Floor Jack clearance - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

allmotor · 03-24-2010, 04:47 PM

I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, but I've begun shopping for stuff. I found a floor jack at Harbor Freight, 3 ton, 20" lift, 5-3/4" minimum height. 3 ton is over kill, but the price is right.

I could buy a 2 ton, 20-1/16" lift, with a 2-7/8" min height, for about 20 bucks more.

My question is this... will the 3 ton get under the car, no gfx, with no clearance issues? Also, If I lower the car, not slammed, probablay an inch or so, will the 3 ton have clearance issues?

As always, appreciate the feedback,

Mike

HIGHOCTANE · 03-24-2010, 05:14 PM

My 3 ton will not fit under the car...even if it did you couldn't raise the handle to jack it up...
I fabbed up 4 small ramps out of stacked 2x12(cut and angle at one end) years ago for my cars...works great..just pull up on the "ramps" to get enough clearance for the floor jack.

Kwik · 03-24-2010, 05:23 PM

If that is one of their aluminum jacks, be careful. They have had less than stellar feedback on them. I've been hesitant to get a floor jack because a lot of them seem to have problems. Might be worth looking at Snap-On or Matco. Regards, Bob

allmotor · 03-24-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIGHOCTANE

My 3 ton will not fit under the car...even if it did you couldn't raise the handle to jack it up...
I fabbed up 4 small ramps out of stacked 2x12(cut and angle at one end) years ago for my cars...works great..just pull up on the "ramps" to get enough clearance for the floor jack.

That's what I had to do with my lowered vette. Not a big deal and I still have the ramps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwik

If that is one of their aluminum jacks, be careful. They have had less than stellar feedback on them. I've been hesitant to get a floor jack because a lot of them seem to have problems. Might be worth looking at Snap-On or Matco. Regards, Bob

Not one of their alum. jacks. I've heard not so great things about alum. jacks in general, unless you get into high end alum.

Will the 2 ton, with the lower min height of 2-7/8", work without the ramps? I'm guessing yes, but just want to know from the more experienced forum members....

Sir Nuke · 03-24-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublefatty

I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, but I've begun shopping for stuff. I found a floor jack at Harbor Freight, 3 ton, 20" lift, 5-3/4" minimum height. 3 ton is over kill, but the price is right.

I could buy a 2 ton, 20-1/16" lift, with a 2-7/8" min height, for about 20 bucks more.

My question is this... will the 3 ton get under the car, no gfx, with no clearance issues? Also, If I lower the car, not slammed, probablay an inch or so, will the 3 ton have clearance issues?

As always, appreciate the feedback,

Mike

I have a FULL SIZED floor jack with a 8" saddle, and I use it with my Camaro all the time, NO PROBLEM......I just went out and measured it, and it stands 6" tall. SO I measured and there is 6 1/2" of clearance to the frame.

clg_98ta · 03-24-2010, 08:51 PM

I've been driving the car up onto pieces of 2x10s in order to get my floor jack under the car. I'd guess the jack height is around 5". I think I'd spend the extra $20 if I were you. You'll especially need it to change a flat...

Ravirn · 03-24-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublefatty

I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, but I've begun shopping for stuff. I found a floor jack at Harbor Freight, 3 ton, 20" lift, 5-3/4" minimum height. 3 ton is over kill, but the price is right.

I could buy a 2 ton, 20-1/16" lift, with a 2-7/8" min height, for about 20 bucks more.

My question is this... will the 3 ton get under the car, no gfx, with no clearance issues? Also, If I lower the car, not slammed, probablay an inch or so, will the 3 ton have clearance issues?

As always, appreciate the feedback,

Mike

If you plan on lowering, go for the 2 ton. 20 bucks... meh. Worth it for the lack of aggravation moving blocks around and such.
clg_98ta makes a good point. If you had a flat, you'd prefer the 2 ton.

ron10 · 03-24-2010, 09:21 PM

ditto

Silverguardrail · 03-24-2010, 09:33 PM

Rapid Pump® 3000 Lb. Capacity Lightweight Aluminum Racing Jack, Blue (Harbor Freight)
Low profile 3.5" minimum saddle height comes with 360° rotating rubber pad to prevent marring etc...

