Appropriate size Jack Stands?
 

Hey,

I'm starting to get all my gear collected for the oil change. I plan to get a 3-ton lift that will accommodate the Boxster and my Toyota 4Runner. Now I need a couple Jack Stands. The 4Runner needs 6-ton stands and those have a minimum height in the 15" range. That's a bit higher than the 3-ton types.

My question for you guys is, will a 15" minimum height be a problem when used with the Boxster?

If it will be a problem, what would be an appropriate minimum height be for the jack stands?

I searched this forum for "jack stand" and there is a ton (no pun) of information on them, but I did not see much for size suggestions.

I work alone
 

Most of the time so I am super cautious and safety always. I simply use a set of ramps and back the boxster up on them, scotch the front wheels and set parking brake and go to work....just did it this afternoon. Speaking of Toyota's way back when my 78 FJ40 was running (1979 ~ 2006) I could simply lay under it without anything to lift it...plenty of room to do an oil change.

My harbor freight jack stands, the 3 ton are perfect for the boxster but too short for my FJ. To put them on the highest settings takes multiple lifts as the jack won't lift hugh enough to go to the top setting and the angle is too extreme for comfort anyway. 6 ton HF jackatands, on the lowest setting will kind of fit under the boxster, I use them as backup stands. You can get the min and max heights from HF.

I sometimes do.oil changes by backing down my sloped driveway onto ramps, therefore leveling the car and giving me room, but usually put the car up on 4 jackstands in the garage.

I'll go down tomorrow and make some measurements, I think you could do it with just the 6 ton

Good to meet another FJ Owner
 

Not many of those Iron Beasts left these days

I am about to pull my engine for a rebuild, the head is already off and completely finished. Amazing how much just the head weighs....all I can do to move it by myself....I cant imagine that Chunk O Iron that is the engine block with that giant 4S tranny and transfer case hanging on the back

The 6 ton stands are too tall to start. I lifted my Boxster in stages. First onto a set of 2 ton stands and then raised them a bit at a time until they were at full extension. I then used a set of 6 ton stands. Get both 6 and 2 ton stands. The 2 tons are only about $20.

Where is the best place to put the stands? I always have difficulty deciding where to jack from and where to place the stands. I am about to do a water pump. Thanks.

Putting the Boxster on jackstands used to be a challenge until I got one of these. Now I can do it with ease and best if all it is safe. So easy to adjust height too.

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I don't think you'll be happy with one set of jackstands for both of these cars. If you do it will be a sacrifice when using them in each car.

I suggest to buy your tools as you need them. I would start with a set of Ramps for oil changes.

That's awesome. So you lift it with the bar and then put the stands under it? Where did you get that?

Hello all and thanks for the info.

I'm starting to recognize a pattern with you guys. Every time I ask a question and give you a choice between Option A and Option B....I end up with both!!!

But this has been very helpful as always. I was trying to minimize the gear but maybe that's not a good idea here. Shoot!!

Well... Not exactly a "vintage" iron beast :)

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Yes and adjust your height as needed. Very safe and stable and you lift the car and adjust the height. I bought mine just over a year ago from liftbars.com and I love it.

a cheap,simple alternative -one of which is on casters !:
Wooden Car Stands? Where to buy/ How to make?
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/wood-cribbing-block-diy-for-raising-the-car-in-addition-to-jack-stands/

This is actually a great idea if you need the height of a lift. Very stable. The next problem would be a jack that can lift high enough.

Truth, but that is a gorgeous vehicle

I have had my 1978 FJ40 since 1979 when I purchased it from a dealer that used it as a demonstrator....I was young back them and treated rough for many years....I plan on do9ing a full restoration .......then one day it will be my Grandson's

A "long" floor jack will work - it lifts 2 feet !
Low Profile Floor Jack - 2 Ton, Rapid Pump® Jack
I use 2 at once - pump up both together.Place jack stands. Go around the other side ,rinse and repeat. Or do it front/rear.
But just get a 2 post lift and bypass all this equipment. Wonderful to have comfortable access !

What type of floor jack are you using?

That's a nifty solution. Would that bar touch the bottom of a side skirt when used?

The bar only touches the lift points of the car. I don't think any side skirts will be in the way since the bar is directly below the lift points.

Harbor Freight special. It's low profile and works really well. I have various jacks that I use depending on how high I want to lift.