Jack Stands vs Ramps?

[Wrecked944]

Ignorant Question #4 in the Wrench Klutz 911SC Rebuild Project:

I keep seeing references to the use of "jack stands" in Wayne's book and elsewhere. But for the past few years, I've been using a set of plastic ramps purchased from AutoZone to raise my car. And aside from the fact that a jack can be used when the motor is shut off (or removed), I haven't found any reasons for one over the other in my research. So...is there a benefit to using jack stands instead of ramps to hold up the car?

Thanks,

[Rot 911]

Only if you ever plan on doing any wheel, brake, suspension, exhaust work.

[Don Plumley]

If you have a front spoiler or have lowered the car it's not likely you can drive the car up on stands. Even if you could back the car up on ramps, for some stuff you want the car level (e.g. checking tranny fluid, draining oil).

Don

[Wrecked944]

Thanks very much for the info...I'll definitely get a set of jack stands...I'm just trying to obsessively understand every element and tool before I start taking ANYTHING apart...

Thanks,

[pnzr911]

Hmmm. I have my engine out at the moment and yes my car is on ramps! Of course I cheated a bit I used the side jack points to jack the car up until I could slide the ramps under the rear tires. This raised the rear enough to allow the engine to be pulled out. Ramps are cool but get the jackstand too you will use both!

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I think one of the basic things is, if at all possible, to exploit redundancy. Never trust everything to a single lift point, particularly if we're talking about the kind of $39.95 made-in-China stuff that a lot of people buy through Harbor Freight or whatever. If you're buying Facom stuff or dealing with the same supplier MacLaren Mercedes uses, fine. Otherwise, I like to put all the necessary jackstands in place--yeah, mine are from AutoZone and the like--and then put a floor jack lightly in place in an area that will save my face from being squashed.

Stephan

[makaio]

Ditto to what Stephen said.

[Don Plumley]

I bought Craftsman jack stands - they were the same price as the stuff at Kragen/Pep Boys. At least Sears pockets will be deeper for my widow...

If I'm under the car, I slide the tires under the rear pan and front suspension. I'll gladly buy new Fuch's to prevent becoming a Porsche Pancake.

Don

[dickster]

pnzr911

This raised the rear enough to allow the engine to be pulled out.

is that enough to get the engine out?? just on the ramps.