car ramps (lift)

[ssmike]

i own a 1999 camaro ss and i am having trouble finding any car ramps for it. i found some on eklers but my tires are too wide. i have 275 40 17 all around if any knows of some where i can buy some let me know. also i was considering a set of long tube headers how hard is the install on those?

[Mr. Luos]

Longtube install can be a pain. Be patient. Allow a full day for the install.

I made ramps out of some 2x10 sections of wood.
I don't have any pics of them. Used a 45 degree angle and two pieces of wood on top of each other. Bottom piece being 8-9 inches longer than the top piece.


EDIT: I take that back...found a pic.
http://www.arbybean.com/ar/images/ramp-2.JPG

[hamburger68]

so you raised the car 4 inches... ?

[Rikki_SeVeN]

Nice!... that's exactly what I was thinking of makin with my dad... a good Ramp

:ughlaugh:

[Mr. Luos]

so you raised the car 4 inches... ?
:yup:
Which is still barely enough to get my jack under it. :lol:

[hamburger68]

:yup:
Which is still barely enough to get my jack under it. :lol:

of course, you could dig a hole for the jack...
:thinkin:

[aerojt]

My dad and I are planning on getting this before next summer. Seems pretty neat and compact if you need it to be. Enjoy..

http://www.kwiklift.com/

http://www.kwiklift.com/2005images/Vet-7-29.jpg

[splitfinger09]

^^^^nice I def could use one of those. Very cool.

[hamburger68]

^^^ want one!

[Mr. Luos]

of course, you could dig a hole for the jack...
:thinkin:
I was thinking maybe an entire lift in the one car garage. :yup:

[bevenue]

I got a set from Auto zone. There tall to get a jack under it and even enough to get under it and do a oil change, but also I'm not very thick.

http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP20463/store,570/initialAction,accessoryProductDetail/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

[splitfinger09]

I got a set from Auto zone. There tall to get a jack under it and even enough to get under it and do a oil change, but also I'm not very thick.

http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP20463/store,570/initialAction,accessoryProductDetail/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

Can you drive your car straight on to those ramps without scraping?

[bevenue]

Can you drive your car straight on to those ramps without scraping?

Yes, although I am at stock hight. I'll get out later and see how much clearance I have, and how tall those ramps are.

[dlbrando]

I have a set of rhino ramps from advance that work great. I am at stock height, so I can get under easy enough. I changed the oil and changed the o2 sensors on the ramps. I also used them to pull the starter and check it b4 I went through the hassle of dropping the steering column to change the starter switch.

They work fine, I drive right up. Incidently, the easiest way to get your car off the ramps if you back up onto them with the back wheels, is to get in and rev it then drop the clutch. Car doesent really fall so much as it floats down, but it will kick the rams a good 30 feet behind you

[LETHALxLS1]

I got a set of wide "plastic" ramps at wal*mart that work great. I didnt like the idea of plastic but after looking at them I seriously doubt they will ever break-very well made IMO. I am at stock height with 40/275s.$40

[Ryan99]

I second the rhino ramps. I use them to change the oil on the Z and the wifes GTP all the time. I am at stock ride height, 18''s, and stock GFX on the Z w/ no rubbing issues.

Ryan

[LETHALxLS1]

I got a set from Auto zone. There tall to get a jack under it and even enough to get under it and do a oil change, but also I'm not very thick.

http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP20463/store,570/initialAction,accessoryProductDetail/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm


Dude-are you just Fking around when you listed floormats in your signature?

[LETHALxLS1]

so you raised the car 4 inches... ?

Actually a 2x10 measures 1 1/2" x 9 1/4" so he raised the car 3 inches hahahahah. I was gonna build the same ramps until I found some long wide ones at the mart of wal.

[Sunset T/A]

I have had the kwiklift for two years and LOVE it. Well worth the money.

[JL8Jeff]

Yeah, get the Rhino ramps, they fit the 275/40/17's. I just did stainless longtube headers Wed night and Thanksgiving day. I had the car up on the ramps most of the time and then you need to jack it up higher to get the headers up and in. I had the car up in the air with the front tires about 6" above the ramps but I also had jackstands under the frame rails for safety. Once the headers were up in place, I lowered the car back onto the ramps. I would give yourself a full weekend to do the headers and y-pipe but it can be done in a single day if you know what you're doing. It's also a lot easier with race headers vs emission's headers which I just installed. I had to swap over to the 98-99 style EGR and AIR stuff for the used headers I bought. I just need to get the driver's side cat put in but it's up and running fine.

