Re: How to get onto jack stands?
I would suggest drive on ramps and possibly a board to get the tires up without hitting the front bumper as you start up the ramp.
Otherwise you can help by driving up on boards to gain one or two thicknesses elevation and then use the jack to go up. It may be necessary to go up 1/2 the desired height --add a block and go to the other side -- go up slowly to get the jackstand in and then go back to the first side to complete the lifting.
THIS IS A TERRIBLE AND UNSAFE WAY TO GET UNDER THE CAR SO BE AWARE OF THE DANGER. ALWAYS SHAKE THE CAR BEFORE GETTING UNDER THE CAR YOU CANT LIFT IT AND IF YOU SHAKE IT OFF GREAT YOU JUST SAVED YOU LIFE.................
As a car rookie, I used to drive up on to a curb to get under my old 59 Tbird as it was safe and stable. Parking on the curb could get me enough room and you can hang the front or rear over the gutter. Parking parallel allows center access but you have to be off an active street-------things happen....
The jack should be a big one ( floor type) not the 19.95$ style. The use of a thick 1/2 hard rubber cushion on the lift pad will help hold the car without denting / digging into the lift pad on the car with the hydraulic lift pad fingers.
I would not use the jack stands on soft ground or thin plywood or hot paving, the stands drift and lean affecting your ability to breath or get back out from under the car.......
If your jack stands dont cost 40$ or more dont use them as the sheet metal ones are not worth it, they must be welded steel, check Craigs list and get good ones, be safe.
Jack stands are almost as dangerous as a " Come -Along " cable puller, I dont use either anymore. The drive up ramps are a bit safer.
iF YOU RAISE THE WHOLE CAR, TURN THE REAR DRIVE ON RAMPS BACKWARDS SO THE THE CAR WANTS TO ROLL FRONT ON THE BACKONES AND BACK ON THE FRONT TIRES - - -LOCKING THE CAR. I SAY THIS FROM PAST EXPERIENCE, DONT GET COCKY BE SAFE NUFF SAID.
ON A 'HIGH', WOODY
Last edited by waldig; Dec 4, 2008 at 01:20 PM.