Reminder to be safe when working under your shark
#16
Rennlist Member
Seriously, this is really sad.
It take me 45 minutes to put my 928 up on 4 jack stands, using the Porsche recommended method - which is precarious, at best.
Lot's of checking and triple-checking!
I've since switched to jacking up each front corner and placing ramps under the tires (ramps rotated facing forward).
Then jack up the back, standard method.
This method has reduced lift time to 15 minutes, but is limited when extensive work on the under-front is needed (ie MM/OPG).
I try to be redundant w/extra stands where it makes sense.
#18
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For changing oil, I use Rhino Ramps. The heavy duty ones. Totally stable and solid. Plus, it only takes 30s to get the car lifted, instead of 45 mins.
http://tinyurl.com/24m68ab
http://tinyurl.com/24m68ab
#19
I will be putting the car up today. Plan to use jack stands at all four corners. I have read a few things about alignment problems from putting a 928 up. It maybe up with all four wheels off for the rest of the winter. Will that hurt anything or should I find some way to support the suspension on all 4 points as well?
#20
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getting ready to start my winter projects on my 911. first phase, complete brake system rebuild.
big jack stand at each corner, secondary jack stand at each corner, all tires under the car. and if the wheels are not off, ramps under each tire.
keep hoping I can afford a scissor lift later this winter before I drop the engine for that work. if I get the scissor lift, also get some of the 48" high stands as backup.
not only makes me feel safer, but harder for the wife to drop the car on me if she is p!$$ed at me, which is not uncommon when I am wrencing.......
big jack stand at each corner, secondary jack stand at each corner, all tires under the car. and if the wheels are not off, ramps under each tire.
keep hoping I can afford a scissor lift later this winter before I drop the engine for that work. if I get the scissor lift, also get some of the 48" high stands as backup.
not only makes me feel safer, but harder for the wife to drop the car on me if she is p!$$ed at me, which is not uncommon when I am wrencing.......
#21
When I was a kid I had to sell my TR-6 to raise funds for school.. A neighbour offered me his clapped out 68 Chevelle with the proviso "you fix it , you can keep it and take it to college.
While working underneath on brake lines , the car fell off the jacks and pinned me. I could'nt move but I could yell.
One screaming mother later , my brothers came running and lifted the car enough for me to slide out. A lesson learned...
I remember some time ago , one of the "Road and Track" editors losing his life this way. Goes to show how even those that should know better can fall into this trap.
While working underneath on brake lines , the car fell off the jacks and pinned me. I could'nt move but I could yell.
One screaming mother later , my brothers came running and lifted the car enough for me to slide out. A lesson learned...
I remember some time ago , one of the "Road and Track" editors losing his life this way. Goes to show how even those that should know better can fall into this trap.
#22
Chronic Tool Dropper
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I had a chance to visit with PeteL from the list today. He showed off a recently-new-to-him scissor lift and ramps that he found on the local Craigslist for a darn good price. Cost of that lift is less than the deductable on my health insurance, to add some perspective. Scour your local resources, and you may find a good deal on something similar.
Some of use took advantage of the group buy on the MaxJax lift that HermanK bundled here a couple months ago. It's way too easy to just hang the lift arms and plug in the hoses, and push a button to pick the car up. Takes less than 5 minutes with the columns already in place, less than 10 mions to pull everything from stored positions.
Jackstands will likely go to a corner where they will sit a bit, then most will go to another owner who needs them. They are still handy for clinic days here when there is more than 1 car to work on at a time, otherwise they will likely gather dust.
Some of use took advantage of the group buy on the MaxJax lift that HermanK bundled here a couple months ago. It's way too easy to just hang the lift arms and plug in the hoses, and push a button to pick the car up. Takes less than 5 minutes with the columns already in place, less than 10 mions to pull everything from stored positions.
Jackstands will likely go to a corner where they will sit a bit, then most will go to another owner who needs them. They are still handy for clinic days here when there is more than 1 car to work on at a time, otherwise they will likely gather dust.
#23
Shameful Thread Killer
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I always worry about this. I saw a truck fall off a three leg stand when I was younger, and the guy working on the car missed getting smooshed by a few inches. Now, when I get the car up, I put stands in, keep the jack there, and usually put a tire/wheel under the car for more safety. I also give the car some test shakes with my hip before getting under it in case it's not settled.
Don't get in a hurry, and don't work under jacks alone, ever.
Don't get in a hurry, and don't work under jacks alone, ever.
#25
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I will be putting the car up today. Plan to use jack stands at all four corners. I have read a few things about alignment problems from putting a 928 up. It maybe up with all four wheels off for the rest of the winter. Will that hurt anything or should I find some way to support the suspension on all 4 points as well?
#26
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I will be putting the car up today. Plan to use jack stands at all four corners. I have read a few things about alignment problems from putting a 928 up. It maybe up with all four wheels off for the rest of the winter. Will that hurt anything or should I find some way to support the suspension on all 4 points as well?
These are specifically designed for the 928 (two models: OB=>up to early '86 and 86.5+)
These will ENSURE that the car won't rock or wiggle while on the jack stands. I always put it on stands and then try HARD to knock it off of there. If it so much as creeps or cringes I adjust them. The liftbars make it much faster and easier to do it safely.
If you've ever had a 'close call' with a jack stand settling or wiggling while working on a car you know that it's worth it.
If I'm just taking a look under the front end or changing oil, I use my 2x12+heavy duty ramps. The 2x12s allow you to get the spoiler up a little before the wheels hit the ramps. Also adds a little height, but not much.
#27
Rennlist Member
+928 on the lift bars, and Jim, it will reduce the time to lift your car substantially. Takes me about 10 mins total to get the car up, and I use extra jack stands under the suspension points for insurance, plus a few strategically placed large wooden blocks. I just don't ever want to be crushed.
#29
Rennlist Member
Sad stuff, I feel for all concerned.
I had a a car up on a pillar jack years ago, ready to get under, and the wife came out and said 'do you have stands for that?' As we looked at it, the jack nut stripped and it slid to the ground.Trip to the hardware store followed promptly.
Now I have 2 trolley jacks and 4 stands, and ramps and.....
jp 83 Euro S AT 53k
I had a a car up on a pillar jack years ago, ready to get under, and the wife came out and said 'do you have stands for that?' As we looked at it, the jack nut stripped and it slid to the ground.Trip to the hardware store followed promptly.
Now I have 2 trolley jacks and 4 stands, and ramps and.....
jp 83 Euro S AT 53k
#30
Rennlist Member
I had my '80 camaro nearly come down on me. Had it up on stands but placed them poorly, on the rear leaf springs - remember those?
I was banging the exhaust back on and it moved just enough - slowly one one leaf to the next. Plunk, plunk, plunk. Got pretty tight before it stopped. Lesson learned.
I was banging the exhaust back on and it moved just enough - slowly one one leaf to the next. Plunk, plunk, plunk. Got pretty tight before it stopped. Lesson learned.