ramp, jack stands or? (1 Viewer)

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And this is just from the first page of searching "Harbor Freight Jack Stand Fail". 3rd one down is right here from MUD. I'm sure that 99.9% of the HF models will never fail. But do you really want to be the 0.1% just to save $30?

Torrin jack stands are made in China also. But having owned both there's a definite quality difference. And regardless of brand, going 2x or 3x the load rating buys you something. Not to mention the importance of having redundant supporting methods. I always back up the stands with both wheels under the frame and a 3-ton floor jack lightly loaded on the closest cross member. Or if just one axle is up I'll use a 3rd or 4th stand adjusted right at or slightly below another hard point as a safety catch.

Jack stand accident while under a Porsche.... - Page 3 - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

Planetisuzoo.com • View topic - Harbor Freight Jack Stands

https://forum.ih8mud.com/chit-chat-section/307482-harbor-freight-jack-stands-safety-warning.html

jackstand failure! - Ford Ranger Forum
 
If you'll read what you posted the only two that actually have pictures BOTH used 3 ton stands which are grossly underrated for what they were working on. Numerous posters point this out as well. Is that a failure of the jack stand or the user? The other two have a vague post about "fail!" and then no more information whatsoever.
 
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What does an untraditional ramp look like?

You do realize that the wheels are still attached to the car when you use a ramp.... right? If the ramp failed the car would be..................................still on it's wheels. :D

You don't have to answer this I just thought it was funny as hell.
See? There ya go pointing out the fallacies of our personal beliefs again! :lol::lol::lol: You're right, of course. By "traditional" I meant the stamped metal ones. Maybe I'll drag 'em out...



but probably not.
 
Has anyone tried Powerbuilt 3T Jack Stand Bottle jack combos? They're $30 at tractor supply. Powerbuilt® 3 Ton Jack & Jack Stand - 1160455 | Tractor Supply Company

Normally 3 ton jack stands would be barely enough to hold the cruiser. But normally jack stands are rated as a pair right? So a pair of 3 Ton stands can hold 1.5 tons each, right?

The powerbuilt is sold as a single stand. Does this mean that each one can hold 3 Tons? Meaning 2 of them can support 6 tons total?

Actually now that I think about it when you use 2 jack stands, half of the weight of the cruiser is still going to the 2 tires touching the ground. So if you used 4 3T jack stands, they could theoretically hold 6 Tons.
 
Has anyone tried Powerbuilt 3T Jack Stand Bottle jack combos? They're $30 at tractor supply. Powerbuilt® 3 Ton Jack & Jack Stand - 1160455 | Tractor Supply Company

Normally 3 ton jack stands would be barely enough to hold the cruiser. But normally jack stands are rated as a pair right? So a pair of 3 Ton stands can hold 1.5 tons each, right?

The powerbuilt is sold as a single stand. Does this mean that each one can hold 3 Tons? Meaning 2 of them can support 6 tons total?

Actually now that I think about it when you use 2 jack stands, half of the weight of the cruiser is still going to the 2 tires touching the ground. So if you used 4 3T jack stands, they could theoretically hold 6 Tons.

Jack stands are typically rated in pairs, not singles.

I'd be careful with the math. Just because two tires are touching doesn't mean that there's 50% of the weight on the ground. When doing front end work, I put the JS as far forward on the frame rails as possible. But when the weight comes off the jack the rear lifts up as all the mass ahead of the stands seeks to find its balance. It's the proverbial see-saw with the stands acting as the fulcrum. Worst case, the pair could be taking almost the full load of the vehicle. A 6-ton (12,000 lbs) pair should be able to adequately handle the LC's 6,000 empty weight. Further a single 6-ton stand should be able to handle the entire load.... but I wouldn't suggest taking it to the limit. I'm sure there engineering has a 1.x safety factor, but this isn't a venue where you want to be a test pilot.

Also keep in mind that there will be some degree of lateral load on the stand. Higher capacity stands have wider bases for greater stability.
 
Newps said:
I have not tried an oil change post lift and tires, I will still use them though. I think the poster’s rig is stock so he will definitely need them. Also if you want to do the Home Depot bucket oil change you will need the ramps. Just make sure you get the right ones. You want the black plastic Blitz Rhino Ramps.

Amazon.com: Blitz Rhino Ramp 8000: Automotive

<img src="https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=567672"/>

I use the same ones. Fifty bucks at autozone
 
Well... looks like I should probably stop trusting my life to my Powerbuilt 4T stands.
 
I built these using 2 x 10's.

They are heavy so I added wheels to the ends so I can wheel them around and they store standing up on end. They are not super high but plenty high enough to lay on your side with your head propped on your hand while you ponder what to do next to the underside of your rig.
My driveway is slanted so I made one set higher than the other so the truck sits level for diff. and transfer case fluid changes.
I was a little leary of hollowed plastic and welded steel ramps. There is nothing to fail with these. I feel totally safe under the truck.
I have painted them gray since I took these pictures so now they are not so obtrusive standing in the garage.
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I see someone mentioned using ramps for oil change. Does that help drain old oil completely?
Somewhere I heard that raising up the engine side of the Hundy (by either using ramps or jack/jack stands) can actually help better emptying the old oil in pan and is thus preferred. But in most other places I read/heard all cars/trucks (including the Hundy I suppose) have to be on perfectly flat surface to drain completely. Do you have experience/comparison with both methods?
 
I have not tried an oil change post lift and tires, I will still use them though. I think the poster’s rig is stock so he will definitely need them. Also if you want to do the Home Depot bucket oil change you will need the ramps. Just make sure you get the right ones. You want the black plastic Blitz Rhino Ramps.

Amazon.com: Blitz Rhino Ramp 8000: Automotive

View attachment 567672
View attachment 567672

No chance in hell I am getting under a set of plastic ramps


No
Not
Never
 
These same racks have been in service since the day I bought them. I service 5 cars for the family, everything from a Ford Transit to a Lexus NX.
 
12-ton double-locking jackstands. These trucks are heavy. Ramps aren't really needed because of the high clearance (for normal maintenance, I just slide under). The only time you need the stands is when the wheels are off and then ramps wouldn't work anyway. Keep in mind, jack stands are rated in pairs with vertical load. Get at least 2 pair. I like having a 5th around for safety if I'm trusting my life to them. Or at least creating survival space with putting the removed tire under the rail (in addition to the stand).

Amazon.com: Torin Double-Locking Ratchet Action Jack Stands - 12-Ton Capacity, Model# T12002A: Everything Else

I’ll second the 12-T because I found a nice feature is they go so tall if needed you can support the front end in front of the wheels before the frame secures the front bumper, gotta be careful when placing them but it’s a great way to raise and support the front and not have them in the way behind the front wheels on the frame.

This gives me more room to move if that makes sense.
 

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