Jack Stand Question

spearfish25 · 07-26-2009, 09:28 AM

At this point, I would recommend ramps over jack/jackstands unless you're going 'all in' on a top notch jack that will get you 20+ inches off the ground. My jack only goes to 14.25 and I can only get the jackstands in at close to their lowest setting. I'm able to change the oil, but everything is still in my face.

GMZ · 07-26-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

At this point, I would recommend ramps over jack/jackstands unless you're going 'all in' on a top notch jack that will get you 20+ inches off the ground. My jack only goes to 14.25 and I can only get the jackstands in at close to their lowest setting. I'm able to change the oil, but everything is still in my face.

Ive been looking at jacks and found this one @ Northern Tool

Min lift height 3.5 in
Max lift height 21.375 in

My garage is really cramped right now and I have a gravel driveway so it looks like Im going to have to half *** it for a while.

CBRich · 07-26-2009, 11:08 AM

I've got a low profile jack by Craftsman and the rear and sides are fine but the front is not even close.

kannibul · 07-26-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRich

I've got a low profile jack by Craftsman and the rear and sides are fine but the front is not even close.

Good to know, and looking at the pics of it on Sears' website, I thought what you posted...

So much for sub-$100 for a jack that would work - lol...

I'll use ramps. If I need to pull a wheel (brakes, etc) I can go up on the ramp, then use my jack to lift it off the ramp(s), yank the ramp(s), and put jackstands under it.

I just gotta buy some...

Anyone got the ramps from Griot's Garage?
Low Profile Ramps with Extension Kit - Jacks & Stands - In Your Garage - Griot's Garage

37Z · 07-26-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

Good to know, and looking at the pics of it on Sears' website, I thought what you posted...

So much for sub-$100 for a jack that would work - lol...

I'll use ramps. If I need to pull a wheel (brakes, etc) I can go up on the ramp, then use my jack to lift it off the ramp(s), yank the ramp(s), and put jackstands under it.

I just gotta buy some...

Anyone got the ramps from Griot's Garage?
Low Profile Ramps with Extension Kit - Jacks & Stands - In Your Garage - Griot's Garage

I did, but haven't tried using the ramps with the 370Z yet (2K mileage). If your garage floor is painted, the ramps will slide unless you add a rubber mat under them.

Typically, in my 350Z I just reached back from the front of the car to r&r the oil filter, oil drain plug. I have floor jacks (3-ton) & floor creeper as well and have used them numeous times over the years; however, the height is limited to lying on you back.

I can't wait for my 4 car garage addition and my 2-post car lift to be finished!

Mergnthwirker · 07-27-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

Good to know, and looking at the pics of it on Sears' website, I thought what you posted...

So much for sub-$100 for a jack that would work - lol...

I'll use ramps. If I need to pull a wheel (brakes, etc) I can go up on the ramp, then use my jack to lift it off the ramp(s), yank the ramp(s), and put jackstands under it.

I just gotta buy some...

Anyone got the ramps from Griot's Garage?
Low Profile Ramps with Extension Kit - Jacks & Stands - In Your Garage - Griot's Garage

I have a set of those. I'm not totally thrilled with them. The bump stops at the end are not big enough so it is possible to drive off the end of them (I think, haven't done it myself). And they are narrower than our tires, so lining them up is a bit of a chore single-handed.

Just my $.02

kannibul · 08-10-2009, 06:02 PM

Well, I gave those ramps a go, and, not what I was expecting. They did the job, and, you CAN get them to line up, just the chin spoiler still catches (and mine became dislodged on exit) - I had about 1/5th the drivers side tire off the ramp, but it was solid.

Skid across the floor enough to where I just used the lip for my garage floor to hold them in place, while my wife adjusted them to get them lined up.

By that time the oil was piping hot (to skin) (150-160), and I let it sit for a bit...but not long enough - lol...

cab83_750 · 08-10-2009, 07:05 PM

Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY Sears jacks.

kannibul · 08-10-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cab83_750

Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY Sears jacks.

I have a sears jack, it's been good thus far (several years and a number of uses)

Still, I make sure the jack isn't the sole point of failure. Anyone that does....well, fill in the blank!

6MT · 08-10-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

So I've decided to do my own oil changes and perhaps tackle some bolt-ons in the future. I bought two pairs of jack stands to get the car off the ground. Then while unpacking them, I see the label on the stands which says "should be used in pairs on ONE END OF THE VEHICLE ONLY. Should not be used on both ends together."

WTF? I was hoping I could get the car off the ground and level to empty the oil pan more thoroughly. Do you guys put jack stands on all four corners or just a pair in the front?

On a side note, it's a little creepy crawling under the jacked up car...lots of creaks and groans when it was going up. Boy would it suck if it came back down when I was under it...

Jack stands...NO, Ramps...YES

spearfish25 · 08-10-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT

Jack stands...NO, Ramps...YES

Huh? Are you saying no to using 4 jack stands. A number of people have already said they DO use 4 stands and get the whole car off the ground...

6MT · 08-10-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Huh? Are you saying no to using 4 jack stands. A number of people have already said they DO use 4 stands and get the whole car off the ground...

If you read the original question, you'll see that the poster wanted to do an oil change. You only need to raise the front of the car to do this, not all 4 corners. You see, the engine is in the front.

spearfish25 · 08-10-2009, 09:34 PM

I was the OP. I was asking about the 4 corner jack stands as having the car level may empty the oil pan better than if it's angled due to lifting the front only.

Forrest · 08-10-2009, 11:51 PM

i was just going to ask this question today and this is whats holding me back.

I too wanted to use 4 jackstands, the low profile jack didnt even cross my brain.

m4a1mustang · 08-10-2009, 11:54 PM

If you drive the front wheels up onto a wood board or two you probably could get it up just enough to get the jack underneath. Just make sure to put them back below the wheels when you lower the car...

08-10-2009, 11:54 PM	#45 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	If you drive the front wheels up onto a wood board or two you probably could get it up just enough to get the jack underneath. Just make sure to put them back below the wheels when you lower the car... mayday813 likes this. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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07-26-2009, 09:28 AM	#31 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	At this point, I would recommend ramps over jack/jackstands unless you're going 'all in' on a top notch jack that will get you 20+ inches off the ground. My jack only goes to 14.25 and I can only get the jackstands in at close to their lowest setting. I'm able to change the oil, but everything is still in my face.

07-26-2009, 11:08 AM	#33 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	I've got a low profile jack by Craftsman and the rear and sides are fine but the front is not even close.

08-10-2009, 06:02 PM	#37 (permalink)
kannibul A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 2,281 Drives: 370z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 267	Well, I gave those ramps a go, and, not what I was expecting. They did the job, and, you CAN get them to line up, just the chin spoiler still catches (and mine became dislodged on exit) - I had about 1/5th the drivers side tire off the ramp, but it was solid. Skid across the floor enough to where I just used the lip for my garage floor to hold them in place, while my wife adjusted them to get them lined up. By that time the oil was piping hot (to skin) (150-160), and I let it sit for a bit...but not long enough - lol...

08-10-2009, 07:05 PM	#38 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY Sears jacks.

08-10-2009, 09:34 PM	#43 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	I was the OP. I was asking about the 4 corner jack stands as having the car level may empty the oil pan better than if it's angled due to lifting the front only.

08-10-2009, 11:51 PM	#44 (permalink)
Forrest Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: california 707! Posts: 677 Drives: 09 370z Blk 6mt sprt Rep Power: 258	i was just going to ask this question today and this is whats holding me back. I too wanted to use 4 jackstands, the low profile jack didnt even cross my brain.