Club 80-90 Forums

What does everyone use to get under your van properly?

I just dont like the look of axle stands, would ideally like to use something a bit more stable! I like the idea of these:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... =IOV4PDPZ1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

...but not sure I trust halfords gear...

All depends what you want under it for! I use axle stands have done for years even on recovery trucks weighing in over 25 tonne!

Suppose I'm a little worried as my road has quite a camber on it, though it is a little flatter on the round about at the end of the cul de sac.

Just want to check out the cooling system as I've got a leak, plus I'd like to give the underside a good look.

ramps are fine, as long as you don't want the wheel off, then you need axle stands as well! I have mine up on axle stands at the moment, on a sloping drive but I know what and how to raise mine safely, just go careful!

Cheers for the advice james,

I've had a look on ebay and I can pick up a pair of ramps for alot less than halfords are charging! Just got to keep an eye out for a pair near me.

i was underneath mine today for the first time. Bought a 3t trolley jack from halfords and lowered the van down onto blocks or wood and hey presto, good clearance and acces enabling engine and gearbox oil changes.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz16 ... nge3-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

JCL wrote:i was underneath mine today for the first time. Bought a 3t trolley jack from halfords and lowered the van down onto blocks or wood and hey presto, good clearance and acces enabling engine and gearbox oil changes.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz16 ... nge3-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sorry JCL, but your photo looks like an accident waiting to happen, imho

If you're working underneath a 2 ton van (or even a little car for that matter), why take the risk? Use the proper kit that is designed and built for the job. And if you can only work on a cambered road surface (as per si macc) then you have to be extra careful.

btw, doesn't the van need to be horizontal to do both of those oil changes?

Machine Mart linky for ramps and axle stands

Tony

Jeeezuz!I wouldn't have gone under there !

I think the blocks of wood method would be ok, but not under the wheels. If some solid part of the chassis is resting on a hefty lump of wood, same on both sides, it should be sound. I've been using axle stands (make sure they're strong enough, these are heavy vans) but I like the idea of the ramps.

I dont think I'll be going down the blocks of wood route, especially as my van has been lowered

I'm just found that there's a machine mart just opened in sidcup so will go down there and pick up some ramps, not bad for £23!

Although Halfrauds are normally expensive for things, now and then they do deals. I got a half decent trolley jack plus FREE axle stands a year or so ago

JCL wrote:i was underneath mine today for the first time. Bought a 3t trolley jack from halfords and lowered the van down onto blocks or wood and hey presto, good clearance and acces enabling engine and gearbox oil changes.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz16 ... nge3-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When he said lumps of wood, I had visions of stump logs under each swingarm
Those little blocks stacked up aren't worth the effort of cutting them off... the wheels are sort of chocked :shock:if it fell off the van wouldn't kill you but might bounce and break your ribs and trap you for good measure.
If you must do this sort of thing, make up some stepped ramps from 10x2" or old builder's boards nailed through so they can't slip. You can use them for levelling if the road's a bit cambered. They will fit under a lowered bus too, where ramp's can't fit. With ramps always chock all 4 wheels. Wedges for the wheels on the ground, bits of 3x3 through the ramps (if ladder type) to prevent roll-back. It works for me and is safe.
You only drive right off the end of ramps once in your life (hopefully)

NOPE, you would not get me under that van, no way.
just get some HD axle stands, leave the jack in situe so all are touching and chock the wheels that are on the ground.

Ramps? Axle stands?

Just get a 16" Syncro. Must have 30cm clearance underneath at least!



(Sorry, not so helpful I know!!)

Sweet van