wood is too great the wood will snap in two. Heavy plywood will NOT do this unless maybe your putting the weight of a tank on it. My opinion, no scientific proof. 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I think wood is the best idea.. They won't slip, the jackstands will cut into em.. They won't split either since part of the jackstands will always run sideways to the grain. Plywoods an even better bet.
Or, get some of those thick rubber floormats and cut them up.
Or, get some of those thick rubber floormats and cut them up.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
I don't particularly like getting under a vehicle on jack stands, even with them setting on a flat concrete floor. No way would I get under one where the jack stands are setting on wood or a steel plate unless the steel plates are welded to the jack stand legs. If your stands are sinking into the asphalt a better method would be to buy 2 sets of ramps. Drive the front wheels up on ramps and then use a jack to raise the back and place ramps under the tires. I can't bench press 3,200+ lbs of Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I own 2 sets of Rhinos and do the same thing. Besides it lets me get my round little tummy under there too. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I made some wood cradles out of 2x4s, I set them on cinderblocks and the front tires those if I really need it high.
Cinderblocks are kinda iffy though, they're very brittle. Smack one with a tool or set it down on an uneven surface and it could shatter.
Cinderblocks are kinda iffy though, they're very brittle. Smack one with a tool or set it down on an uneven surface and it could shatter.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,725
Likes: 709
From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by George Dickel
I don't particularly like getting under a vehicle on jack stands, even with them setting on a flat concrete floor. .
IMO, this is safe:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I bet I could kick that wood right out. Plus wood on wood tends to slip. 
I figure, whichever method you use, check your tools periodically to make sure they're fit for the job. You don't have a spare skull.
I figure, whichever method you use, check your tools periodically to make sure they're fit for the job. You don't have a spare skull.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 28
From: Medina OH
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
I would get some 1/8" steel plate about a foot square. Round off the corners and add a non-skid paint to both sides. Drill a hole in a corner or on a side edge so you can hang them up when they're not in use.
I like this idea, I'm going to do this so I won't tear up my new garage floor coating -- when ever I get around to it 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by CG77VETTE
I'm looking for some suggestions on what to use under my jack stands to prevent them from sinking into my asphalt driveway. It's usually not a problem but with the temperature being as high as it was earlier this week, the stands sank into the soft asphalt. I was thinking of using some plywood but wood scares me since it splits pretty easily. Thanks for any input and suggestions..
Not only are the stands going to be an issue if the asphalt is that soft but the floor jack will sink the wheels. The steel plate idea would help, but I just dont believe any job is that urgent to risk safety over.
As to those wood blocks, well all I can say is I wouldnt be under there with just that alone
(same goes w/plywood). Choose saftey first 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Thanks for all the great suggestions. The only reason I need to use the stands is to swap out winter wheels with summer wheels. I'm not doing any under car work. I have a kwikLift in the garage for those repairs. It's just a PITA to do the whole lift thing just to swap wheels. I like the plate steel welded to the stands idea. Have a Great Fathers Day all of you Dads out there 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,725
Likes: 709
From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I bet I could kick that wood right out. Plus wood on wood tends to slip.
I figure, whichever method you use, check your tools periodically to make sure they're fit for the job. You don't have a spare skull.
I figure, whichever method you use, check your tools periodically to make sure they're fit for the job. You don't have a spare skull.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
If you're just changing wheels, jack it from the side nascar style, and change two at a time.
If I'm not under the car, I don't mind having it on a jack.
If I'm not under the car, I don't mind having it on a jack.