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Old 10-18-2021, 12:46 AM   #1
Eccentric Old Guy
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Default For those who don't have a four post lift......

What works best for you?

Ramps or jack stands?

.....of course, a creeper.

Pros and cons?

Suggestions?

Last edited by Eccentric Old Guy; 10-18-2021 at 12:52 AM.
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:10 AM   #2
nkaminar
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

I just take my car back to the Ford dealer where I bought it.
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Old 10-18-2021, 05:01 AM   #3
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

I use a combination of ramps and jack stands. If I’m working on the rear of the car, I jack up the front, slide ramps underneath and let the car down on the ramps. Then I jack the rear, fit the jack stands and lower the car onto the stands, axle or frame depending on what I'm doing. The car seems more secure with the ramps on one end.
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Old 10-18-2021, 06:42 AM   #4
marty in Ohio
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

To Nkaminar.
What Ford dealer would you take your model A to? Our dealer in town would ask "where do I plug the computer in."
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Old 10-18-2021, 10:01 AM   #5
old ugly
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

it starts with a GOOD floor jack. something like a blackhawk, all though that will be a bit expensive it will last you a lifetime and it will be stable. then some good stands that go high enough to support the car at a height that is easy to get under.

i have made a variety of holders/clamps that fit on my floor jack to hold transmissions for removal and install. as well, for the more modern rear end pots like 9" ford centre. the floor jack does a lot more than just lift a car up.

i made my own wheel stands, not really ramps, 2x4" rectangular steel that i put under the wheels. i mostly use them to support the car for engine removal . they hold the car secure and just high enough to get at things under the car and then i can use the floor jack to lift the transmission. i don't like the flimsy tin ramps and they are not the right height for my type of work.


ou

Last edited by old ugly; 10-18-2021 at 10:10 AM.
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Old 10-18-2021, 10:13 AM   #6
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

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Jack stands and 8"X8" wood blocks.
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:45 AM   #7
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Jacking the car is not the problem. Making my 79-yeqr old body get up from the floor is! Also, I thank God for magnets & Tylenol.
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:56 AM   #8
Patrick L.
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
i just take my car back to the ford dealer where i bought it.


lol. :d
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Old 10-18-2021, 12:06 PM   #9
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

To get my 79 year old body up from the floor more easily, I put a jack stand alongside the drop cloth I lay on to get under the car. When I shimmy out from under the car, I roll to one side and put one hand on top of the jack stand and the other hand on the floor, then push myself up. Having one hand higher than the floor makes it much easier to get up. I put a rag on top of the jack stand for a softer grip and to wipe the grease off my hands when I stand up.
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Old 10-18-2021, 01:58 PM   #10
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Are we all 79 years old?
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Old 10-18-2021, 02:22 PM   #11
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

these are what I normally use although I do have 2 sets of 6 ton jack stands.
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Old 10-18-2021, 03:02 PM   #12
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Bob nailed it .
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:05 PM   #13
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
Are we all 79 years old?
No, but at 66 I know exactly what they are talking about, and hope that If I make it to 79, I’ll still be able to do that, even though it’s bound to hurt a lot more then than it does now.
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:12 PM   #14
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

The best thing about being under the car working on the engine with pan off is the oil dripping on my face and hair and the grease everywhere I touch. Take it easy, go greasy.
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Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die.
Forget the brakes, they really don't work.
The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk.
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:17 PM   #15
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde View Post
Jacking the car is not the problem. Making my 79-yeqr old body get up from the floor is! Also, I thank God for magnets & Tylenol.
What do you use the magnets for?
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Old 10-18-2021, 05:12 PM   #16
steve hackel
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Based on the initial question and some of the responses, I'll toss in 2 cents worth of opinion , and your mileage may vary..... As dealerships and used car lots close with some regularity, often times there are the " drive up ramps" sitting in their lots - often times fir sale and cheap.
A few years ago our area went through this business model transformation and there were ramps at most closed and or vacant facilities.
I contacted several and also went to the village hall, and for my efforts I located 4 sets available.
My friends bought 2, and I myself bought 2-1/2 sets. My ramps are about 15' long x 18" wide and stand 22" tall, and can be used for modern vehicles and also my A' and my 34. If your vehicle does not run, a cheap harbor freight winch will easily pull anything up the 2 removable ramps to work on the cars.
My second - half set - was cut and modified to act as an additional lift that can be added to the existing 22"tall platforms, and the remainder of cut offs were used to lengthen and raise the removable ramps to fit the talker platforms.
I stack and store them behind my garage, but only need help stacking them if my cherry picker is not available. True, somewhat bulky for many, but a club might look into this. They can be transported by any landscape trailer, and will also work inside any garage with an 8' ceiling if you want to work under the car. So they're not for everyone , but just another suggestion to think about. �� cost wise. I invested $200 and some saws-all blades, some mig welding and an afternoon of measuring and fitting. For me, it was less than the cost of a name brand floor jack and 4 tall jack stands: the versatility is amazing and limited only by your imagination ��
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Old 10-18-2021, 06:47 PM   #17
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

I use two floor jacks for even lofting, with jackstands to follow. I slide around under the car on large sheets of cardboard - works so much better than a creeper!
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Old 10-18-2021, 07:32 PM   #18
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Jack the car up and use jack stands. Forget the creeper, hate those things, cardboard or piece of carpet. Not a fan of ramps, never seem to get the tires in the right spot. Not on far enough or on too far! LOL
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Old 10-18-2021, 09:23 PM   #19
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
Are we all 79 years old?
I think I was a coupla years ago.
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Old 10-19-2021, 07:40 AM   #20
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Default Re: For those who don't have a four post lift......

I call my agile adult son. At 75 I am as agile as a wooden pencil. I know people say do some gentle stretching exercises first. Then I am too worn out to fix whatever it was that I had already forgotten needed to be fixed. Who has issues? Enjoying the adventure... Chap
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