Best ramps?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
Best ramps?
I needed ramps for engine removal (little Subaru). Looked in Walmart, etc. They ones they had only gave 7.5" lift. Finally got something from Advanced Auto parts with 8" lift and rated for 6,000 lbs. I was a bit disappointed because I was hoping for more like 12 - 16" for more accessability.
Then I used 8" ones to change oil on the car and it was actually basically okay for the purpose. Though I still think 12" would be better. Maybe I will stick 2" board under them to give more height.
How does anyone else change oil, unbolt things from under the car/truck/etc?
Question, is it safe to use 6,000-lbs ones for my 1989 F350 which I think is more like 6500 lbs?
Then I used 8" ones to change oil on the car and it was actually basically okay for the purpose. Though I still think 12" would be better. Maybe I will stick 2" board under them to give more height.
How does anyone else change oil, unbolt things from under the car/truck/etc?
Question, is it safe to use 6,000-lbs ones for my 1989 F350 which I think is more like 6500 lbs?
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Kansas, USA
Best ramps?
I've lived to be and "Old Shade Tree Guy" and I wouldn't put a F350 on 6M ramps. Mostly because it shouldn't be necessary for most routine things I just slide my 150 lbs under there. But I'd find another way if more height was necessary.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
Best ramps?
Could't find anything too relevant searching for "ramps"
I checked the ones I have, they are actually rated for 6500 lbs. Maybe they will work for my F350. I cannot find its curb weight anywhere! Not in FSM, not in OM, not in the title.
(Actually it is F250 HD - same as base F350. 460, x-cab. )
I checked the ones I have, they are actually rated for 6500 lbs. Maybe they will work for my F350. I cannot find its curb weight anywhere! Not in FSM, not in OM, not in the title.
(Actually it is F250 HD - same as base F350. 460, x-cab. )
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 255
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From: Dallas/Fort Worth
Best ramps?
I'd read how they say they are rated - do they say they can handle that much dead weight by themselves, or say max vehicle weight of that much? You are only lifting one end of the truck with them, so they only have to handle half of the vehicle's total weight...
The problem with finding taller ramps is the angle-of-approach - they can only make the ramp so steep without it getting really long and hard to haul around - think about sliding that 8" ramp up to the wheel in Saturn or something, then picture it 4" taller without a longer ramp... air-dam tearing time.
The problem with finding taller ramps is the angle-of-approach - they can only make the ramp so steep without it getting really long and hard to haul around - think about sliding that 8" ramp up to the wheel in Saturn or something, then picture it 4" taller without a longer ramp... air-dam tearing time.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Best ramps?
Check again looking for "support" and "jacks". Be creative when using the search function.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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Best ramps?
I get it.... in that context, 8" sounds like a good compromise.
The way I read their instructions, the empty vehicle must be 6500 lbs or less.
The way I read their instructions, the empty vehicle must be 6500 lbs or less.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 421
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From: Canyon Lake Texas
Best ramps?
Just FYI. I bought a set of the heaviest ones JC Whitney had, and they seemed plently sturdy. One day on my 99 F150, I turned the front wheels while on the ramps to access the oil filter. The ramp on one side collapsed, and I had to jack the truck off them. No real damage to the truck-just bent the plastic mud flap thing back, but the stap metal side supports on one ramp were folded over like paper (and scared the beejeezers out of me). Only my shop jack and two sets of stands since then, thank you. Too many gearheads have been crushed to death under falling cars. Just my two centavos worth.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Fort Worth
Best ramps?
Good tip there Bikeit... I wouldn't have thought of all the side loads causing problems while doing that.
I have a set of massive stamped steel ones; I can't remember using them since I stopped playing with cars and got into trucks... Now that I'm getting older and more brittle it's nice being able to get under the things and move around without having to squeeze...
I have a set of massive stamped steel ones; I can't remember using them since I stopped playing with cars and got into trucks... Now that I'm getting older and more brittle it's nice being able to get under the things and move around without having to squeeze...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
Best ramps?
Only my shop jack and two sets of stands since then, thank you.
It seems to me if you are removing a rusty exhaust bolt or oil filter and rocking the thing back and forth it is quite feasible for it to fall off stands, no matter how nice they are.
It seems to me if you are removing a rusty exhaust bolt or oil filter and rocking the thing back and forth it is quite feasible for it to fall off stands, no matter how nice they are.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, canada
Best ramps?
I made my own.
each one has two pieces of 4x4 with a 45 deg taper cut into each one. The flat supporting part is about 18 inches long
the 4x4's are positioned about an inch apart and have a 2x10 screwed along the top and taper. The base is 2x lumber placed crossways that is about 14 inches long. This setup gives me a stable ramp that isnt going to buckle or tip, and works on asphalt or soft ground. Cost was nil, as i used scraps, and since it is all pressure treated, outdoor storage isnt a problem.
I dont use them often anymore, since the wife now drives a 4wd instead of a minivan
each one has two pieces of 4x4 with a 45 deg taper cut into each one. The flat supporting part is about 18 inches long
the 4x4's are positioned about an inch apart and have a 2x10 screwed along the top and taper. The base is 2x lumber placed crossways that is about 14 inches long. This setup gives me a stable ramp that isnt going to buckle or tip, and works on asphalt or soft ground. Cost was nil, as i used scraps, and since it is all pressure treated, outdoor storage isnt a problem.
I dont use them often anymore, since the wife now drives a 4wd instead of a minivan
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Lake Texas
Best ramps?
We're moving into a new house with much more real estate, and I intend to form up two really nice concrete ramps and back fill them to the outside, with a two inch steel lip on the inside so I can't slip off. The backfill will be landscaped, so the misses won't mind them at all, and they'll be behind the garage, where I can port out air and power. I'd like to do an old fashioned grease pit, but it's solid rock around here.
