jack stands vs ramps

jeepmedic46

Expedition Leader
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?:smiley_drive:
 

computeruser

Explorer
Ramps are a lot easier - drive up, drive down. Stands are more useful for work that requires wheels to be off or able to rotate.

I'd buy stands for "real" work, and if you need some working room for an oil change, buy a couple 4x8x16 solid concrete blocks for $.90 each, and drive up on those. Three on each side like a brick ramp - 1 block high then 2 blocks high - should give you the height you need, for less than $6.
 

The Swiss

Expedition Leader
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?:smiley_drive:
Suspension lift and larger tires; then you will have no need for either jack stands or ramps to change your oil.:D

On a serious note: Jack stands are more versatile.
 

xx.xii

Observer
Suspension lift and larger tires; then you will have no need for either jack stands or ramps to change your oil.:D

On a serious note: Jack stands are more versatile.

i have to agree,an sl and larger tires does the trick, one of the benefits of a lifted rig...depending on ur height and load would really depend on which kinda jack stands though. some ramps are also good as traction ramps to get out of a sticky situation after all else fails or is getting close to it. id say both stands and ramps...
 

jeepmedic46

Expedition Leader
Hopefully getting the lift next year. Biggest tire I can go with is a 32". I should be able to slide under then though. Any suggestions on stands?:smiley_drive:
 

xx.xii

Observer
i would do some searches for either offroad jack stands or just type in heavy duty jack stands, this is something i will be looking up sometime soon as well,so many other mods and supplies i wanna get and need ,remember though, u getwhat u pay for...
 

ExpoMike

Well-known member
Depends on what you are needed to do. If you need to just do fluids or anything that doesn't require pulling the wheels off, ramps work great. I have never seen anyone have a car fall of ramps before.

Jack stands, I only use them when I need to pull the wheel(s) for something. Suspension and brake work is the most common. Just remember, even with heavy duty stands, the wrong bump, push or shove and it can come tumbling down and hopefully not on you.

I also find if I need to get the whole vehicle higher, I'll use 4 ramps or 2 ramps on one end and then jack stands on the other. Again, ramps won't let the vehicle fall over with a hard push (assuming you have blocked or e-braked the wheels first).

My .02 worth
 

xx.xii

Observer
I certainly don't want to get crap. Never knew they made off road jack stands.:smiley_drive:

they might not,but maybe some ideas will come up with a search...i just checked, couldnt see anything,but i would go with some heavy duty stands and maybe fab-up some base plates to stand it on and stick it in dirt or mud. something along the lines of a plate welded to the stand and knubs or bolts welded or bolted to the bottom maybe, just an idea.

well if ur tires are gna be 32'' i think u might be fine with some regular 3-4 ton craftsmen jack stands.
 

xx.xii

Observer
Depends on what you are needed to do. If you need to just do fluids or anything that doesn't require pulling the wheels off, ramps work great. I have never seen anyone have a car fall of ramps before.

Jack stands, I only use them when I need to pull the wheel(s) for something. Suspension and brake work is the most common. Just remember, even with heavy duty stands, the wrong bump, push or shove and it can come tumbling down and hopefully not on you.

I also find if I need to get the whole vehicle higher, I'll use 4 ramps or 2 ramps on one end and then jack stands on the other. Again, ramps won't let the vehicle fall over with a hard push (assuming you have blocked or e-braked the wheels first).

My .02 worth

thats a good point, i would just use the jack stands for leveled areas, driveway,etc. theyre strong but they do lack where ramps pick up. maybe some one could invent some jack stands that sit in a ramp that have a locking pin system to keep the height at variable levels and u could use it as a ramp,or if it needs to be raised then one set could be used as jack stands under a load point. more ideas i guess
 

ExpoMike

Well-known member
I also don't have a level driveway. :smiley_drive:

Jack stands are a BAD idea when not on level ground. The risk is too great.

Funny thing I found, the Rhino Ramps happen to be the right hight, that if I put them at the lower end of my driveway and drive the car/truck down the driveway, when I am in the "pockets" on the ramps, the car sits level. This means I can get under to change the oil and actually fill it, start it and then check the level without having to move it to level ground. Just happend to find that out one day when I threw a level across the rocker sills. :ylsmoke:
 

JIMBO

Expedition Leader
:sombrero: I have both and the ramps are ideal for HOME work, but

My stock suspension jeep is high enough off the deck, I can change oil without doing any lifting

:victory::smiley_drive::safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO
 

dsy

Adventurer
Ramps are fine if all you want to do is fluid chages. But they will not help with something as simple as rotating your tires. If I had to chose between the two it would be sturdy stands and a nice floor jack.
 

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