So, I'm trying to slowly get setup to do my own oil changes and I just moved from a condo to a house... so now it's time to look for some stuff that I can do at the house now... What's the best bang for the buck as far as jacks and jack stands go? Also what about ramps? Lastly, anyone got any they want to part with
And don't misconstrue "value" for cheap. I really only want to buy this stuff once... but I know there's a value out there...
Jack Stands and a good jack are your best starting point. Depending on how low your car is, you may not be able to just drive up ramps. With that said, I have a set of Rhino Ramps that I can no longer get up, if you are interested, I would sell cheap. They are ABS plastic, sturdy as all hell, just too step of an incline for me to get up on them. As to bang for the buck, not sure. make sure you get a low profile Jack that can get under a lowered car. As far as Stands go, doesn't really matter. I would just make sure to get 4 matching stands.
Get the Rhino Ramps. I have had a set for years that I have used for my oil changes. They accept lower cars than some (though I guess not all).
If you do end up with ramps, just get a few 2x4's and drive up on them to get on the ramps. That is what I have to do...
Well my car is on RCE Yellows if that tells you how low my car is. I think I prefer jacks and stands only because it seems like it'd be easier to get the car up... meaning I don't want to 1) drive only half of my tire up a ramp and/or 2) go to far up the ramp... I know these seems like newb comments, and really, I kinda am when it comes to doing the work, not on a lift...
Harbor Freight sells a really nice racing jack for $70. There are a couple stores in Metro Atlanta. http://www.harborfreight.com/3000-lb-capacity-lightweight-aluminum-racing-jack-91039.html They have jack stands as well: http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/jack-stands.html
You wont clear those ramps. If I could do it all over again, I would get a set of Race Ramps. They're much improved over Rhino Ramps. Regarding a fluid flush: You ideally want to be on a level surface and ramps like the Rhino ramps just will not cut it. As far as jacks and stands go, I've always been a fan of the Crafstman upper end aluminum jacks and the standard Crafstman stands. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=aluminum+jack The one with the LEDs looks neat
just get a jack and stands. much more versatile. ramps are only good for changing oil. god forbid you need to *gasp* take your wheels off
Ya, that's what I'm gonna do... Harbor Freight + 20% coupon... 3000lbs aluminum jack and 4 jack stands... thanks for the input folks!
If you're too low, you'll end up needing something to get the car up on so you can get the jack under the car too. I'd say jack and stands, then go to a home improvement store and have a 4x6 cut into ramps to drive the car on.
i would recommend a 2ton jack (4000lbs), not a 1.5 ton. Spend the extra cash so you can use it on anything else you may need. American cars are typical of american people...fat. Ask Nicad what happens when you try and lift a fat chick on a 3000lb jack
I have a 20% coupon at Harbor Freight if you need one. I have a 2 ton shop jack, a cheap $50 Aluminum harbor freight racing jack, and ramps. If I am just chaging oil, I use a few 2X4's and my ramps. It is much easier than having to jack up the car. If I am doing anything else, I use one of the jacks and stands.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/SingleMagLanders/americanprofile/images/20_c.jpg Merry Christmas folks I usually bring a handful of them in and either buy each thing seperately or go to the car and come back.
This! You will get out just over a 100 and it is good stuff. I have the 6 ton and didn't look at the jack but I have their orange lo pro jack and paid like 69 on sale and it jacks up to 20.5".
To change my oil I use my ghetto 2x8 ramps that i used to use to level the rv. Quick and easy for oil changes. For real work a jack and some good jack stands are your best bet.
whats the ramp called that raises your lowered cars enough to use a regular jack? I think it's only 2-3inches tall...
I think its a model line done by 'race ramps' IMO it's probably overpriced like their 'full size' ramps, especially compared to my 'stair stepped' 2x10s
while we're on it. what is everyones opinions on best jack stand placement that would work with the 2008+
I believe its the same as the GD's, pinch welds (scary i know) or at least on the front you can also use the actual subframe which is what I do since I got my car with really folded front pinch welds.
I agree, scrap 2x10's work really well and can be combined with standard ramps for extra height very economically Also Sears has a 4 ton floor jack with low profile and high lift that works well on both the STi and the 80 Series and Tacoma; a small block of wood routed out for the pinch weld works very good for the floor jack on the STi
I will say that I ended up purchasing a Harbor Freight 3000lbs jack and it is sufficient... but more is always better. Translated... you do have to crank on the jack with a bit of effort to get the car as high as you need it for jack stands. I have a friend with an obviously more beefy jack and it's nearly effortless... But it's light and easily transportable, so I'm happy with my $59.99 purchase.