OK I admit it I'm a wimp when it comes to crawling under a car with jack stands. HELP

[dr]

I have to admit I hate the idea of crawling under a car face up as it is supported by jack stands. Hell I go caving every year in PA and slide through some pretty tight stuff with a mountain of rock over head and don't think twice about it.
A friend made me four jack stands that could hold up a train but the base seems too narrow. The stands are 16” high the base is 9.5” x 8”.
What do you suggest?
I cannot afford a lift.
Any wooden block ideas or other methods used please post. I want to build something so safe Monk and Niles would feel safe under the car.

[dr]

picture 2

[70purplerag]

I use the 10,000 lb polyethelene ramps from autozone for most stuff. pretty secure feeling that way...

Kevin

[dr]

I will probably do something like that also. In this case I need to change the rearend so the wheels need to be free and hanging.
Thanks keep the ideas coming in!!!!!!

[txgwildcat]

My least favorite thing to do in life is being pinned underneath a car. Quality ramps with a truss support on a flat slab of concrete seems safest to me. Those ones look like they would be prone to tip over?

[dr]

Thanks
I agree my stands just do not seem safe to me. Not sure what to do. Get new stands, try to modify the stands pictured or build some monster supports from wood. Ramps will not work for my situation (changing rearend)

[GS1]

Those stands look strong enough but I would agree with the concern about the narrow base and I would notvwant to put those on the rear axle directly without a cupped craddle on the top. Can you modify the base by welding a larger base plate of substantial thickness (1/2")? I would suggest purchasing 2 or 4 new jack stands that are rated for 3 or more tons. may cost you $40 plus dollars but seems worth the expense for your safety. I would also suggest having the car level - seems more stable that way so car ramps on the front and jack stands on the rear or four jack stands which is what I am doing right now seems safer.

[Tufbuick]

Ported & Polished Stands anyone????????????? :Dou: :Do No: :Dou: :Do No: :Dou: :Do No: :Dou: :Do No: :Dou:

[flynbuick]

You can buy a 4 post lift delivered unassembled for about $2300.00, including most acc.

[Steve Craig]

Drill some holes in the bases & install 1/2" recessed concrete
anchors in the floor. This will keep the bases from kicking out.
Looks like the strength of the base itself is not an issue.
When done, unbolt from the floor. Anchors are there for next time.
Hammer drills are available at most rental centres.

[Murphy]

A good quality set of jack stands aren't too expensive, just don't go with the light duty ones. Always go with a heavier set than you need. I have 2 sets of jack stands. I have had the stands under all 4 corners of my car at once, and it doesn't move. I always check it first before I get under it too. After you have it on the stands, grab the car and give a couple of tugs and pushes. Not really hard either way, but enough to see how it sits. If it wobbles too much, the stands aren't sitting square on the ground. Then you need to re-position them to sit better. You will be amazed what they will hold if used right.
Dan :3gears:

[dr]

Thanks guys
Steve I have thought about drilling the floor and screwing them down as you suggest.
Plus I thought about welding on a larger base.
Is that guy really using heads to support the car?
I might go to harbor freight and get some truck stands for the rear frame and ramps for the front end.

[BF2KNIGHT]

When working under my car I use 4-3 ton jack stands...bought them at my local farm/fleet store for about $30.00 a pair. The car is rock solid. I also use these same stands for winter storage to relax the suspension and take the pressure off the tires. I do the same thing with our pop-up camper for winter storage.

[Leviathan]

Buy 4 good solid stnaad and use your current ones as backups. If one gives out the other won't.

Safest way...

[mlh48]

Good, heavy duty 3 ton floor stands have served me well in the past. You need to be on a smooth, level concrete floor and just like Murphy said, wiggle the car a little just to make sure that you have set them correctly.

Good luck! :TU:

[Steve Craig]

I have a set of 4- 3 ton stands & a set of ramps as well.
I still get nervous underneath. Might just be a speck of claustrophobia in the blood stream, I just don't know!

[mlh48]

Now that you mention it, I don't always even feel comfortable under a frame lift with all of the safeties set. Never have and have been doing it for over 30 years now. Pits are another story. Give me the top side every day!

[dr]

Just checked out Harbor freights web page they are selling a set of 12 ton jackstands. Sure its over kill but so is driving a 455 Buick to the store for milk!!!!

[Eric]

If you choose to use those Blue jack stands... Iwould liketo purchase an Insurance policyon you!
Don't use anything that a friend made!
Even if they will hold a freight train because if the car lands on your face your friend would never forgive himself.
Buy em from a company that produces them for a living.
They have strict requirements that they have to fulfill and
have product liability insurance too!

