Safest way to lift a Charger

[Dino]

If I could afford it, I'd get the bendpak scissor lift but it's 2 grand so that's out. 

I am looking for the best and safest way to lift my Charger in my garage.  I have some generic jack stands that are nice and stable but they're pretty short.  I would like to have a bit more clearance so I can crawl under the car without hitting my nose on the muffler.

Are there nice, tall and sturdy stands that are recommended or maybe car ramps?

I took care of too many people that got crushed under their car so saftey is a must.  I am never at ease laying under the car and since this is a hobby, maybe it should be a bit more fun...

[GOTWING]

just put the jack under the bottom of the oil pan.

[68X426]

I think car ramps are the only way to go when on a tight budget.

[Speedfreak]

I think car ramps are the only way to go when on a tight budget.

I would not ever try these again.  About 20 yrs ago, had my 69 charger on them while underneath, heard a noise, pulled out as quick as I could, then both ramps under my front wheel just collapsed.  It was a hemi car, so maybe the extra weight was a problem?   They were the one piece ramps, so nothing to loosen up.  I brought them back to the store and the manager wanted to give me a hard time for a refund, I was ready to rap him in the head with one, but them he gave me my money back.  This was a close one and will never use them again.    I now use truck jack stands, go really high and hold many tons each, only way to go other than a lift.

[ws23rt]

I agree with 4 heavy duty truck stands. Lifting it part way front to back till high enough. Then push and pull on the car firmly to see how stable it is.
If you are not comfortable under the car than your supports are not good enough.

[68X426]

I am very happy to hear that you weren't hurt.

Obviously there was something defective in this situation. Both collapsed simultaneously? Wow.

I feel fine about these Rhino ramps (12000 pound capacity): http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Blitz-2-pcs-Rhino-Ramps-12000-lbs-plastic-service-ramp/_/N-261j?itemIdentifier=89618_0_0_

My Hemi Road Runner cannot collapse the Rhinos. There are even more heavy duty ones out there. Northern Tool has some 20 ton ramps (pricey): http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200330837_200330837?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Ramps-_-Car%20%2B%20Truck%20Ramps-_-144793&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=144793&gclid=CN6-jvPb_7cCFdSj4AodJS0APg

I guess you have to pick your "death trap", ramp vs. stand. Stands do have certain advantages over a ramp, but I continue to use the ramps (most of the time): wider base of support, higher height, greater capacity, good value.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

These are pretty cool is you have extra funds to blow.....

http://www.raceramps.com/

[Silver R/T]

Check out local harbor freight. I have some 3 ton ones but these 6 ton ones should do the job.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-jack-stand-set-38847.html
unless you want to step up to 12 ton monsters lol
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-jack-stands-34924.html

[ipstrategies]

I have these Rhino ramps (12000 pound capacity) under the back of my charger right now, they are solid but not real tall.

[69 OUR/TEA]

Do you want access to the tranny/driveshaft exhaust?Because a scissor lift blocks all that.FYI.A scissor lift is great for bodywork,doing brakes,oil change.Everything else,2 post lift is the best.Both of these can be costly,so I see your point.But,either lift would be a great investment,worth every penny !!!

[1970Moparmann]

I'm in the same boat as you.  I have zero problems working on a car except for under it.  I've been going back and forth on a scissors lift, but I always find other ways to spend the money.  

Here is another option that isn't as pricey as the Bendpak -

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-TD6MR-Portable-Scissor-Lift

I will get one of these soon.  

[Bob]

For what it's worth I had the same fear so after about 6 months I came across a nice 2 post lift. I only paid 600 bucks for it. When I raise it I always lower it down on it's locks. I also had a ramp collapse once. Luckily I was not under it.
Bob

[69 OUR/TEA]

I'm in the same boat as you.  I have zero problems working on a car except for under it.  I've been going back and forth on a scissors lift, but I always find other ways to spend the money.  

Here is another option that isn't as pricey as the Bendpak -

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-TD6MR-Portable-Scissor-Lift

I will get one of these soon.  

Want to add as of this reply about the Atlas mentioned.I physically drove to NH to a Gregsmith warehouse to se in person this lift,looks nice,will do the job,but after going to a Rotary dealer,and seing the scissor lift in my pic,Revolution(made by Rotary)for $1,849,way more beefy than the Atlas,well worth the extra $350.But if absolutely on a tight budget,that Atlas will do it's job.

[1970Moparmann]

Good point, and I agree.   The Bendpak scissors is also a great option, but more $$$.

Also, check out Craigslist.  I found a Bendpak in OH for $750 and it was brand new.  Someone was trying to sell fast due to moving.. You never know.

[Mike DC]

 
You guys complaining of collapsing ramps . . . are you talking the common ones that are one-piece stamped from heavy sheetmetal?  What/how exactly was the failure point?

I use those things on a regular basis and now you've got me kinda spooked. 

[Steve P.]

