i need to jack the rear of the VZ SS up tomorrow, is it better to use jack stands or ramps (i have both. also Ive fitted a nearly new exhaust system to my VZ SS, the exhaust shields over the two mufflers rattle like crazy do they need to be there.
Either one would be fine mate, anything is better than relying on the jack. I'd piss the heat shields off or fix them if they are rattling. It would be a nazi rego inspector to have that good a look.
either stands or ramps, which ever you feel more comfortable lying under dont know about the shields, but would be best to leave them on.
ok cool, where would be the best place to jack the car up and place of stands (rear of car).is removing the heat sheilds going to effect anything?
i prefer stands so your wheels are lower than the frame in case you need to get above them. otherwise the weight of the car is still on the tyres. stands>wheels removed = much easier to get in and around things
I agree with Ari, plus the ramps take up more room under the car which can be a PITA depending on what you're doing.
It's also heaps easier to use stands. OP,jack your rear up under the diff, that's if you have a trolley jack or bottle jack. In front of the rear wheels there is a suspension arm, place your stands here, where the large bolt hole is situated, towards the outside of the car. Don't forget to chock front wheels.
Whether you use stands or ramps really depends on whats gotta be done under the car.If the wheels dont have to be removed,then ramps are way easier and quicker than stands,just drive up on them,too easy..
Stands then put a set of wheels under your wheels I don't get under no car untill i kno it's bloody safe
i also usually left the trolley jack under the diff if its not in my way. let 95% of the weight rest on the stands, but having a 3rd failsafe cant hurt. i hate ramps. especially when they scrape backwards while you are trying to drive up them. also have seen a torago go all the way up and over. did a fair ol whack of damage.
Ha,Ive seen people drive straight over them before too..Ive also seen them fly out from under the wheels at a fairly rapid rate.They would easily break someones legs if they hit them.You can use them on surfaces like soft dirt or grass,they usually wont slip out on these surfaces but if using them on surfaces like concrete,they need to be secured to the floor so they cant flick out.And as for driving all the way over them,well,um,Someone who is an experienced driver should probably only attempt to drive up onto the ramps..The ones Ive seen go right over when Ive been present were done by persons who just shouldnt have been attempting it in the first place.Ive driven up ramps probably thousands of times over the years with not one problem,just a little bit of common sence goes a long way.Ive got a set of ramps that were specially made.They are a bit higher and wider than the usual bought ramps ,and nowhere near as steep.And they dont have bars across them to drive up on,they have thick flat tin which is supported underneath with metal bars.They have holes at the bottom so they can be safely pegged to the ground or driveway.
My ramps are hand made too. They're a touch too steep so I have two thick, plywood planks that I place on each ramp, about half way up. Therefore I prefer the stands when I can and, like was said a couple of posts up, leave a touch of the weight still on the jack.
I have a better suggestion to ramps or stands. Get a big f'ing shovel, and dig yourself a pit, AWESOMENESS. But in reality I use my jack and stands, while leaving the hydraulic jack under and taking a tiny bit of weight. I have ramps here but its not as easy to do by yourself, and they are really old and starting to rust, so no go.
LOL! my mate dragged me out once. i offered to help change his oil, so he was like "sweet, lets go for a drive then" i assumed he meant to go get oil, but no... he found a big ditch and drove over it, got out and passed me a ratchet :s
LOL. Well, theoretically that would work, and as long as the ground is nice and packed, would be pretty solid. Did you actually do it? One of the local mechanics has a pit in the shop. Also has a 4-point hoist for wheel removal jobs, but the pit is for underbody jobs. When you think about it the pit would be a hell of a lot easier, assuming the mechanic can avoid dropping the car into it.
Ilike using hoist makes life easier so i suggest go n buy one Only thing i dont like is i've built a couple of exhaust and a hoist with tracks on it would make it much easier keeping car at ride height
