Raising your Boxster on Race Ramp Cribs

[rfpriddy]

I want to change the oil on my '99 986 Boxster with 63K, but I'm just not comfortable under the car on typical jack stands... and can't afford a hydraulic lift. I've looks at Race Ramp Tire Cribs, seen their videos, but wonder if anyone here has used them. In particular, I'm considering the 10 inch Cribs for the back, continue with jack stands to hold the front, but have questions about raising the back wheels to 10 inches off the ground to slide in the Cribs. Is that too high? Should I raise the front partially (say half way) on jack stands then raise the the rear? Comments or recommendations appreciated. Thanks, Bob

[blueline]

I want to change the oil on my '99 986 Boxster with 63K, but I'm just not comfortable under the car on typical jack stands... and can't afford a hydraulic lift. I've looks at Race Ramp Tire Cribs, seen their videos, but wonder if anyone here has used them. In particular, I'm considering the 10 inch Cribs for the back, continue with jack stands to hold the front, but have questions about raising the back wheels to 10 inches off the ground to slide in the Cribs. Is that too high? Should I raise the front partially (say half way) on jack stands then raise the the rear? Comments or recommendations appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Jack stands are great if used properly but the Tire Cribs you mentioned look very good - their site claims they are safer than typical stands.

Another alternative that is very good, especially if under car jack points are limited (such as on my GT4), are Jackpoint stands.

https://jackpointjackstands.com/

[vitaminc]

What about the traditional Race Ramp that you just drive your car onto. No jack required. I used those to change various fluids on my 996. Should work just as well with a Boxster.

[blueline]

You'll still eventually need some kind of jack stands or a Quick Jack to remove wheels, change rotors/pads, access and work on suspension systems, bleed brakes, etc. That's something to consider before spending money on multiple types of lift devices.

[rfpriddy]

Many thanks to all who responded. I really like the Jack point stands, but they are pricy, more so than the Race Ramps Cribs. Concerning the regular ramps, my problem is a level place to raise. I only have my garage floor, so not really enough room to drive onto them. Based on comments and some personal study, I believe I can safely use the two piece Cribs for the rear and regular jack stands for the front. I would raise the front first to a safe level equaling the first Crib block, then the back to one crib level, then raise the front further to the working height and finish by adding the second layer of the Crib. That way, the weight shifts are never towards the front - I think that could be a bit unstable. Again, my thanks to all. Bob

UPDATE: I bought the Race Ramps Cribs. two piece 12 inch product. Works fantastic! The car is solid as a rock and using the ramps at six inches on all four wheels is plenty of room for me to get underneath and change oil. If you're interested, here is a link to the product: https://www.raceramps.com/cribs/wheel/p/rr-wc-12/

[Tom]

Sounds like you are leaning away from jack stands, but I'll plug my favorites all the same. Before I had a lift, I used the ESCO stands exclusively -- they are just in a different league than all the others. No more ill-formed floorboard-denting channels on top, or wobbly ratcheting post, or cheaply welded stamped steel, etc., etc., When 4 of these were holding up the car, I had none of those lingering doubts (or dents) you get with typical stands.

https://www.amazon.com/ESCO-Performance ... 5888&psc=1

[vitaminc]

@rfpriddy if all you're doing is an oil change, maybe you can just find a shop you trust instead? That has the added bonus of you not needing to deal with the leftover oil.

I used to DIY oil changes until I found a local place that only charges $35 if I bring my own oil and filter. Even with driving down there and waiting while they work, it's still quicker and easier than doing it in my garage and dealing with the used oil.

Personally, I hate dealing with oil/brake fluid/coolant, so I try to outsource all that work. I'll DIY most any "dry" project!

[John17]

I have some of those ramps (though not that particular brand) and have not had a good experience.
I was going to do a plug and coil change on my 997 and in trying to get it up on there, the ramps slipped on my epoxy floor and the tires went right off the back. No damage, but it was--as they say--a fright. Should I use them going forward, I'll jack it up and slip them under.

[rfpriddy]

@rfpriddy if all you're doing is an oil change, maybe you can just find a shop you trust instead? That has the added bonus of you not needing to deal with the leftover oil.

I used to DIY oil changes until I found a local place that only charges $35 if I bring my own oil and filter. Even with driving down there and waiting while they work, it's still quicker and easier than doing it in my garage and dealing with the used oil.

Personally, I hate dealing with oil/brake fluid/coolant, so I try to outsource all that work. I'll DIY most any "dry" project!

My challenge is overseeing that work. I have even had to return to my regular garage to have them remove a half quart or so of oil. There is a great tendency to over-fill Boxsters. Plus, I have the time, and it makes me feel useful, ha!

[rfpriddy]

I have some of those ramps (though not that particular brand) and have not had a good experience.
I was going to do a plug and coil change on my 997 and in trying to get it up on there, the ramps slipped on my epoxy floor and the tires went right off the back. No damage, but it was--as they say--a fright. Should I use them going forward, I'll jack it up and slip them under.