Question About Jack Stands (1 Viewer)

[Tachycardic]

I received a pair of Sunex steel 3 ton jack stands (model 1003A) as a gift, but I am unclear as to their true rating. Is each jack stand capable of supporting 3 tons, or is it 3 tons for both? I don't have a hydraulic jack, so I would have to lift one corner at a time with a bottle jack. Thanks.

 

[ZackR]

I received a pair of Sunex steel 3 ton jack stands (model 1003A) as a gift, but I am unclear as to their true rating. Is each jack stand capable of supporting 3 tons, or is it 3 tons for both? I don't have a hydraulic jack, so I would have to lift one corner at a time with a bottle jack. Thanks.

Jack stands are usually rated in pairs, so for these its 3 tons per pair. Lifting one corner at a time with the bottle jack and then placing a jack stand is perfectly acceptable.

 

[bhsdriller]

Pretty sure the rating is as a pair with that's how they're commonly sold.
So each can do 1.5 tons

 

[rockstate45]

What the other guys have said.
Also, please go get some quality 6 ton jack stands and do your diligence on how to properly set these up. Using these the right way could mean the difference between life or death.

 

[nukegoat]

What the other guys have said.
Also, please go get some quality 6 ton jack stands and do your diligence on how to properly set these up. Using these the right way could mean the difference between life or death.

Word

I have two pairs of 12 ton stands for supporting the vehicle itself if I do suspension work. Then a pair of 6 ton stands for supporting the axle to remove a tire etc.

3 ton stands are only for supporting the axle when off the rig or unloaded (like when the frame is supported by the 12 ton stand and I need to droop out the axle to remove a coilovers)

 

[Tachycardic]

Okay, so it sounds like the 3 ton jack stands are not the way to go. I'm just doing fluid changes and swapping out the old suspension for new coils and dampers. It appears that I need at least 6 ton jack stands this this type of work?

 

[ZackR]

Most fluid changes won't require you to jack it up at all. I use Rhino ramps when I'm working under the engine but not removing the tires (maybe safer, but its just more convenient for me).

 

[Tachycardic]

Do you use the normal Rhino ramps, or the heavy duty ones? Thinking about buying a pair, but have heard some horror stories, and seen pics on Amazon, about them failing.

 

[LINUS]

Word

I have two pairs of 12 ton stands for supporting the vehicle itself if I do suspension work. Then a pair of 6 ton stands for supporting the axle to remove a tire etc.

3 ton stands are only for supporting the axle when off the rig or unloaded (like when the frame is supported by the 12 ton stand and I need to droop out the axle to remove a coilovers)

100% agree.

Buy like you plan to support a Abrams tank - I was very young and never met the guy, but I had a 2nd cousin who died when his vehicle slipped from the supports & he suffocated with the car on him.

It was circa 1977 as I was roughly 5yo, but ever since I overkill on jackstands like a M-F’er.

And no HF / Pittsburgh branded ones, ever - that recall banner is still scrolling for me time to time on this forum.

 

[ZackR]

Do you use the normal Rhino ramps, or the heavy duty ones? Thinking about buying a pair, but have heard some horror stories, and seen pics on Amazon, about them failing.

Mine are the normal ones. I wouldn't necessarily "recommend" them for the cruiser but I had them and they worked fine. I also store/use them in a garage on a hard flat concrete floor, out of the sunlight, not soaked in chemicals, etc.... so I'm confident they haven't been abused. Just saw the amazon reviews, I might rethink my approach...