There is no 100% safe jacks or lifts period. Some are MUCH better than others and it is important to find what is made very well. I do not like to jack one end and then set stands and jack the other end.. If a wheel gets stopped it can pull the car off the stands without you even realizing it's about to happen..

That said, it very much depends on funds, garage height and concrete floor strength. My preference is a 2-post lift made by MOHAWK. They are pricey, but the strongest lift I have ever seen or worked off from.. No slipping pads. No bowing arms or uprights. Excellent hydraulics and with all of the Mohawks I know of back home I have never heard a complaint or accident on one..

One way I have seen that I like much better than ramps is home built box stand with heavy duty casters at all 4 corners. He used a truck jack to gain a lot of lift and set the front wheels on the boxes. Then jacked the rear end and set 2 more under the rear wheels. When I saw this set up the guy was stripping the undercarriage. He rolled the car close to the wall of his garage while stored.  

[polywideblock]

for the same money as a lift couldn't you build an inspection pit and be done with all the crawling under your car?    or are there regulations against them in the US

[Dino]

No regulations on digging a pit but that would definitely break the bank and it would be overkill.  I just need something to work on our own cars, especially the Charger.  I wouldn't use it enough to justify that expense.  Same as the lifts, I would love a real lift and when I worked in autobody I used plenty of them but it's not in the budget nor do I have space for it.  Heck I can't even store a scissor lift!

At this time ramps or stands will have to do and sine the stands go higher that's probably what I want.  I'll look for good truck stands that go up nice and high and will get a new jack as well.  I'm not a fan of jacking on end, sticking a stand under it and then doing the underside.  It's not the safest way to do it but options are scarce.  My garage is a plain run of the mill with a concrete floor.  The Charger has sat on short stands for long periiods of time without any issues.

I used to have real thick steel welded boxes I could stick under the wheels.  Used them at my last auto body job and they were awesome.  I could get the car up about 2 feet but of course I had a portable lift to get it up there to begin with.

The HD HF stands look pretty decent and having the frame 30" from the ground is pretty good.

[Dino]

I really like the HF 12 ton stands Silver posted.  At $90/pair I can get two and I have a 20% off coupon.  I still have 4 sturdy but short stands which I can stick under the car as well as a backup just in case.

I know that it's safe to be under a car that is properly supported but it's very hard to shut off the images I have seen when things go wrong.  I thiunk these super beefy stands may make me feel more at ease.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/jack-stands/12-ton-jack-stands-34924.html

[Steve P.]

My only concern on the Harbor freight stands are the chinese steel they are made with. Unless things have changed very recently with QC in China, I would not buy anything that my life depends on from there..

Years ago I bought 4 wheel dollies at a car show. Stamp formed steel with 4 casters each. Fantastic idea for moving your project around on a nice flat surface. Well, they were not in a box with any type of shipping info. so I had no idea and the guy had 2-pair left only. I grabbed them. Got them home and assembled them. I wanted to be able to move my 65' from side to side in my old back shop. Worked great for the first 3-4 sideways moves. Then wheels started hanging up and it was damn hard to move the car. Next the casters started breaking off where they had beed stamp riveted through the bearings. What shit!!!!!! Out came the mig and I welded the mount side rivets to the races they were pulling through. Well they will not pull thru anymore, but the very plate that was the weak point was also the place I found the MADE IN CHINA stamp.

[Dino]

To be honest, I would be sceptical about quality regardless where it's made.  I've seen plenty made in USA tools snap like a twig as well, bad quality is everywhere.

I do hear what you're saying though and I think it would be wise to take the new stands to a welder so he can weld up the corners just for piece of mind.

Oh and I have no doubt this was made in China or Taiwan.  It's getting pretty hard to find anything else and then they gouge you on the price.

[bakerhillpins]

If you use jack stands and are concerned then put some cribbing under the car as well as a backup. We do that when dealing with emergency scenes. I personally hope to be able to get a 2 post lift but that is probably years out.

Ill be watching your decision as I get really nervous under these things too.

[Dino]

If you use jack stands and are concerned then put some cribbing under the car as well as a backup. We do that when dealing with emergency scenes. I personally hope to be able to get a 2 post lift but that is probably years out.

Ill be watching your decision as I get really nervous under these things too.

Good idea on the cribbing.  Easy to make, low cost and great peace of mind.   

Usually when I have the car on jack stands I remove the wheel and lay it under the rocker.  It won't stop the whole car but it's a nice buffer.  I don't want to do that with my new wheels though.   


If they have them in stock, I'll get the stands probably tomorrow.

I don't like doing it but I really should stop driving this thing and do the work I have been planning for years.  If I  keep driving it, nothing will get done!

[young99]

I came across this on youtube  one dayand thought was interesting way to lift a car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXCvq6DNJi0

[Dino]

I came across this on youtube  one dayand thought was interesting way to lift a car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXCvq6DNJi0

That's pretty clever!