[dr]

Then my wife gets the insurance money!!!
Not sure I like that idea.
The story goes my friend's father inlaw had his Chevelle on a set he made. I saw the stands and said I would like four. I called him a few hours later and was going to tell him to widen the base from his original design but he already made and painted them. I did not want to seem ungrateful so I paid him (more than I thought I was going to) told him how much I liked them and have never used them. That was over a year ago.

[65WILDKAT]

I Take the jack stands and set them at their lowest height and then get some 2"x12" and cut them about 2" longer then the length of the jackstand and then stack them on top of each othe and nail or screw them together and put them under the base of the jackstand, I have stacked them 4 high and along with the height of the stand I have found that I have plenty of room to work! I have a friend who uses 12"x12" and does the same thing and the are rock steady!
Just my 2 cents........that I don't have:grin:
Don

[GS1]

SAM's Club has some very rugged looking 6 ton stands for a reasonable price. Huge chrome bases!

[dr]

Thanks
A huge base is what I'm looking for. I will check it out

[Joe Kelsch]

Found my four 5 ton stands at the swap meet. They are quite old but are in very good condition. I paid $50 for them and use them quite frequently.

I also have a set of stands made from a set of Model A axle tubes. They are about 3" on one end with a V cut into it. They flare out on the other to about 12". I use them for putting my rearends on. They're neat, but I'd never use them under a car.

[lob87WE4]

Ther was a man killed here tuesday when his car feel off the lift

[65WILDKAT]

My Prayers go out to his Family! Thats why I try to live life like it is my last day! Because you never when God is going to call ya home !
People BE SMART AND SAFE!.....:TU:

[bobo383]

I too am spooked about getting under a jack-standed car, even after months of working under my 64 impala in the evenings after work. I used big blocks of wood made up like railroad ties, about 10 inches in every direction. I know the jack stands will work, I just feel better seeing all theat mass under the car with me.

I've been accused of redneckism more than once, so don't let up.

[bobo383]

Oh, by the way for years I only had trucks due to this fear of being under a car. You are not alone. Do what makes you happy, it's a short life on this earth. My 2 cents.

[Illswyn]

I spent a bit of time under my other car in the garage, which is a Mazda and naturally sits lower than the Buick. I kept as many tires on the car as I could, put the spare tires under the rear, 2 jackstands, and the jack (not supporting weight, just as a backup).

I changed the fuel pump on the Buick, I was able to slide right under the car without lifting it at all.

Once you get under there and are swapping sockets, flailing for the flashlight, wiping sweat, and swatting mosquitos, you won't even think about the car itself being over you.

[dr]

Don't forget the crap falling in your face, stuck bolt, smashed knucles. You are right you do forget about the 4000lbs of weight.

[PaulGS]

I use 4 6 ton jackstands on a solid concrete floor.

I then use 6"x6" timbers cut about 16" long that I use as a secondary safety under the frame at 4 points.

If the jackstand fails (which is unlikely), the timbers will hold the car up.

Unless there is an eathquake, this is about as safe as can be.

NEVER EVER go under any part of a car with just a floor jack. A local guy was killed a year ago when the jack failed and pinned him under the car.

[dr]

Paul do you lay the 6x6's on there side and stack them on each other?

[PaulGS]

I stack the 6"x6" on top of each other.

A good safety precaution to be sure!

[xxlv8]

Even happens to the pros! Careful under there...

http://www.ehowa.com/features/bmwfall.shtml

[LowRoad]

Even happens to the pros! Careful under there...

http://www.ehowa.com/features/bmwfall.shtml
Hahaha...

:shock:
http://www.ehowa.com/showpics/bmwfall/bmwfall1.jpg

[xxlv8]

Or you could do like this guy...

http://www.priceless420.com/Pr091304brilliant.jpg

[dr]

I would love to talk to that guy. What the hell is he thinking?
Brave, stupid or both? Stupid for sure

[65WILDKAT]

Hey that looks like my truck when my Mother in law sits in the passenger seat :jd: :laugh: :Dou:

[dr]

You have just opened the door to get BLACK MAILED.

[BPoi523433]

there is really nothing to be worried about when youre under a (properly) jackstanded car.
Im 15 years old and ive been going under cars on stands since i was 5 (and working on them since i was 12).

As long as you buy a good set of stands and put them in a place where they cant slide out ( like on a tapered surface ) it wont just fall on you.

My dad is a mechanic and we have had the same set of stands for atleast 15 years...never once has a car fallen or a jackstand failed

[65WILDKAT]

I ain't worried about Black Mailing........She won't sit still long in court before she gets up and leaves to get something to EAT! :laugh:
All kidding a side I have a Great Mother-in-law! I really do love her and she knows that I always kid her!
Don

[gs4u2c]

I had to laugh at this one