Any tips on changing oil. Just noticed my car jack cant get under neath.

Hamrhead

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 7, 2007
Posts
835
Reaction score
0
Location
eastern, Pa
Small block of wood.

Drive front tire up on top of wood. Stop. Set brake. Then insert jack.

Be sure to drain old oil before adding new oil.;)
 

Richard Koch

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 30, 2007
Posts
283
Reaction score
0
Location
Bremerton, Washington
I have the same problem and will drive the car on to a 2 by 4 to raise it up enough for the jack to roll underneath the car.

When I change oil I use a set of heavy duty ramps made for a regular car and put an 8 foot long 2" by 12" on each ramp to decrease the approach angle for the car. I then carefully drive up the 2 by 12s and it allows me a safe way to get under and change oil.

I can't remember how much I paid for the ramps, but they weren't very expensive, but be sure they are rated for a full size car.
 

Joseph Houss

Former VCA National President
VCA Officer
Joined
Jul 19, 2000
Posts
3,330
Reaction score
1
Location
NJ USA
...or any low profile jack. Snake Oyl, Harbor Freight or ?
 

jbrian31

Viper Owner
Joined
Oct 18, 2009
Posts
21
Reaction score
0
On my 97 RT10 I found you have to raise the car evenly, not just the front jacked up because the drain plug is in the center of the oil sump. So for all the old oil to drain out the car needs to be level.
 

MADMAX

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 19, 2007
Posts
197
Reaction score
0
Location
UK
So I just checked and my car jack cant get underneath. Any suggestions?

I assume when you say "your car jack" you're NOT talking about "the car jack that came with the car" which is designed to fit underneath. I guess you're talking about a trolley jack.

I'd start by use the jack that came with the car - "jack each side up then drop onto some 2-inch wood blocks" - this should give you enough extra space to carry on the job with your 'too fat for Vipers' trolley jack.

Good luck. :2tu:
 

eucharistos

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Posts
6,845
Reaction score
2
Location
Houston
...or any low profile jack. ....Harbor Freight or ?

for the budget minded:

harbor freight has a coupon for their low pro 3000lb racing jack, the blue one, (very beautiful btw) for $60 ($40 off) in the current car and driver (or road and track, etc. don't remember which mag i ripped it out of from my doc's office waiting room :lmao:)

well worth the price, though not made in :usa:

:drive:
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 15, 2000
Posts
17,923
Reaction score
0
Location
tampa, fl USA
I bought a Crewline lightweight low profile jack at Costco 10 years ago. Still going strong. Make sure it's a lightweight jack. 35-40lbs. I had a Craftsman low profile that weighed about 100lbs and gave it away before I ended up in a wheelchair.
 

HyperViper

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 2, 2010
Posts
890
Reaction score
0
Location
San Diego
What I used to do with my Corvette was:

1) Back it up onto ramps...clearance not an issue
2) Jack up car with 2 low profile jacks and a helper till level
3) Put jackstands under car
4) Change oil...car is level
5) Reverse above...done

I haven't changed the oil yet on my Viper. Will in the next week or so.
 

Dom426h

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Posts
2,632
Reaction score
0
Location
DE
On my 97 RT10 I found you have to raise the car evenly, not just the front jacked up because the drain plug is in the center of the oil sump. So for all the old oil to drain out the car needs to be level.

+1, i do my oil changes on a lift.
 

white out

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Posts
1,088
Reaction score
26
Location
The Mitten
jack up with the oem scissor, then use a floor jack at the center lift points.

Nick
 

FEDBYVORTECH

Viper Owner
Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Posts
156
Reaction score
0

AZMotorgod

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Posts
236
Reaction score
0
Location
Glendale, AZ
Can those jacks be used without ramps?

Is so could someone please post pics of how the Harbor Freight jack (or similar) can be used. I looked at the Harbor Freight one and I have the Wal-Mart "low profile" one and they both seem to not work due to the fact that the taper of the jack does not seem long enough to reach far enough under the car for correct puck placement (inboard of the wheels when done from the side of the car).

If they do work could someone post pics as to where they are positioning the puck and steps to take, ie.. front then back or one side then the other.

I purchased the viper skates and would like to start using them. Thanks!
 

eucharistos

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Posts
6,845
Reaction score
2
Location
Houston
mine (Harbor Freight jack) works fine at the jack points, though since last use i have cut 4 small pieces of 2x12 (45 degree miter on leading edge) to drive up on




with the coupon, the jack is a good deal
 

lagalaxy13

Viper Owner
Joined
May 10, 2007
Posts
784
Reaction score
0
Location
Zanesfield, Ohio
mine (Harbor Freight jack) works fine at the jack points, though since last use i have cut 4 small pieces of 2x12 (45 degree miter on leading edge) to drive up on




with the coupon, the jack is a good deal

With the Harbor Frieght one I didn't have to drive onto anything, just used the jack at the jack points.
 

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
153,644
Posts
1,685,209
Members
18,220
Latest member
ROIII
Top