C5 and a Low Profile Jack
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
It depends on several things. Is your car set at stock ride height or has it been lowered ? How low a profile is the jack, it varies a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer. Stock ride height allows most low profile jacks to work with a puck. If the car has been lowered, it's best to take a measurement to the frame and compare it to the height of the jack you are considering and add puck thickness to see if you have enough clearance.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Tx
Here's what I have...
Two weeks ago I was using a "low profile aluminum" racing jack and it let the car down way to fast (could be user error). It then caused a cheap jackstand with the curve in it instead of the rubber flat top to flip sideways and the car shifted over onto a buddies hand
. The jackstand collapsed so he didn't lose any fingers, but it opened my eyes to eating some mod money to get the right tools.
The AC jack is very controllable and I am sure someone can post a pic. Good Luck!
http://www.ac-hydraulic.com/Default....wproduct&id=44
for the jack
http://www.ac-hydraulic.com/Default....wproduct&id=89 for the stands
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
you may still have a problem getting under the car with a low-profile jack - but you can build wood ramps for $15 that will allow almost any jack under the car...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
I bought one of these. It also works great on a four post lift. David 
http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?sku...Detail%20Click
http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?sku...Detail%20Click
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
i used 2x10`s one 24 inches and on top of that another 12 inch piece screwed down, like steps. works like a charm and you don`t need a expensive racing jack. race ramps are nice to have as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have a regular 2 1/2 ton jack that I used on my other cars. I just pull up on a couple 2X10s, and it's good to go.
the money I saved, I bought two more jack stands, creeper, and a 3/8 inch torque wrench.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
There was a post here about jacking up a C5. I took a 2x10 about 24 inches long with a 1x4 placed in front of it against each front tire.I drove the car onto it. Then take two 24 inch 2x4's stacked on top of each other, and put that on the jacking cup of the low profile jack. Align this with the cross member under the engine support, and you are good to go to lift the front end. I got a low profile 3 ton jack with 3 ton jack stands from Pep Boys for $99. The jack goes from 3 1/4 inch to 17 inches. It was still a little tight getting it under the front air dam with 2x10's, but it did work. You may try the wood ramps that are shown here on the forum on another post. Just do a search and I'm sure you'll find it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47246
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91039
I've had the #47246 for about 4 yrs. So far it's been great and flawless. I've heard of others that have the #91039 are just as happy with them.
If you have a current HF mailer, it has a coupon for an additional 15% off.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91039
I've had the #47246 for about 4 yrs. So far it's been great and flawless. I've heard of others that have the #91039 are just as happy with them.
If you have a current HF mailer, it has a coupon for an additional 15% off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
I just bought a nice aluminum jack at Northern Tools. It is probably similar to what is available at Harbor Freight.
It is the lowest I have seen at 3.25". It was $169, but was the nicest, sturdiest of all the 3,000 lb aluminum 'race' jacks I have seen.
My intentions are to use a 3/4" aluminum puck against the frame, within the notches of the rocker panels.
I have only lowered the rear about 1 inch.
It is the lowest I have seen at 3.25". It was $169, but was the nicest, sturdiest of all the 3,000 lb aluminum 'race' jacks I have seen.
My intentions are to use a 3/4" aluminum puck against the frame, within the notches of the rocker panels.
I have only lowered the rear about 1 inch.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Harbor Freight had an aluminum 11/2 ton floor for about the same price as Pep boys.However, Pep Boys had the complete set with a steel( it is heavy) 3 TON jack with stands for about the same price as the aluminum one without jacks. The jack stands HF had were crude and horribly made .I wouldn't put my kids bicycle on them. Also, avoid ALL HF hand and power tools. They are poorly made, and don't work well. I had to return a socket set( my mistake for trying them). A real mechanic wouldn't think of using such crap ,so if you care about your car and the work you do, spend a few bucks more, to get something that works and will last.
By the way, the 3ton jack will also be better if you have a truck or SUV, which you want to work on, so its a better all around tool.
By the way, the 3ton jack will also be better if you have a truck or SUV, which you want to work on, so its a better all around tool.
Last edited by Ralphyboy; Apr 28, 2007 at 11:27 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I just bought an AC Hydraulics 13DLQ jack. It will go under the front of the car, with the rubber lifting pad, and pick up a stock hieght C5 no problem. I also got the 3000-GS1 jack stands that have a 4" diameter rubber pad on top. These parts can be found at asedeals.com or drivewerks.com but they are not cheap. I spent about a grand on the jack and 4 jack stands.
Probably some of the best jacks/stands money can buy!The Harbor Freight and Craftsman jacks might seem like a good deal but, in the long run, you get what you pay for. I went through 3 Craftsman before buying my AC Hydraulics...excellent investment!
