I don't want to be squashed!!!
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 75
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From: Jeff City MO
I don't want to be squashed!!!
I plan to pull the starter motor to be rebuilt this weekend. I'd appreciate advice on exactly where to place the jackstands when raising the front end. Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 51
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Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (91Vette)
The ramps are (in my opinion) the best and safest way to go about it, but if 'ya don't have 'em...
I put them under the frame right at the backside of the engine where it starts to make a turn toward the rear wheelwells (on both sides). It has always been a secure location when I have to get both front wheels off the ground at the same time.
I put them under the frame right at the backside of the engine where it starts to make a turn toward the rear wheelwells (on both sides). It has always been a secure location when I have to get both front wheels off the ground at the same time.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (stuntman)
The ramps are (in my opinion) the best and safest way to go about it, but if 'ya don't have 'em...
I put them under the frame right at the backside of the engine where it starts to make a turn toward the rear wheelwells (on both sides). It has always been a secure location when I have to get both front wheels off the ground at the same time.
I put them under the frame right at the backside of the engine where it starts to make a turn toward the rear wheelwells (on both sides). It has always been a secure location when I have to get both front wheels off the ground at the same time.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (What Crisis?)
Ramps are crushable, I would never climb under a car with just ramps. I put jack stands uder the cross-member right in front of the oil pan.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Guam
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (What Crisis?)
I had no jack stands...but I did have 4 hydrolics....one recommendation....since you are using jackstands...stick the tire you take off under the frame also.Rather dent a rim then the head... Its much easier to do it with tire off...also get a new piece of wire loom...that way when you put the starter back you can replace the one on the sensor thats in the way...Hope you have small hands...and if you have a buddy...have him hang with you...nice to have someone around when you crawl under...to hand you tools you forget...Enjoy
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (emoshn)
Rhino Rams or just make a big block of wood from 2x4s to go under the frame. Won't tip like jackstands. Just to be safe. Kinda like the wheel idea but no worries about hurting a wheel.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 797
Likes: 2
From: Westminster MD
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (Shayne)
I had no jack stands...but I did have 4 hydrolics
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (TravisD)
Hydraulic jacks are the worst offender here - they have the greatest chance of losing fluid pressure and lowering - either slowly due to a small leak, or quickly due to a blown seal.
Ramps: Put the car in gear+park brake. It is a miracle I'm typing this now, I foolishly forgot the aforementioned when doing my front y-pipe. Car was on ramps, rolled off. I got out just in time :eek: .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (89 Paul in cal)
I put my jackstands under the frame parts where the sheet metal is welded together. Looks like about 3 or 4 pieces welded together. Buy some heavy duty stands. Those 2 ton units aren't the best. Get some 5 ton or higher. Pretend it is a ladder and don't put your car all the way up on the top little tooth. My car spent three whole days on my stands with no problems.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (89 Paul in cal)
I always use jack stands.
If you go to ANY automotive classes, jack stands are the ONLY approved safety devices by the ASE. Ramps are not considered safe as cars can and DO roll off of them.
A jack stand will NOT tip or fail if used in the proper load rating on a level surface. Anything different is suicidal.
If you go to ANY automotive classes, jack stands are the ONLY approved safety devices by the ASE. Ramps are not considered safe as cars can and DO roll off of them.
A jack stand will NOT tip or fail if used in the proper load rating on a level surface. Anything different is suicidal.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Jeff City MO
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (BBA)
Based on the conflicting opinions here I guess there is no easy answer as to the safety issues concerning jackstands vs ramps. I'm kinda stuck as to how to proceed. Is it realistically possible for a car to roll off a ramp with the trans in Park, parking brake on, and chocks on the rear tires?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 666
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City UT
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (What Crisis?)
I've used jack stands for over thirty years an every type of vehicle. If positioned correctly they will supply all the support needed. Use the proper weight of stand for the car. Our Vette has been up on the stands over fifty times in the past two years as we've complted the rebuild.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: I don't want to be squashed!!! (90pololt4)
Just one more safety suggestion for jack stand users. I like to put the floor jack about 1/4" under the car just as a backup, in case you jolt the car and it were to fall...hopefully the jack will save you.
Also, I always use jack stands in axle pairs, and I always jolt the car to make sure it's stable before climbing under it.
BTW it's also a good idea to service your floor jack with new jack oil once in a while.
Also, I always use jack stands in axle pairs, and I always jolt the car to make sure it's stable before climbing under it.
BTW it's also a good idea to service your floor jack with new jack oil once in a while.
