Jack Axel Stand question

Post by **T3_Dreaming** » 05 Jun 2008, 19:33

Just hastely (5 min to close) went out and bought a halford 2 ton jack and axel stand set. Will this be any good?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... =ClickInfo

I now see you recommended here to get a 3 ton gear.
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ge ... e_Mechanic

But JK seem to think a 2 ton is okay:
http://shop.justkampers.com/product_inf ... 714558366d

Is the 3ton on being extra careful? Think I may take it back any way but tempting to use as would like to use it tonight.

Post by **irishkeet** » 05 Jun 2008, 19:50

i would get a 3 ton one
I posted this Q a while ago with some good suggestions, have a search under my user

Machine Mart are ok, I went for these 6 ton!
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... xle-stands

they do a 3 ton but i thought for the sake of an extra £5

irishkeet

Post by **irishkeet** » 05 Jun 2008, 19:52

MM also do a cheaper semi pro jack than JK which I have and its good

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:05

T3_Dreaming wrote:Is the 3ton on being extra careful? Think I may take it back any way but tempting to use as would like to use it tonight.

I wouldn't risk it with a 2 ton jack, it's not worth it, these vans weigh approx 2.5. tons don't they? Argos sell a Clarke 3 ton trolley jack that is reasonably priced and has enough clearance to get the wheels off the ground.

Tony

Post by **windysurfer** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:14

Halford also do a 2.5 ton Highlift 4x4 jack.

That should be up to the job. Your not actually lifting all 2.5 tons of the van just a corner at a time.Just make sure your axle stands are strong enough

Post by **T3_Dreaming** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:16

I tried to check the weight in the Haynes manual but couldn't see it.

We've a MM half a mile away, will get it right and change them. Could do with being thinner but don't want instant weight loss! Cheers for the advice.

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:33

windysurferuk wrote:Your not actually lifting all 2.5 tons of the van just a corner at a time.Just make sure your axle stands are strong enough

Agree with what you're saying and used a similar argument meself recently when telling off a pair of ramps with a 2 x 1 ton swl . . . they both buckled during their maiden voyage!

Tony

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:37

T3_Dreaming wrote:I tried to check the weight in the Haynes manual but couldn't see it.

Bottom of page Ref.1, near the back of the book (in the Haynes with the blue cover; 1982-90, petrol).

Tony

Post by **toomanytoys** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:44

2 ton jack is fine if a decent quality unit.. I used one for several years (still have it and works fine) you are not trying to lift the whole van up...

Axle stands, the problem with the smaller 2 ton and folding ones is they are not very tall.. and you have to make sure they are on a stable base, I generally use a square of 3/4 inch marine ply to stand them on works a treat.. I also used them (folding type) a lot for 4 or 5 years without problems..

The important factor when using this gear is to makes sure its on level ground and that the wheels are chocked correctly and you dont "drop" the vehicle onto the stands akwardly..

Ramps.. well a pair of good quality ones work fine.. I have a pair of the british made cheap ones and have used (abused) them a lot on uneven ground etc etc.. not a problem.. I do have a large 2 ton workshop jack that can lift the syncro front or rear 3 foot off the ground (chassis) to put on the large axle/chassis stands I have...

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:45

3 ton have a wider base and wider thicker top bracket, more stable, campers will be heavier than velles etc estimate total van weight to be 2.5 ton so yes in theory you ar liftin a quarter but for the ease of use/ peice of mind use the bigger ones. High lift jack from MM is the way to go with a land rover adapter.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 05 Jun 2008, 20:50

If only working on a wheel/brakes etc, then jak up under the suspension arm near to the wheel end..
Hi lifts are great, but heavy and need a lot of room to operate... they can also catch people out and give some nasty injuries.. not for your average home mech unless hes into offroading..

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 05 Jun 2008, 21:44

Hvae to disagree there Si, I find your standard trolley jack doesn't get the height to get a axel stand in, Which lets face it should be being used for anything with a wheel off. If you spend the money to get a decent trolley, your average home mech usually has a pavement to deal with, Hi lifts need a much smaller working space, But yes they are to be treated with respect!

Post by **toomanytoys** » 05 Jun 2008, 22:02

Well mine works fine Bob...

The foot print of a high lift is smaller but when you yank the handle you need a lot more room...

I also used a lump of scaffold board to have the trolly jack on, extra 2 inches makes all the difference...... apparently!!!!!

Post by **T3_Dreaming** » 06 Jun 2008, 00:08

Thats great people. Gonna get the 3 ton axel stands and think I'll go for the trolley jack of at least 2.5 tons.

Weight first reference page

Post by **Red Westie** » 06 Jun 2008, 19:41

I think others have touched on this....yes.. axle stands and jack up to the job (correct SWL, safe working load) but also ones that can be used.
The most common problem is insufficient height! these jacks often just don't reach or when they do are already extended 75/80% so hardly raise the vehicle.
Martin

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