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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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
^ This is exactly what I do too. My Harbor Freight stands are not the finest tools ever created, but they are not rickety either. They have always worked fine, plus they are rated 3 tons each, plus I use one on each corner of the car. Plus the floor jack locked but not under load. Plus at least 2 wheels laid on their side, underneath the car next to me. So I don't worry. There is a slight inconvenience when the wheels get in my way as I'm working underneath the car... small price to pay for confidence knowing that turning wrenches is not going to kill me.
I made some just like that when I first got my C6. What a couple of heavy, space taking, PITA's. I turned 'em into firewood. How do you do wheel/tire/brake/suspension work w/those things?
I made some just like that when I first got my C6. What a couple of heavy, space taking, PITA's. I turned 'em into firewood. How do you do wheel/tire/brake/suspension work w/those things?
Same as you work on those items when using any ramps....except most ramps won't handle a Corvette or a 3rd/4th gen f-body.
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.
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.
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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.
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; Aug 17, 2016 at 02:19 AM.
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.
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 -
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; Aug 17, 2016 at 07:06 AM.
jack stand question - opinions
