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how to use ramps

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Old May 13, 2008 | 01:34 PM
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Default how to use ramps

i just purchased a set of walmart brand auto ramps. $40 for the pair and they hold 3,000lbs each. didnt seem much more different than the rhino ramps that were selling for $40 for each ramp.

well, i got my car up on the ramps, but it took me a while. i got an m6 and im trying to inch up the ramp because i dont want to overshoot it the ramp and drive off the end. it does have about 1.5 inch barrier at the end to stop.

but all i want to know is how you guys drive up your ramps. i was driving up with the clutch barley engaging and over 2000rpm's just to inch up the this thing. is there anything wrong with shooting over 2000rpms to inch up this thing or could release the clutch more/drive up faster without the possibilty of overshooting the ramp?
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Old May 13, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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jack up the car by the subframe connector and slide a ramp under the wheel. no point in wasting time trying to drive up them with an m6 car.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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dont got sfc's. i got 1 jack that is too small to reach the k member and another one which is to big to get to the k member.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 03:11 PM
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go buy a hydraulic jack, they're cheap at Pep Boys. Return the ramps and get a refund, then buy some jack stands. You'll be ahead on cash and an easier job in getting car in the air.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 03:43 PM
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I have both jack stands, and ramps.

The ramps are OK when used with a second person who can tell you when to stop. I would not get under a car on ramps only, however. You also need jack stands too.

Do not take chances when under a 3000+ LB car; one mis-step and you are toast.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 03:43 PM
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Jesus. You don't need a jack. Get a buddy to guide you from in front of the car. Do exactly what you did and just be careful. Whata bunch a girls, using a jack. My god, they are ramps not blocks.

BTW, Jack Stands are far better than ramps. However, Jack-stands + hyd. jack are more expensive than the ramps. So how often you are working on your car, and how extensive the repairs should govern the amount you spend.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:04 PM
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The best method I found for getting my car onto my rhino ramps was to leave the parking brake set on one or two clicks, then inch up the ramp. With the parking brake on slightly the car won't roll backwards when you let off the gas. I always use the ramps first even if I need a jack to raise the car higher than just the ramps can, or need to pull a wheel. It's much easier than jacking and doesn't leave any marks under the car.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:05 PM
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[] your looking @ a mirror thats mounted on a wall and you can see the front of my quick lift, and the front of my firehawk , i watch the mirror and up i go and the 2x4 screwed to the ramp is my stop.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:11 PM
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A lot of retail outlets have stopped selling ramps since people use them incorrectly, they get squished and then their former spouses sue the company for wrongful death.

Getting under a car on a ramp without a second backstop is dumb IMO.

Work under a car at your own risk! How much are jack stands - 20 bucks each? With a ramp, you only need a single jack stand under the K-member anyway; right? So take a HUGE risk for 20 bucks? Not me!
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:16 PM
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just put the ramps infront of the tires and drive up no need to burn your clutch up doing it. I roll my window down and just watch as I go up, with practice you will know just how much throttle to give the car. However when using ramps at least chock the wheels that are not on ramps.

The ramps are made to hold the weight of the car so why would you need jackstands also with a ramp? Another thing what good is one jackstand centered on the k member going to do you?
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:22 PM
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^^^^ exactly, just have to practice, one smooth motion, don't try to do it in little steps. You'll know when you get off the "ramp" portion and get onto the "flat" part. Just takes practice
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Grimes
^^^^ exactly, just have to practice, one smooth motion, don't try to do it in little steps. You'll know when you get off the "ramp" portion and get onto the "flat" part. Just takes practice
when i hit the flat portion i defintly knew it. i think im gunna stick my head out the window the next time i go up. and for your info, i also jacked up the car an extra coiuple inches and used jackstands. i might even try using the parking brake like the other guy said. thank you all
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:29 PM
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Ramps can bend with a 3800 lb car. If your tires are 275 or wider, the ramps are likley too narrow; anyway.

Brakes can fail, chalks can move, tires can go flat, etc..... why take chances?
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:31 PM
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I've always used a combination of jack stands and a floor jack. Only thing i don't like is that i've had two jacks fail on me and if the safety stands weren't there i wouldn't be typing this, one was a cheap(ish) jack, and the other was an $800 snap on jack.
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:34 PM
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i bought the ramps so i could fit my overly huge jack under the car. i wouldnt even think about going underneath a car not supported by jackstands and ground wheels chocked off
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:40 PM
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I would take those things back considering they only hold 3k pounds. My Rino ramps are rated at 12k!! I guess you can never be too safe, but I never even thought about using stands with my rino ramps, seems like a bit of overkill to me. With those 3k pound Walmart brands I probably would though!
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 99z28monster
The ramps are made to hold the weight of the car so why would you need jackstands also with a ramp? Another thing what good is one jackstand centered on the k member going to do you?
That's what I was wondering...
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:42 PM
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gotta read the label. holds 12,000 gross vechile weight, 6,000 per paid, 3000 per ramp
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:42 PM
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...jacks are famous for failing under load. ...ask any NASCAR team!

When I use jackstands only, I always throw a hydro jack under the K-member for extra safety. ...you can never be too safe under a car....

Be dumb and get squished!
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Old May 13, 2008 | 04:43 PM
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I stick my head out the window and drive right up with an M6.
Using a jackstand with ramps is useless. If the car isn't resting on the stand it's going to roll down the ramp or tip over sideways, by the time it hits the stand it's just going to tip it over.

The worst experience I had with ramps is pulling a valve body off and having the linkage move the parking pawl out. The car rolled back a few inches before hitting the wheel chock.
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