[greatwhiteZ28]

i have g effex and i have to drive over 2 boards of 2x4's beffore a jack can get close. hate it but love the look

[SpeedAddict38]

I took the Rhino ramps back. Not wide enough

[JL8Jeff]

I took the Rhino ramps back. Not wide enough

Not wide enough for what size tire? I have 275/40/17's and they fit fine on the Rhino ramps. 315's won't fit but I don't think anyone makes a ramp wide enough for that big of a tire.

[SpeedAddict38]

Not wide enough for what size tire? I have 275/40/17's and they fit fine on the Rhino ramps. 315's won't fit but I don't think anyone makes a ramp wide enough for that big of a tire.


same size here..........yours dont stick out on the sides any ?

[ReBop]

Find a hill on your property. Place two posts and a cross member, just down the hill. Place I-beams sideways on the posts and you've got a redneck car lift. My dad built one of these and I use it to change oil on my SS.

[JL8Jeff]

same size here..........yours dont stick out on the sides any ?

Not really, if you line them up straight the side of the tire is flush with the ramp. There's nothing wrong with that since the inside and outside 1/2 inch of tire doesn't contact the ground anyway. I don't know of any other wide ramps that are close to the Rhino ramps in price and size. I've had them for 10 years and never had any problems.

[bevenue]

Dude-are you just Fking around when you listed floormats in your signature?

NO!, but thanks for reading my signature.

[Mr. Luos]

My car always pushed the rhino ramps.

[JL8Jeff]

My car always pushed the rhino ramps.

Yeah, you need to put cylinder blocks behind them to hold them in place with wide tires. My SS396 will pull right up without problems but my 2000 tends to push them.

[LETHALxLS1]

The ramps I bought at wal mart the very end where the tires first make contact when you go to pull up the ramps are 1/2" off the ground and have a rubber pad under them so when you go to pull on to the ramps they cant ever shoot out-very good idea.

[ghettosled]

am i the only one here that just uses a floor jack and jack stands??

[Firebirdjones]

am i the only one here that just uses a floor jack and jack stands??

I guess so. I am amazed at all the people here that use ramps. I found them a pain in the ars many years ago and even after the trouble you still can't take a tire off,,,,lol.

For years I used nothing but a floor jack and jack stands and never had a problem getting them under any of the F-body's I own.

Then a few years ago I got old and tired of laying on my back and bought a 2 post lift and can't believe I was using a floor jack for so long :ughlaugh:

[ghettosled]

you have a lift, huh... how far are you from lakewood? :naughty:

[Mr. Luos]

am i the only one here that just uses a floor jack and jack stands??
My jack doesn't fit under my car without the ramp.

[Firebirdjones]

you have a lift, huh... how far are you from lakewood? :naughty:

LOL,,,,haven't heard of Lakewood but I can tell you I am near Cincinnati,,,does that help?

[Firebirdjones]

My jack doesn't fit under my car without the ramp.

Really? My floor jack which is just a standard Sears fits under my 02 SS and my Z28,,,,and even goes under my 88 Iroc which is lower than all of them. All cars are at factory height though.
The only real problem is once the jack is under the k-member,,,on the SS and the Iroc,,,,you can't pump the handle because it hits the lower air dam,,,so I have to go in at a 45 degree angle in order to move the jack handle,,,,but on the Z28 it's not an issue,,,it sits a bit higher than the other two.
I'm guessing you have lowered the car or something? There are some really nice low profile jacks that work real nice in the $300 range that might work for you? Just thinking out loud here.

[Mr. Luos]

Really?
I have a 2 1/2 ton jack from Checker Auto.
Not the smallest jack. Car is lowered with the ProKit.

[JL8Jeff]

I prefer ramps for the front of the car and jackstands for the rear for safety reasons. I had no problem pulling the trans and doing the clutch on my 70 SS396 in my garage by myself with the car on ramps and jackstands. I just put headers on my 2000 SS last week with the front on ramps. I jacked it up higher to get the headers in and then lowered it back onto the ramps. I prefer to have the front on ramps unless I'm pulling a wheel off and then I still just jack it under the a-arm.

[sgt0704]

am i the only one here that just uses a floor jack and jack stands??

+2 i use a jack and stands... some day, when i buy a house, with a 3 or 4 car garage, i'll get a lift.

[sgt0704]

they make lower (racing) jacks. try those if you're having issues. i had my 91 dropped 2 inches, and i didn't have any issues with it. even with the 98, i've got tons of room. try harbor frieght tools, or sears. they carry them.

[LETHALxLS1]

I am lazy-I like ramps (unless wheel needs taken off)-even then I use the ramps then put my jack under there-beats slapping the arm of the jack on the bottom of the car and having to pump it 4 million lil ass pumps.

