Question about ramps... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

bmx672 · 03-17-2009, 04:44 AM

I'm wanting to buy a set for oil changes... my brother-in-law brought up a good question. Is the Boxster too low to ride up on ramps without hitting the bumper? I have a slight incline on my drive which would help, but I'm not always going to put it on ramps in the drive. I'd like to do it in the garage as well for other things.
Anyway, if anyone has any info in this area I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

Frodo · 03-17-2009, 05:07 AM

That's a good question with regard to store-bought ramps---one that I don't have an answer to. (I'm sure you'll get responses from those that do.) If you have any extra lumber laying around (or want to buy some), you can do what I did: I made ramps using 2 X 8 planks. (I did this a long time ago, for my Toyota---If I was doing it now, I'd use 2 X 10s.) You can choose the lengths so as to make a gradual "climb" so that everything on the Box will clear.

As you may have noticed, I later added little pieces of 1 X 8 to make ascending the ramps a little easier. (It worked pretty well without them, as well.)

eightsandaces · 03-17-2009, 05:09 AM

For oil changes?? I'd get a good quality floor jack and a set of stands, I think these tools are superior to ramps.

kabel · 03-17-2009, 05:36 AM

getting the rear of the boxster up on ramps (lets say for an oil change) is not a problem, plenty of clearance even if your car is lowered. Now getting the front up on ramps (can't think of too many reasons you might do that), depending on the ramp and if your car is lowered you may have clearance issues.

Frodo · 03-17-2009, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

For oil changes?? I'd get a good quality floor jack and a set of stands, I think these tools are superior to ramps.

For a lot of jobs, I'd agree with you on that. But for oil changes, I can have the job well under way by the time you get your car jacked up and onto stands. The pictured ramps are really easy, quick, and secure.

Two other points: When I do my oil changes, I drive UP the sloped driveway, then back onto the ramps. That way, the car is level when I go to drain oil. Secondly, with my setup with the 2 X 8s, the climb is gradual enough that it works well (ie clears everything) in front as well.

sd_boxster · 03-17-2009, 06:10 AM

I bought a set of plastic (8000lb) ramps at AutoZone for (I think) $39. My Boxster backed up onto the ramps with absolutely no trouble, and the ramps were high enough for me to get the headers off and back on.

cas951 · 03-17-2009, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frodo

For a lot of jobs, I'd agree with you on that. But for oil changes, I can have the job well under way by the time you get your car jacked up and onto stands. The pictured ramps are really easy, quick, and secure.

Two other points: When I do my oil changes, I drive UP the sloped driveway, then back onto the ramps. That way, the car is level when I go to drain oil. Secondly, with my setup with the 2 X 8s, the climb is gradual enough that it works well (ie clears everything) in front as well.

+1. Ramp is a lot easier and faster.

FTD · 03-17-2009, 06:34 AM

Same for me... I've used ramps for years and years and they work great for the Boxster oil change. Much quicker than jacking the car and positioning stands. I also back onto a slope so that the car is level when it is ramped. Very slick.

heyjae · 03-17-2009, 06:50 AM

+1 for ramps. No problem getting the rear up on ramps even with my lowered car. In addition to everything the others have said, they feel safer when I'm under the car versus jack stands. Also good for adjusting suspension while it is under load.

Lil bastard · 03-17-2009, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

For oil changes?? I'd get a good quality floor jack and a set of stands, I think these tools are superior to ramps.

+1... and you're eventually gonna need them anyway.

Lil bastard · 03-17-2009, 07:00 AM

For my oil changes, I jack the car up one one side in the rear, place a jackstand under a the alternate hard point, scoot under the car, loosen the drain plug w/ pan in position, and then lower the car back down to level.

After 30 min., I raise the car, replace the drain plug, do the filter swap and lower the car a final time before filling w/ new oil. 45min max. (incl. 30 min drain time).

eightsandaces · 03-17-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

+1... and you're eventually gonna need them anyway.

LOL @ a jack taking too long, you guys doing pit stops or oil changes? I bought an all aluminum lightweight floor jack and it's paid for itself many times.

Frodo · 03-17-2009, 03:09 PM

Hey, why work harder and take longer than you need to? I have the jack and stands, but don't bother with them for a simple oil change.

No, I'm not running a pit stop, but I see no point in knowingly making a task any harder (or more time-consuming) than necessary. But that's just me...

eightsandaces · 03-17-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frodo

Hey, why work harder and take longer than you need to? I have the jack and stands, but don't bother with them for a simple oil change.

No, I'm not running a pit stop, but I see no point in knowingly making a task any harder (or more time-consuming) than necessary. But that's just me...

I meant no insult to you, sorry if you thought I did. My thought is, align ramps, maneuver car onto ramps = get jack under the back jacking plate, raise car, place safety stand and jump in...

Frodo · 03-17-2009, 03:20 PM

Hey, no offense taken. You're right, it's really pretty much a toss-up when you get right down to it.

bmx672 · 03-18-2009, 04:56 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys! Looks like I'll be heading out this weekend to buy some ramps! I just didn't want to go and then find that they didn't work... looks like it should work out fine!
Thanks.

70Sixter · 03-18-2009, 12:45 PM

Like Frodo I have used 2x10s (but not as nice as his), and I have used trailer ramps (not with the trailer). The ramps were not as good as I had thought. Backing off scared me.

You really don't need much lift as long as you are willing to lie on your back and reach a bit. I believe Pelican Parts had the "no-lift" instructions.

My metal ramps are too steep, by the way. Are you guys voting for ramps using those low composite-type ramps (Elephant maybe?)??

FTD · 03-19-2009, 06:04 AM

Mine are made of resin or whatever that is. They are 10 or 15 years old and still sturdy/durable. I made a point of getting a low incline. I suppose if your driveway has a slope to it, it will determine the incline you want, but if ramping in the garage, the low incline was necessary for both of my cars.

gunmetalgrey · 10-11-2009, 09:54 AM

I used to have my wife hold the car up (amazing woman), but now I use ramps and jacks like lil bastard. Easy, fast and most important, safe. I had a jack blow on me years ago, and nearly got squished.

der Geist · 10-11-2009, 04:38 PM

Personally, I think you gotta be crazy to get under a car that is on a slope. Level with wheels blocked is the only safe way to go. I would suggest Lil' Bastards method or a jack and good stands. I use ramps and jackstands myself. I can't see risking my life to save 15 minutes on an oil change.

Just my opinion.