Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Floor Jack -- clearance/recommendation for 512TR

[Michael James (cavallino_rapante]

Ferrari chassis being the stiff beasts that they are, I've found that half the car arises when either front- or back-lift point is used.  For a 4,000 lb. car, a jack will have to lift 2,000 pounds as the whole side will get airborne.  For a 308, I use a 1.5 Ton race jack - it works fine, but can be a bit of a struggle.  Charles Perry had found a 2-Ton racing (read- low profile) model, same manufacturer, for his TR.  Both units we use are available from Harbor Freight.  Sure, Griots Garage or Jegs will sell you a low-profile 'racing jack', but you'll pay big-bucks for it.  Its a simple contraption - unless you're running a NASCAR pit crew, I doubt you'll recover an investment in a 'pro' model.  The 2-ton racing jack at Harbor Freight would fit the bill, they're surprisingly well-made.  I've had nothing but problems with my 308, and it has spent more time on/off jackstands than it has on its own wheels, so I use my jack a LOT.

 

Jack stands?  Consider your garage floor - if you have a painted/finished surface, you'll want FLAT feet or you'll crush the finish and damage your floor coating.  Otherwise, your standard, garden-variety Craftsman 2-ton jackstands would do just fine.

 

M

 

From: Larry Bard <larrybard [at] hotmail.com>
To: Michael <Cavallino_Rapante [at] yahoo.com>
Cc: The FerrariList <ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 10:15 AM
Subject: [Ferrari] Floor Jack -- clearance/recommendation for 512TR

Shopping for a floor jack that can be used for my 512TR (and 993), and pair of jack stands, I guess.  Don't expect to use it for anything more than changing tires.  What's the minimum "saddle" clearance specification I need?  Most regular models seem to be 5", which is clearly too high, so if I get a low profile model that is, say, 3 1/2", will that be low enough?  What minimum weight rating is recommended, e.g., 2.5 tons (I have seen a few rated 1.5 tons, which seems too low)?

I'm willing to put up with a relatively heavy jack if it translates into significant cost savings.

Also, any guidance on jack stands?  I certainly don't want to try and save a few bucks if the tradeoff is stability/safety.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Larry

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