But the 6T ones go a lot higher so I got them for the height, not the load capacity

 

A really good place to get a set of jack stands is Harbor Freight. I got a set of 6T jackstands that go up to something like 22" height for only $20 a pair and they are very solid... I've been very happy with them. They also had a nice heavy duty 3 ton floor jack that I picked up for $50 and it has worked great for me.

 

i use 12 ton because of the increased reach and wider base when i really need to get it up off the ground.

doing anything that does not involve the wheels, i can get under my truck comfortably, even under the axles, with out lifting it at all. taking a tire off the front usually involves jacking up the truck, supporting everything with jackstands, and then using a smaller jack on the LCA to get the tire off the ground.

 

They might be rated for the job in weight capacity, but as someone already stated the base width and the post reach of any stand is also an issue....especially when someone has tall tires. Once you've jacked up a vehicle (specifically high clearance vehicles) high enough for the suspension to droop and/or tires to clear the ground (depending on the job and related lift points), you already have a potentially unstable situation. Particularly until all four points of the vehicle are fully supported by the stands. Also, I've always figured one should never support a vehicle with a stand extended more than half it's reach. They do flex. So, with all that in mind, and in my experience, those little ones just don't cut it. More suited for a little ricer....or a lawnmower.
Someone mentioned blocks under the stands...good idea, if you need 'em. I've done that many times for "softer" working ground or just added clearance....particularly when pulling the transmission. But then, I like a lot of head room working underneath.
Anyway, the wider the base of any stand, the better. The larger/thicker the support post (or whatever it's called), the better. Personally, when it comes to working under a vehicle nothing extremely, hugely overrated is overkill. I use 6ton's.....12ton's would nicer! You should be able to have atleast half a dozen people partying in your rig overhead and still comfortably work. My philosophy, anyway. Leave no room for chance.

The wheels/tires is a good idea, but damn, forkin' incovenient. They can seriously get in the way depending on what you're doing. "Oops...trip!" . Safety first, though, when in doubt.

 

I just got a set of those last week. They're up to $24 but still a bargain at that.

The 3 ton units I was using at my Dad's house were about 8" too short to reach the frame when I took the tires off. I had to stack blocks under than to even get close.

At $24 they're still cheaper at HF than 3 ton stands are at other places. They feel pretty solid too.

 

Good thread, I am glad this was brought up.
I am using some old jack stands that I have had for years.
In fact I think they were my fathers, and he passed away in '86.
I think it is time ti upgrade to some better units.

The only time I ever jack up my rigs is when I am going to change my tires over to my second set for several months.
Other than that, there is plenty of room to crawl under the rig for working on wiring projects or other stuff.

I see some Craftsman 3 tons ones here.

Reading the reviews there, they get high marks.
I may go pick up a set of these today.
I also have a Harbor Freight on the same road I live on, but have been happy with just about anything with the Craftsman name on it.

So the 3 ton ones would be more than adequate I take it.

I already have a pretty good floor jack I bought several years ago, not sure of the capacity, but it lifted the old rig up fine.
The jack I have is similar to this model.

It pays to read the reviews online too, as I was seriously looking at this nice one.

Turns out it is a piece of crap and leaks oil.

 

A lot of people give Harbor Freight a bad rap, but some of their stuff, like the Jack stands is a great deal for the money
This long frame floor jack is what I have got, Lifts up to 32", I can lift by the frame. I have got 2x12 wooden blocks(inspected periodically for cracks etc) used under my jack stands
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42820

Just stay away from Cinderblocks...

 

All good info...but don't forget if you still have wheels on the ground to block them to prevent rolling. My driveway has a good slope to it so it's an old habit with me. Actually saw my cousin working on a vehicle once and he leaned on the car. Wheels rolled and came right off the stands. Never made that mistake again.

 

He probably never wore that pair of undies again, either.

 

I have some big rubber chocks I got from Grainger years ago for use if working on a slope, not sure if they still have them.
I am amazed at the mentality of some guys who will "cheap" out on what I feel is good safe shop equipment but, will spend lots of money on the truck thats going to crush them!
I also put small pieces of plywood under my jack stands if it is extremely hot out and I'm on asphalt so they don't sink, ONLY do this on flat level surface though.
I know a guy who has owned a shop since I'm a kid, his 18 year old son was killed under his own car while trying to rush some last minute repairs so he could take it to a car show, damn shame.
I shake the hell out of anything that I'm getting under, at work or home, some people laugh but, its my life, I'd rather be alive and well to fix it if it falls!

