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TorontoJoe
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Dec 1, 2011, 1:24 PM
Post #1 of 14
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Need jacking advice
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Car: 2006 Ford Focus ZXW
I'm looking for a way to get a bit more height out of my car jack. I recently replaced transmission mount and found working under the car to be very cramped...And I'm not a particularly big guy.
Currently I have a floor jack that will lift to only about 15". I also have 2 jack stands and 2 standard ramps. I really don't want to go and spend the money on a higher jack...Saving a few bucks is really why I do all my own work on the car to begin with.
I had a few ideas but not sure if they'd be considered safe. Nor do I know if they would really help. Would it be OK to back the car up on to the ramps, then jack up each side of the car from the front to position jack stands underneath? I guess I couldn't really chalk the rear wheels this way but the ramps do have stops. I usually shove the ramps under the car after putting it on the jack stands as a back-up if the jacks fail as well. I guess I'd need to find a suitable back up in this scenario as well.
Second idea is to place planks of wood under the floor jack so i can grab a few more inches. problem here is that i can only likely get an extra 3" this way.
Anyone know of a better solution? Or if any of the ones I noted might kill me?
I've never used it. Any idea if the screw-jack that comes with the car would jack higher than my floor jack?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 1, 2011, 4:26 PM
Post #2 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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The right wood and keen knowledge of where to place jack stands is a must. If you want to do DIY work get at least the jack(s) and stands or send all of it out. Your life vs a few bucks - nuff said,
T
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TorontoJoe
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Dec 1, 2011, 5:20 PM
Post #3 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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So, do you think the idea of the rear wheels on ramp and jacking the front, placing fron on jack stands is safe? I'll definitely shove a bunch of wood block under for back up...but still would be nice not to have it fall.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 1, 2011, 5:29 PM
Post #4 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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I'd pick up another set of stands and use them for back up for the ramps. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied once the wheels are on the ramp. You may have trouble getting the reart up on ramps though because of the body overhang in the rear.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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TorontoJoe
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Dec 1, 2011, 6:31 PM
Post #5 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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Thanks for the solid advice. Sounds like a safe plan. I must admit that I'm always surprised by the stability of jack stands. They seem to have such a small base.
One note. On this car (only car its ever happened on for me) I can back the rear on to the ramps with lots of room. Its the front that I can't drive on to a ramp. It hits the plastic bumper
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 2, 2011, 9:00 AM
Post #6 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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One problem you will have with placing planks of wood under the floor jack . As the jack goes up it rolls forward because of the angle. If the jack cannot move the jack pad will slide back towards the jack handle . If you are on something narrow like a frame rail it could slip off . Use caution . One way I found to get a little moire elbow room is to jack up the entire side of the car closest to the work. The car is not as wide as it is long so you get more lift , Again use jackstands .
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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TorontoJoe
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Dec 2, 2011, 11:58 AM
Post #7 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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It seems the common theme here is "JACKSTANDS". As I continue reading I'm beginning to better understand their value and why I may not want to want to hack together substitutes.
Thank you
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 2, 2011, 5:12 PM
Post #8 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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Also be careful. Not all jack stands are made the same or as safe as they claim to be. The cheap Chinese knock offs that you find at harbor freight and flea markets are ones you should stay away from. You don't want one folding up on you while your under the car.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 2, 2011, 5:16 PM
Post #9 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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Also remember that jack stands don't work on asphalt, especially in hot weather. They sink.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 2, 2011, 5:20 PM
Post #10 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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Also make sure you don't piss off the old lady before you go up under the car.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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TorontoJoe
User
Dec 9, 2011, 8:49 PM
Post #12 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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I've learned personally the horrors of Chinese steel. The worst - Even though I use backups like sliding a rim under the car or wood blocks - Yes the good stuff only. Unfortunately, non-Chinese products are becoming more and more difficult to come by...and it's all our fault for buying the crap.
Good steel comes from one of only a few places. USA, Canada, Italy, and Germany...And depending on the product, Japan. Some people claim that India produces great steel. Indeed they do...Usually from what they recycle of US scrap that they purchase. Keep it in the G7 whenever possible.
By the way...I ended up going for 2 more good jack stands and large, wide hardwood planks (from skids) to bring the floor jack a bit higher off the ground. Then used the removed tires as well as stacked 6"x6" blocks to back up the stands.
Solid as a rock. Before getting under the car I shoved is as hard as I could. I figure better that it falls when I'm not under it.
Thanks all for the great advice.
TO_Joe
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 17, 2012, 10:39 AM
Post #14 of 14
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Re: Need jacking advice
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Yes - I understand the humor but please folks this is serious subject matter and be safe. Too many cars out there to say what one suggestion will fit all as it really can't.
If anything............ level ground and cement surface, use real jack stands.
Ya - twice too many times a car has crashed out on me and still here to type. Not a game - be safe and if in doubt, don't. That or get some help.
None of this crap is worth your life or being hurt.
God bless,
Tom Greenleaf
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