Hey I am thinking more about an engine swap in my 22R, I don't have any tools in the area of cherry pickers or jacks, I don't have a huge budget, so should I worry about getting a $150 2 ton from any of the above stores? There is no Auto Zone or any place that rents/loans tools around here, I am looking at tools as an investment, so should I buy the good stuff, or go cheap considering I will probably only use them a few times a year? I'm not talking about wrenches and stuff like that, just cherry pickers and jacks and some of that stuff....

 

I have a harbor freight cherry picker and engine stand that work good. I bought my 6 ton jack stands there and 2 1/4 jack too. I use my jack a lot and it works great - only complaints is that it takes a lot of pumping to lift stuff up.

 

I used a friend's Wal-Mart bought 2-ton jackstands when I did my lifting work. No trouble with them. I did stack about 50 bricks up underneath each side just for extra security, but the jackstands were fine.

Zach

 

I can't imagine that you would have any trouble. They must live up to the posted load ratings. They may not have fancy paint, they may squeek a little, but they should be plenty safe.

 

If it worries you just get them a little over-sized. e.g. if you'd otherwise get 2-ton, get 3-ton for a safety margin. I think the other posts are right though, they will live up to their rating. The Waltons don't want to lose all that money to lawsuits due to people being crushed under failing jacks!

C

 

I have "cheapy" jackstands and don't have a problem with them. I did get the 6 ton, not for the weight, but because they were taller. I can actually get the front wheels a respectable distance off the ground. The lower weight ones (I have them for my car) barely get the tires off the ground.