I'm going to start doing my own oil changes (Only had the free one done and once more at the dealership) and was looking to buy a floor jack/jack stands. Any one have any suggestions? Will 18 inches of lift be enough to do an oil change?

I'm thinking about buying this:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-1-4...40000P?prdNo=8

Thanks in advance!

 

I would recomend aluminum jack stands and floor jack. Easy to work with. Summit racing and sears should have some good ones.

18" of lift would be up to your preference and if that is enough clearance for you to work.

 

That's a pretty good deal. Might as well get them for myself since I need some jack stands. Thanks for the post and link.

About the clearance of 18" it really depends on each person on much they need to feel confortable to work under the car. In the other hand that is enough for me. That is about right to work with

 

If you don't have a jack I would highly advise you to invest into one.

However, for my oil changes i have found it much easier to do them on ramps. I made my own set of ramps from wood and they are super sturdy. I feel much safer underneath my car with ramps instead of jack stands.

 

I was thinking about buying those plastic ramps that you just drive up on but figured a jack would be more useful. I need to buy one anyways, my previous car was an SUV so i didn't really have a need for one

 

Yea every DIYer should have their own jack. Definately buy that before you get ramps

However, i really would advise against buying premade ramps. There are many horror stories of the ramps failing/cars sliding off the ramps. That's why i built my own ramps, knowing that the inside of the ramps are solid instead of hallow makes me feel much safer; of course they weight like 50 pounds each now haha. Also i installed a 6 inch stopper at the end of my ramps to ensure no car will ever be able to roll off.

 

The jack you are looking at is referred to as a trolley jack. They are better than a scissor jack by all means, but I prefer to have a sturdier jack. I recommend the 3 ton service jack. Much wider footprint, large lifting cup and extra long handle which makes jacking the car up much easier. I already had jack stands, so I didn't need them. This jack isn't much more expensive than the combo you are looking at. Just my two cents....

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-ton...3&blockType=G3

 

my dad used to just drive the passenger side wheels onto the curb and leave the driver side wheels on the ground. gave him enough clearance lol