 

Picked up the 3 ton Sears jacks a bit ago, very nice.
These have the red pads on them.

They had some 4 ton ones with the yellow pads, but they only go up to 17".
The 3 ton ones go up to 21", so I felt it was better to get them.

Also got an air blow gun kit for my Powertank, and also a new rubber 100' hose for washing the rig.
My other two hoses that are on my reel cart are starting to leak a bit, and I will donate them to the maintenance crew here to use.

 

im surprised by this debate...

its quite simple, jack stands are designed to support a vehicle safely. I've never seen a jackstand break, crack, bend or fall over in my life time or anyone else i know.

Use common sense, you should never support the vehicle on jack stands unless you're on concrete and its level or damn near.

And the first rule of automotive class 101 is NEVER get under a vehicle that is only supported by a JACK .. ALWAYS use jack stands.


If you are supporting the vehicle on all 4 corners off the ground with stands... Before removing the tires shake the fricken hell out of the vehicle from every corner and just USE YOUR BRAIN.

This is a no brainer discussion, its the FIRST thing they teach you in any auto 101 class. To many idiots have died from just using jacks or not secureing a vehicle in the air.

 

Why are you surprised? Sure it's a no brainer subject, but it's Yotatech...an automotive forum....and also a large group of guys with functioning brains....more or less. You know as well as I if someone can throw in their 2c's worth, they will. Why criticize? You joined the thread, too.

I've never seen one bend or break, but I have seen them flex when the vehicle is being tugged around on. I've also seen 'em fall over. And just because one has never actually seen something happen doesn't mean it's impossible that it could. How many times have you heard,"How the f'ck did that happen?" accompanied by looks of amazement and stupification? I've seen things happen that I thought never would. So, for that reason, I take the measures I can when and where I can. I guess I assume others might want to, as well.
Besides, I live in the country one mile away from any concrete. It's totally impractical for me to take my vehicle somewhere else to work on it, and I'm sure there are many others in the same predicament. Last time I attempted doing it that way, I wound up having to ride my mountain bike back and forth several times for tools for running into unforseen problems. I was dropping my fuel tank to repair some lines and it took me two days instead of 1/2 day. (I suppose the country ride was nice, though.) But, because I can think for myself I've devised ways.....safe and effective ways....of dealing with my situation. Big, sturdy jackstands and plenty of pressure treated 4x4 lumber to fill in the gaps. If it ain't gonna fall over where I live and with what I've done, it ain't gonna fall over.

BTW, YT is "auto 101" for plenty of folks, as you can see.

 

WHat is your truck really low or something?


Anyways I have some craftsman 3.5 ton jack stands they no longer carry and a michelin branded 3 ton floorjack thats damn heavy duty. In my opinion the more robust its built the better.

 

 

Oh my, is that a Sears unit?

Here is a comparison between my dad's old stands he used on his Buicks, I then used them on my '90 Extracab, then my '91 4Runner, and the new Sears 3 ton ones I bought today.

I do not even know the capacity of the old ones, but they look pretty weak compared to the new ones, and the new ones go a lot higher.
They are both maxed out.

 

i HAD a set just like these! i took my sledge to the remaining two and out they went. now im looking for the 6t ones.

corey, those original stands must have had divine intervention on their side if your dad used them on his buick! i think twiggy has better legs than those stands!

lee

 

Not to criticize, second guess, or step on toes, etc. but....

Am I the only one seeing a problem with this.....the whole "reach" thing? Am I being overly concerned? I mean, hasn't anyone else seen a jackstand flex with it fully extended and supporting a vehicle? Do you, Corey..or anyone else, expect to use them as such? Corey, you're vehicle (super nice, btw) is pretty freakin tall. And, you're new stand is at full reach before you're vehicle is even jacked up. Probably you are going to use some extra blocks or something?

 

Nope, you're right.
Putting anything up on 4 of those "new" ones, at that height, is dangerous IMO.

Needs a wider base.

As already mentioned, the big HF ones are great.
Bullet proof and a very wide base.




Fred

 

Looky....compared side to side.

http://www.jackxchange.com/products/JS-12.cfm

I've got some 6tons right now, but really hate using blocks to make up for height.....especially under the frame, I should add. It's safe enough done proper like, but a pain to deal with. The 12tons I will eventually get. They got balls, no doubt. All the reach you could need and more. They are pricey, I suppose, but so is emergency room service.