jack stands vs ramps

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:16 pm

Not sure which would be better to get. Jack stands or ramps to change oil and fluids? If I get jack stands best place to put them?

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:23 pm

go with the stands, it's hard to do things such as Rotate tires when your vehicle is on ramps

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:27 pm

Put the jack stands in the same place as you would the jack on the front. Right behind the front tires in the little notch on the frame.

For doing oil changes, ramps would probably be quicker and easier. Just lay them out and drive up them. Personally ramps have always scared me a little. I feel much safer under my Jeep with some 6 ton jack stands(12 ton total).

Just as a note, it would all go a little better if you put the tcase in part time when trying to go up the ramps. That way it wont try to 'push' the ramps out of the way but 'pull' the Jeep up them. Ive tried 4low and it didnt work out to well. Youve got to give it a tap of the go pedal then it will JUMP up the ramps so youve got to hit the brakes kinda hard, which isnt good for ramps. Just part time and a steady go pedal works the best.

CRDMiller · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:32 pm

If you rotate your spare, a jack is all that is needed to rotate. (but takes slightly more time than stands)

Ramps are really all you need to do an oil change.

Don't get me wrong, stands and a jack will always get you further than ramps.

They are different tools and do different jobs.

Ramps are much safer than jacking and using stands (especially on inclined driveways etc.

SweepnChoke · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:08 pm

There is nothing you can do with a ramp that you can't do with jack stands. Where as there are things you can do with jack stands that you can't with ramps.

Jack stands first, ramp later, or if cost is an issue build your own ramps via some 2x6 and 2x4's.

When buying the jack stands, if you have a lift or intend to lift the Liberty make sure to grab some 6ton stands, not for the weight capacity, but rather for the height (min 22" tall), only thing I have found tall enough to jack to jeep up on and be able to remove the wheels.

callaway · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:17 pm

IF you get stands stay away from the 'ratchet' kind. They're scary

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:24 pm

What kind of ramps would you suggest?

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:36 pm

I have both. The ramps quickly and easily get the vehicle up. i just stick it in 4low and it just idles up the ramp. The jacks take the tires off. My jacks are too small now with my lift and 32" tires. At full height the tire will still rest on the ground. So you might want to think about getting taller jacks if you plan to lift it.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:48 pm

Stands, besides if you drive your vehicle up on ramps you need to put stands under it anyways for safety, I just bought some cheap ones at walmart bc I needed another set, and they are Goodyear or something like that but they are 3 ton and were only $25 and I also got a 36" creeper w/ adjustable head rest for $17.

TAHOE · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:58 pm

If you want a set of ramps, look for a set that has metal bars that go from the back "leg' up to the front of the ramp, bolted on the side. I've heard of ramps collapsing, basically flattening out due to too much weight. I almost never get my ramps out, use my jack stands all the time.

oddball · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:14 pm

CRDMiller wrote:

Ramps are much safer than jacking and using stands (especially on inclined driveways etc.

I would hate to see anyone do anything on a incline. :shock:

jsc7002 wrote:

Stands, besides if you drive your vehicle up on ramps you need to put stands under it anyways for safety,

Unless your ramps are cheesy, no you don't. But chocks are always a good idea.

icefisher45; Petersen Tru-Cut ramps are hard to beat. Here's a link to their website. Checkout the retailer's in your area to purchase a set.

Albert · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:50 pm

I made ramps out of 2x12 left over lumber. Just cut an angle on one side and used a longer piece for the base and shorter pieces as it went up and nailed it all together. They are super sturdy but way too heavy but I use them anyway now that I am used to them. Depending on how high I want to go I have 3 levels but you could make it 4 levels if you want. I have been using them for years with no drama and they have held up well.

I did this after a minor mishap with the POS steel ramps they sell everywhere. I had them sinking into the blacktop on a hot summer day and almost had the car tip off so I threw them in the trash and made the wooden ones. Also I had a trans am at the time and it wouldn't go up the ramps without hitting the front cowl on the ramps.

Just a different option.

oddball · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:03 pm

I fail to see how the steel ramps were POS? Of course I know what Heat + Asphalt =. :shock:

mrkake · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:07 pm

I have always preferred stands over ramps. I usually rotate my tires when I have it in the air anyway so ramps wouldn't work. Plus they take up less room in the garage.

805gregg · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:11 pm

You really need both. Get cheap lightweight ramps that spoon and good stands.

Hez10 · **Joined:** Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:57 am **Posts:** 47

I have both, but tend to use my ramps a little bit more.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:37 pm

I have a set of ramps that have not been used for ten years at least, only use stands if rotating tires or R&R the front suspension another time , other than that with the lift I can change oil, all fluids etc with out jacking it up :wink:

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2009 4:59 am

Hoping by next year to have my lift on it and then I won't have this problem.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2009 5:21 am

If you do get ramps find a good heavy one that has the removable ramp. Once your on top you take the ramp off so you don't have work around it.

Terry

jdumont · **Posted:** Sat Apr 18, 2009 7:24 am

I got these last year at this time for my b-day and they are great...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=34924

I also got the jack too, both are working fine and get plenty of use.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=34271

jack stands vs ramps

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