[Rikki_SeVeN]

I am lazy-I like ramps (unless wheel needs taken off)-even then I use the ramps then put my jack under there-beats slapping the arm of the jack on the bottom of the car and having to pump it 4 million lil ass pumps.

+1 times a billion... hate my jack... takes too many pumps to move 1 inch... when the car is on the floor... :hahano:

[Firebirdjones]

they make lower (racing) jacks. try those if you're having issues. i had my 91 dropped 2 inches, and i didn't have any issues with it. even with the 98, i've got tons of room. try harbor frieght tools, or sears. they carry them.

Ya I just saw summit advertising theirs. For only $189 it's a 2 1/2 ton jack that is only 2 3/4 inches off the ground,,,,I would say if you can't slide that under your car it's just too damn low.

[Firebirdjones]

+1 times a billion... hate my jack... takes too many pumps to move 1 inch... when the car is on the floor... :hahano:

Sheeesh it's not that bad,,,it's all I had for years before I got the lift.
Maybe a better jack is in order for you. They do make jacks that go up in rapid fassion if your too lazy to pump it a few times,,,,lol.

[Rikki_SeVeN]

Sheeesh it's not that bad,,,it's all I had for years before I got the lift.
Maybe a better jack is in order for you. They do make jacks that go up in rapid fassion if your too lazy to pump it a few times,,,,lol.

it's a Craftsman jack that goes up fast...but once it has weight on it...it goes up very slow... plus it's not in the best of conditions... plus that 2 inches of travel it has when it's under the car...doesn't really help...especially if you are jacking the car up from the front...

[JL8Jeff]

I would love to have a lift in my garage. I just spent about 3 hours on my back last night putting the dual cats in the y-pipe to go with my longtube headers. I can't tell you how many times I smashed my face against the bottom of the car trying to look for the tools. I think I need to get back under it again today to try and push the y-pipe up a little higher. But it's 26 degrees out and my garage isn't heated so that may need to wait for another day. As long as I clear the speed bumps at work!

[Firebirdjones]

I would love to have a lift in my garage. I just spent about 3 hours on my back last night putting the dual cats in the y-pipe to go with my longtube headers. I can't tell you how many times I smashed my face against the bottom of the car trying to look for the tools. I think I need to get back under it again today to try and push the y-pipe up a little higher. But it's 26 degrees out and my garage isn't heated so that may need to wait for another day. As long as I clear the speed bumps at work!

I feel for ya man. I layed on my back for years and couldn't believe I did it that long once the lift was installed a few years ago. Now I wouldn't have it any other way. If you were close enough I would be more than happy to let you use the shop and lend a hand. It literally turns a back breaking all day job into a simple couple of hours with a beer brake in between,,,or ice tea in my case,,,lol.

I would love to see the hot rods. I had a pair of 69 L78 camaros and one 69 L78 chevelle over the years. I still have a decent muscle car collection though. I make a living working on that old stuff. Hope it works out for you.

[sgt0704]

Ya I just saw summit advertising theirs. For only $189 it's a 2 1/2 ton jack that is only 2 3/4 inches off the ground,,,,I would say if you can't slide that under your car it's just too damn low.


wow that's alot. i picked up my jack from HFT for $130 or so. and i think they can be had cheaper at sears. occasionally HFT will have a sale, and you can pick them up for $99.

[Firebirdjones]

wow that's alot. i picked up my jack from HFT for $130 or so. and i think they can be had cheaper at sears. occasionally HFT will have a sale, and you can pick them up for $99.

You are talking about China Freight though,,,,oh I mean Harbor Freight,,,,lol.
Actually you are paying for the low profile which it seems everyone around here needs.

Those prices you have both at Harbor Freight and Sears are not 2 3/4 inches from the ground.

$189 for a jack is actually pretty cheap,,,,you can get into aluminum construction for lightweight and many other fancy options and drive the price more than triple that if you like.

[LETHALxLS1]

^ yeah some aluminum jacks are VERY high dollar. Better off in the long run to spend a little more money for a good floor jack because its something that will be used pretty often. I payed $160 for mine and had it for 10 years with no issues. I am gonna buy a new one soon and have 2.

[Firebirdjones]

I agree, it may not be necessary to spend tons of money on the best there is,,,but good quality is a strong requirement for anything I buy,,,especially something holding 4,000 lbs. in the air while I am under it.

I still have a pair of floor jacks although very seldom used now, I had to spend more money after finding out the hard way. Before that I had another pair that were of the cheap version,,,and one worked for a while before colapsing a car,,,and the other had a bleed down problem,,,about as fast as you could pump it,,,it would come back down.

