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

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.

 

picture 2

picture 2

 

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

Kevin

 

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!!!!!!

 

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?

 

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)

 

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.

 

Ported & Polished Stands anyone????????????? ou: o No: ou: o No: ou: o No: ou: o No: ou:

 

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

 

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.

 

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:

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Safest way...

 

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:

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!!!!

 

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!

 

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.