Hi!

I'm new to the forum and the whole DIY scene. I've read through some DIY threads (which are awesome! ) and that motivated me to try it as well. I am interested in doing oil changes, car fluid (transmission and brake fluids especially) changes, and possibly do more as I get more comfortable.

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some recommendations on jack and jack stands. I'm a little skeptical about ramps because it's made of plastic and I want to keep my risk low of potential death.

Thanks!

P.S. - Do you really need to use two pairs of jack stands to drain the transmissions fluid? Would you be able to just use two? If not, could someone please tell me how to do this (a "For Dummies" version would be greatly appreciated!)?

 

Unless you need to remove the wheels (like for brakes), I would just get the ramps. They are perfectly fine. I have Rhino Ramps that I paid $30 for and have used them for the last 5 or 6 years. NEVER had a single issue with them, they work great.

Using a jack and stands is a pain in the ass for oil changes, it's much eaiser to just drive up the ramps. I only use the jack and stands if one or more of the wheels needs to come off.

 

You need a jack with a total lift height approaching 20". Otherwise you won't be able to lift the rear end far enough to get the jack stands in with the tires off the ground.

You need stands rated for AT LEAST 2 1/4 ton (thats the rating for the PAIR).

More threads to read:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=Jack+Stand

 

If you're going to use a jack + jack stands...you DO need 2 pairs to do any of the fluid changes underneath the car. How else can you make the car level?

As for what kind, Bearcat has given you a couple of links to look at.

 

Thanks!

When the car is on four jack stands, it wouldn't move when I try to unscrew stuff underneath the car? Is there anything to back up the jack stands if one of them failed?

 

The wheels will be in the air, and as long as you are on a level, hard surface, you'll be fine.

 

I usually leave the jack in place and just to the point of taking on load. It's not lifting, the jack stands are fully loaded, but the jack is there just in case.

 

I do that as well. I lower the vehicle on the jackstands and then I let the jack go down a little bit and jack it back up so that it has very little load on the jack.
Sometimes I use wood if I can't find a jackstand.

I see some people use there wheels as a safety precaution.

 

Thank you very much for all of the info!

 

Personally, i would only use jack stands not the ramp. Just in case spend a few extra bucks on a decent brand.

 

I got my jack, stands, and creeper for >$100.