Although jack stands should be under the car at all times,,,,it's still a scary thought.

[wicknewman]

I took the Rhino ramps back. Not wide enough

There are two versions of Rhino ramps. One type is black in color which are narrower and have a lower weight capacity. The other type is grey in color and fit 275 width tires and also have a higher weight capacity. Be sure to buy the grey ones and they should work perfectly unless your car is real low.

[LETHALxLS1]

There are two versions of Rhino ramps. One type is black in color which are narrower and have a lower weight capacity. The other type is grey in color and fit 275 width tires and also have a higher weight capacity. Be sure to buy the grey ones and they should work perfectly unless your car is real low.

I have the grey ones and they work great. I have 275/40/17 tires.

[didntdoit]

kwick lift 1300 plus shipping
pro 7 4 post lift 1600 with shipping
(greg smith lift equipment )

you decide

[LETHALxLS1]

kwick lift 1300 plus shipping
pro 7 4 post lift 1600 with shipping
(greg smith lift equipment )

you decide

That really nice! How high is the roof in your garage? Does it have some sort of saftey cut off so you cant smash the car into the ceiling? I guess they move kinda slow so not much chance of doing that huh? Does it have to be bolted down to the concrete? The price is much more reasonable then I thought. If I ever get moved into the right house I will be getting one of those.

[didntdoit]

bottom of joises is 7ft 4in does not need to be bolted it comes with casters so you may move it around one word of advise is call in all your favors this is heavy me and a buddy put it up in about 4 hours (with beer) i get the car approx 3 ft off the ground http://www.gregsmithequipment.com
pro park 7

[didntdoit]

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com



look at the pro park 7 thats what i orderd

[Firebirdjones]

They also make the 2 post lift,,,(what I use) that will fit under a low ceiling as well,,,,I beleive 8 feet is all thats required for some of them. Although you are limited how high you can lift the car though.

I built a garage specifically for a lift so there were no issues.


The 4 post generally don't have to be bolted down, but you are limited, when the car is on there,,,,you can't take the wheels off. You need the optional hydraulic jacks that can be had with the 4 post lifts,,,,this is additional money and drives the price up,,,,otherwise your stuck trying to use bottle jacks and such,,,and if you have to pull out a solid axle rearend your in for a real treat,,,,,,,the 4 post is a real pain if you ask me.

The 2 post lift eliminates all those issues,,,once the car is in the air thats it....you have total access to the entire underneath and all four wheels as well. You can yank off anything under the car without the lift getting in the way....it's the way to go for a serious car guy,,,,draw back though,,,,You need to have concrete thick enough to support the lift as it has to be bolted down,,,,,you have to have ceiling height to make the lift usable,,,for a tall person especially.

And don't forget all the accessories you'll need for a lift as well,,,,roll around oil drain,,,,roll around transmission jack is a must too,,,as it can be used for rearend removal,,,,gas tank removal,,,an all around good jack to have. Also some pole jacks come in handy.

By the time your done you can spend $3-4,000 on a nice lift setup with accessories,,,but once you have it you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

[0rion]

I would love to have a lift that had the positives from both. I'd like to have one that I could get to the wheels but also one you can drive on and work with a compressed suspension. I just see positives to both lifts. I think a 2 post is the way to go for 99% of the people though unless you own a garage. I've been holding off on a lift for several years because this house isn't a permanent house so at some point we'll be moving and I don't want to build the barn and get the lift and all that stuff only to move in a couple years.

[Sarge]

I use Rhino Ramps.....you can get them at ChinaMart....I am saving all my Christmas money for a KwikLift system :)

[Firebirdjones]

I would love to have a lift that had the positives from both. I'd like to have one that I could get to the wheels but also one you can drive on and work with a compressed suspension. I just see positives to both lifts. I think a 2 post is the way to go for 99% of the people though unless you own a garage. I've been holding off on a lift for several years because this house isn't a permanent house so at some point we'll be moving and I don't want to build the barn and get the lift and all that stuff only to move in a couple years.

I completely understand. We just bought a house in Arizona,,,and I was dreading taking this lift down and moving it,,,,fortunately the new house already has another 2 post lift installed and it's staying,,,,so mine will stay with this house when we sell.

[0rion]

is your old house sold?? I'd almost buy the house to get the lift. :D :D We're still a couple years out from being on the market I think. I'm looking a little further southeast of here so I can get a nice chunk of land with our next house.

[Firebirdjones]

is your old house sold?? I'd almost buy the house to get the lift. :D :D We're still a couple years out from being on the market I think. I'm looking a little further southeast of here so I can get a nice chunk of land with our next house.

I'll send ya a PM