jack stand question - opinions
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
jack stand question - opinions
hey everyone
I am getting ready to change the trans fluid and gear oil in my 85 and I am trying to make sure I have what I need for the process. I have some stands from harbor freight that seem a little loose and they are of the ratcheting type - I do not trust those very much
I have a set of duralast 4 ton/set pin style that seem ok. I also have a set of ramps - however the ridges that would hold the tire are too narrow and the rim and tire would be over the edges. I used a wood inset last time but still did not feel great about that although it was sturdy.
I guess I am wondering what you use - ramps, stands (ratchet or pin) - or something else? any particular brand you like?
thanks
Sean
I am getting ready to change the trans fluid and gear oil in my 85 and I am trying to make sure I have what I need for the process. I have some stands from harbor freight that seem a little loose and they are of the ratcheting type - I do not trust those very much
I have a set of duralast 4 ton/set pin style that seem ok. I also have a set of ramps - however the ridges that would hold the tire are too narrow and the rim and tire would be over the edges. I used a wood inset last time but still did not feel great about that although it was sturdy.
I guess I am wondering what you use - ramps, stands (ratchet or pin) - or something else? any particular brand you like?
thanks
Sean
#2
I found my friend of over 30 years under a car that was on jackstands it was not good. Best bet is wood cribbing I use oak stumps it is not worth your life.
The following 2 users liked this post by antfarmer2:
sb66 (08-16-2016),
toddbvanslyke (08-18-2018)
#3
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
I use Black Jack 6 Ton Stands, that have a heavy, locking pin. Mine look like THESE
These stands are overkill for my loads, plus they have the safety pin. With the 4 stands, I have 24,000 lbs of capacity, on a car that weighs under 4000 lbs.
In addition, I typically leave my jack under the car, raise and valve closed, but not supporting weight. It's there as a back up.
Last, I typically throw the wheel tire package under the car after I remove them, as a tertiary back up. Keeps them out of my way, too.
These stands are overkill for my loads, plus they have the safety pin. With the 4 stands, I have 24,000 lbs of capacity, on a car that weighs under 4000 lbs.
In addition, I typically leave my jack under the car, raise and valve closed, but not supporting weight. It's there as a back up.
Last, I typically throw the wheel tire package under the car after I remove them, as a tertiary back up. Keeps them out of my way, too.
The following 3 users liked this post by Tom400CFI:
#4
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I like the addition of the safety pin to the ratchet. I admit when I put any car up, I usually have extra stands, ramps and wood under there with me. I am looking at heavier than needed - maybe 6 ton to go with my 4 ton ramps, wood and the rest?
thanks
Sean
thanks
Sean
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#6
Melting Slicks
I use Black Jack 6 Ton Stands, that have a heavy, locking pin. Mine look like THESE
These stands are overkill for my loads, plus they have the safety pin. With the 4 stands, I have 24,000 lbs of capacity, on a car that weighs under 4000 lbs.
In addition, I typically leave my jack under the car, raise and valve closed, but not supporting weight. It's there as a back up.
Last, I typically throw the wheel tire package under the car after I remove them, as a tertiary back up. Keeps them out of my way, too.
These stands are overkill for my loads, plus they have the safety pin. With the 4 stands, I have 24,000 lbs of capacity, on a car that weighs under 4000 lbs.
In addition, I typically leave my jack under the car, raise and valve closed, but not supporting weight. It's there as a back up.
Last, I typically throw the wheel tire package under the car after I remove them, as a tertiary back up. Keeps them out of my way, too.
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
2 x 8? 2 x 10?
The following users liked this post:
sb66 (08-16-2016)
#10
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
nice - thanks
#11
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
#12
Mine stand up in the corner of one of my sheds. Don't take much more space than my old metal ramps.
I agree they are heavy, but I don' worry about my vehicle falling off of them.
#13
Melting Slicks
Not even harbor freight wants the liability of questionable stands. I'll bet they are solid with weight on them. I also leave the jack in place as a backup, but my collection of Craftsman, Harbor Freight, and unknown ratcheting stands have never given me reason to worry.
#15
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
#16
Race Director
I built those ramps myself (per instructions/posts on this forum several years ago. My version included a "break-away" top tier so you could remove the ramps to remove obstructions.
The initial design wasn't quite as stellar as I hoped because latches to hold the two together have been somewhat problematic. And, the staggered "interlock" gets squeezed with the car is on it...making it a challenge to separate.
Here's a link to the thread where I built mine....
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...der-ramps.html
After a couple of years, I quit using them for anything except to gain clearance for my jack. I use the ramps to get the car up the air, then run a jack/stands underneath to lift it higher. I've always used the heavy-duty 6-ton style with a notched center shaft.
I also have a "lighter duty" set with pins that I will ONLY use in conjunction with a jack. And, even then reluctantly.
The initial design wasn't quite as stellar as I hoped because latches to hold the two together have been somewhat problematic. And, the staggered "interlock" gets squeezed with the car is on it...making it a challenge to separate.
Here's a link to the thread where I built mine....
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...der-ramps.html
After a couple of years, I quit using them for anything except to gain clearance for my jack. I use the ramps to get the car up the air, then run a jack/stands underneath to lift it higher. I've always used the heavy-duty 6-ton style with a notched center shaft.
I also have a "lighter duty" set with pins that I will ONLY use in conjunction with a jack. And, even then reluctantly.
Last edited by GREGGPENN; 08-17-2016 at 02:19 AM.
#17
if i read your post right you have 4 individual stands. you could chalk the front, jack the back place all 4 at the rear, and feel like u have redundant protection.
#18
working under a car - i'm overly, safety ****. ramps, jack stands, jacks (w/safety locks) and big wooden blocks (my last line of defense). I would not feel comfortable with only jacks and/or jack stands. everyone out there, stay safe -
The following users liked this post:
toddbvanslyke (08-18-2018)
#19
Exactly, you can't.
Agree with the above post about being safe when under a raised vehicle. Many years ago I had a '66 Chrysler partially fall on my chest...God smiled on me that day.
No way I would get under a car that was only sitting on 4 jack stands.
Agree with the above post about being safe when under a raised vehicle. Many years ago I had a '66 Chrysler partially fall on my chest...God smiled on me that day.
No way I would get under a car that was only sitting on 4 jack stands.
Last edited by divotdug; 08-17-2016 at 07:06 AM.
#20
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic