Are you comfortable working under two jack stands? 4 stands?

[Samplemaven]

Get the car up on the jack stands, then put both hands on the fender and push. HARD. Push push push. If you jacked it up right, it's not going anywhere. That's a confidence builder.

After following the advice on this forum, I will have plenty of confidence once I jump under that car!

Thanks to all...I appreciate the help.

[Anschauer]

How long will it be up?

If it's a long time go get 2 4 x 4's from the lumber yard and raise the car to sit on them supported on jack stands outside the car leaving a foot or so outboard each jackstand. Use heavy duty stands.

The car has to be level - this is important.

Then you can use your hyd jack as a safety backup next to you and also for raising lowering whatever you want[/b]

[Samplemaven]

How long will it be up?

If it's a long time go get 2 4 x 4's from the lumber yard and raise the car to sit on them supported on jack stands outside the car leaving a foot or so outboard each jackstand. Use heavy duty stands.

The car has to be level - this is important.

Then you can use your hyd jack as a safety backup next to you and also for raising lowering whatever you want[/b]

Are you saying one 2 x 4 on each end of the car, or a double 2 x 4 (or 4 x 4) on each end of the car?

Thanks,

[jonny]

Hello, my name is Jenga jonny, and I'm a blockaholic!

[Samplemaven]

I'd say Jenga Jonny would thnk my concerns about working under the car with jack stands are bordering on being paranoid.

By the way...are you a "crack" dealer?

Thanks for your input.

[peteinjp]

I say as long as you do not get under the car with jonny you'll be safe enough....

[jrkoupe]

dont let parts dangle dangerously...........oh wait...those are his.....his..........forget it.

[Napes]

No. I'm not "comfortable" working under my car with either 2 or 4 jackstands, but I'm 71 yrs. old and laying on the concrete while working over my head with somewhat limited clearance (guess I'll have to try Jonny's methods) is just not all that comfy. But I do make sure it's safe under there and, like others above, I also put the floor jack somewhere as an added safety support and have my cell close at hand.

Bob Napier

[new2da02]

i put on the 4 jack stands AND throw the 4 wheels/tires under there also...if it does fall the wheels/tires will hold the car.

[robspeed]

imo there is no reason to be concerned. I always do the "shove test", and i mean REALLY trying to knock the car over. if that doesnt do it, why would normal wrenching take it down? I have *never* heard of a jackstand just randomly failing. Assuming you arent using rusty ones, i wouldnt worry about it. on the slope you are working on, it is easy to adjust one side a bit lower to even things out. The only thing I would worry about is a freak earthquake (not sure where you live) or perhaps a wayward airplane engine falling out of the sky....

[TobyB]

My version is a set of stands with clips on the top.

The rears have a short bit of pipe welded on to capture the

bolt for the rear subframe mount,

and the front have a wide C- clip to catch the front frame rails.

Then a few shims to make sure all 4 have weight, a good shove to make sure

everything's stable, and a quick check to make sure Jonny's not around.

Then you're good to go!

You get used to it.

t

[shipm_8]

Jenga Jonny brings up a good point, even if indirectly: when under the car be careful of anything that could snag. Safety first!

I have been using Blitz' Rhino Ramps for things that do not require much clearance. Advertised at 8000lbs capacity, I am comfortable with them holding the car while I am down there. They go for about 50 a pair, but you can find them for as little as 30 a pair. They are light too. I just redid my pedal box using those to lift the car, and I am no ballerina.

For jack stands, I used a no-name set of obscure origin for awhile, until it occurred to me that I was trusting my safety to unvetted strangers. So, I ended up getting Esco jack stands, which are apparently the same as AC stands rated at 6600lbs each. Esco/AC stands have a bit of a cult status in some quarters. Esco stands are expensive, going for as much as 90 a copy. Automotive Service Equipment (no relation), http://www.asedeals.com/ had the the best price, shipped, when I looked, $78. The tops are padded.

Of course, the object of car lifting desire is what John mentioned, the ezcarlift. I wonder if they'd offer a discount for a group buy?

William

[John_in_VA]

...Of course, the object of car lifting desire is what John mentioned, the ezcarlift. I wonder if they'd offer a discount for a group buy?

William

There have been group buys on other forums.

[jgerock]

No matter what kind of car I've worked on, I always try to keep the jack under the car with some pressure on it just in case. I try to rock the car before I get under it. Putting the pulled wheel/tire combo or just some spares under the framerails or rockers is a good idea if you can do it and have access.

Let your spouse/S.O. know you are working in the garage.

Have your cellphone close by just in case.

[jonny]

imo there is no reason to be concerned. I always do the "shove test", and i mean REALLY trying to knock the car over. if that doesnt do it, why would normal wrenching take it down? .

I always give it the "shove test". And I rock the hell out of it.

I don't like extending the jackstands all the way out...make's 'em shaky! Therefore, keepnig the jackstand retracted and blocking up is safer (IMO). This is only for major overhauls though...not simple things like brake jobs,etc.

I also keep a floor jack or 2 in place when possible. Floor jacks can "settle" or 'relax"..one of mine does. My old 1929 mechanical Walker Roll-A- Car does not settle whatsoever, though (it's a HEAVY BEAST AND 4' LONG)....seen here under the rear of this e28: