Floor Jack and Stands

[SC986]

Time to buy these and I've been looking. What type do you have and what ton are they? I've got a small garage so I'm consdiering the aluminum 1.5 ton racing jack and 3 ton stands. Looks like $117 would do it for both.

[Bobiam]

I agree about the jack....just got one. Super item. Don't know how I lived without one. Re jack stands, it depends on height needed. For wheel and brake work I made a pair from some pieces of 6x6 timber that was going to get scrapped and some piecesof 4x4. Less tippy than a jack stand, resilent surface and FREE.

[SC986]

Sears is putting this one on their two day sale for $19.99 starting Friday.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950524000P?vName=Gifts&keyword=floor+jack

[Bobiam]

I think that you'll find that 5 1/2 inches min height if too high to get under your Boxster. A race jack (light weight alum) will only need around 3 1/2" space, but of course costs more. I didn't pay all that much for mine.... around $80 for 1.5 ton, but your Boxster doesn't need more capacity.

Bob

[racer_d]

Don't go too cheap on weight. You won't want that unsettled feeeling watching your car lower itself onto you

[Sputter]

Originally Posted by SC986

Sears is putting this one on their two day sale for $19.99 starting Friday.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950524000P?vName=Gifts&keyword=floor+jack

This jack i would avoid, the min/max ratio,5 1/2" - 15", is all wrong. . (imho)

Racing jacks start at 3 1/2 to 15" (approx) great for quick jobs, eg tire changes etc.
Make sure you match the jack stands. You don't want to find that you have trouble raising the car off the stands easily. The racing jack is nice but no real weight lift nor height.

I like a 3 1/2 ton 5 1/2" - 22" lift for room with matching 3 1/2 ton, 20" stands.

I use both sets if i need the working height, i use the racing jack to lift the car enough to slide the 5 1/2" under. This way i'm always using the correct lift points.

Overkill maybe but it works for me

[JackG]

Here's a thread with some good info regarding jacks and jackstands...

A good floor jack adapter for pretty cheap.

[szentej]

Some good choices for low profile jacks can be found here:

"http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_89+364+90556"

John

[SC986]

Thanks for the info! I keep wavering on the decision trying to match up capacity, clearance, price.

[brp987]

I dunno...the older I get, the less bs and discomfort I'm willing to tolerate. I used to think floorjacks were cool. Now, I'm thinking of these, but will need to make some ramps for my lowered boxster:

bendpak

which looks suspiciously like this:

harborfreight

[JackG]

Originally Posted by brp987

I dunno...the older I get, the less bs and discomfort I'm willing to tolerate. I used to think floorjacks were cool. Now, I'm thinking of these, but will need to make some ramps for my lowered boxster:

bendpak

which looks suspiciously like this:

harborfreight

Two thoughts:

They may look similar, but without a doubt the Bendpak unit will be the much better quality one.

Those kinds of lifts are only good for wheel/tire/brake work, and some suspension. For a bit more you can get a four post lift with a jack tray, which gives you unlimited access to the underside of the car as well as the plus of being able to stand up underneath it.

That's my next big purchase for my newly-completed shop.

[FTD]

Originally Posted by Bobiam

I agree about the jack....just got one. Super item. Don't know how I lived without one. Re jack stands, it depends on height needed. For wheel and brake work I made a pair from some pieces of 6x6 timber that was going to get scrapped and some piecesof 4x4. Less tippy than a jack stand, resilent surface and FREE.

Do you have photos of your stands? Its time for me to invest in a jack and stands for changing wheels and brake work.

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by JackG

For a bit more you can get a four post lift with a jack tray, which gives you unlimited access to the underside of the car as well as the plus of being able to stand up underneath it.

Where can I get a four post lift?

I want one badly.

[JackG]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Where can I get a four post lift?

I want one badly.

Do a search for "four post lift". You'll get a bunch of hits, with lots of choices.

One of the best, but not the cheapest, is the "Backyard Buddy" brand of lift. That's the one I'll be getting... I consider the extra money spent on it as insurance to keep the 4200 pound 1970 Torino off of my head as I work on it.

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by JackG

Do a search for "four post lift". You'll get a bunch of hits, with lots of choices.

One of the best, but not the cheapest, is the "Backyard Buddy" brand of lift. That's the one I'll be getting... I consider the extra money spent on it as insurance to keep the 4200 pound 1970 Torino off of my head as I work on it.

Damn those looks NICE. Too bad I don't have any room in the garage for one.

[Bobiam]

Originally Posted by FTD

Do you have photos of your stands? Its time for me to invest in a jack and stands for changing wheels and brake work.

For FTD, as requested.........

That is all the jack that you need. From Northern Tool. But you can get the twin piston one (same size) with twice the capacity (if you own a big truck too!) for a bit more.

The jack stands are scrap timber screwed together with decking screws. Yeah...the crudest thing ever posted, but very stable, perfect height for tire removal, and cost me nothing. Rustproof too....LOL.

Bob

[FTD]

Thanks for the pics, Bobiam! Interesting... And practical.

[rick3000]

How tall are those wood stands?
They look more stable than a stand, and a lot cheaper.

[Bobiam]

These are 10" tall. You may want to jack up both the front and back seperately and check if you feel that is enough. I wanted the tires fairly close to the ground to make handling easier when replacing the wheel/tire. If you want to crawl under the car, 10" may not be enough (depending on your appitite...LOL)

Bob

[rick3000]

Thanks!
I might do something like this when I paint my calipers instead of spending $80 on jack stands.