Works great for me

allmotor · 03-24-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clg_98ta

I've been driving the car up onto pieces of 2x10s in order to get my floor jack under the car. I'd guess the jack height is around 5". I think I'd spend the extra $20 if I were you. You'll especially need it to change a flat...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravirn

If you plan on lowering, go for the 2 ton. 20 bucks... meh. Worth it for the lack of aggravation moving blocks around and such.
clg_98ta makes a good point. If you had a flat, you'd prefer the 2 ton.

For the money and clearance, this makes sense...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverguardrail

Rapid Pump® 3000 Lb. Capacity Lightweight Aluminum Racing Jack, Blue (Harbor Freight)
Low profile 3.5" minimum saddle height comes with 360° rotating rubber pad to prevent marring etc...

Works great for me

Nice jack, but don't want to spend the extra dough...

Again, appreciate the info

two_wheel_mayhem · 03-24-2010, 10:22 PM

No jack will fit dead center under the front. Not enough clearance under the wind deflector.

I usually go at an angle from the corner of the car and get dead center under the front crossmember.

I like to lift the car by the crossmember, but you could also use the side frame rail if you wanted.

Phase V · 04-06-2010, 03:21 AM

I'm thinking about getting the craftsman low profile jack http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...P?keyword=jack

v6sonoma · 04-06-2010, 03:56 AM

My 3 1/2 ton craftsman fits under just fine. So you'll have to measure the jacks lowered height and see if it's shorter.

bpoirier · 04-06-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two_wheel_mayhem

No jack will fit dead center under the front. Not enough clearance under the wind deflector.

I usually go at an angle from the corner of the car and get dead center under the front crossmember.

I like to lift the car by the crossmember, but you could also use the side frame rail if you wanted.

My jack fits dead center under the front with no issues. I bought a American Forge and Foundry low profile jack. You can check it out at this link
http://www.dsuban.com/200T-2-Ton-Low...Jack-p851.html It is a bit more expensive but nothing is to good for my Camaro.

03-24-2010, 04:47 PM	#1
allmotor movin' down the motorway Drives: Summiit White 2SS/RS/M6 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Palmetto Fl and Peabody MA Posts: 740	Floor Jack clearance I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, but I've begun shopping for stuff. I found a floor jack at Harbor Freight, 3 ton, 20" lift, 5-3/4" minimum height. 3 ton is over kill, but the price is right. I could buy a 2 ton, 20-1/16" lift, with a 2-7/8" min height, for about 20 bucks more. My question is this... will the 3 ton get under the car, no gfx, with no clearance issues? Also, If I lower the car, not slammed, probablay an inch or so, will the 3 ton have clearance issues? As always, appreciate the feedback, Mike __________________ 417 stroker - Florida Speed and Power

03-24-2010, 05:14 PM	#2
HIGHOCTANE Drives: 2010 IBM 2SS/RS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NC Posts: 448	My 3 ton will not fit under the car...even if it did you couldn't raise the handle to jack it up... I fabbed up 4 small ramps out of stacked 2x12(cut and angle at one end) years ago for my cars...works great..just pull up on the "ramps" to get enough clearance for the floor jack. __________________ 2010 IBM 2SS/RS Camaro (M6) Previous rides: 2003 Twin Turbo Mustang Cobra(900 RWHP) 2004 KB S/C Mustang Cobra(700 RWHP) 2003 Mustang GT,Heads,Cam, N20 ect..

03-24-2010, 08:51 PM	#6
clg_98ta Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,698 View My Garage	I've been driving the car up onto pieces of 2x10s in order to get my floor jack under the car. I'd guess the jack height is around 5". I think I'd spend the extra $20 if I were you. You'll especially need it to change a flat... __________________ Black 2SS ordered 1/4/2010, received 2/19/2010

04-06-2010, 03:21 AM	#12
Phase V Summer Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM w/ Black Stripes Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Angelo, Texas Posts: 423 View My Garage	I'm thinking about getting the craftsman low profile jack http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...P?keyword=jack __________________ CAI intake, Rotofab W/W Reservoir, Hurst Shifter, Skip-Shift Eliminator AAC lighting, Kooks LT headers w/ high flow cats and Borla ATAK cat-back Restoring or need parts for a Chevy. Look no further than Don's East Coast Restorations

04-06-2010, 03:56 AM	#13
v6sonoma Drives: 2010 SS RS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 8,108 View My Garage	My 3 1/2 ton craftsman fits under just fine. So you'll have to measure the jacks lowered height and see if it's shorter. __________________ Mods: BBK Intake, BBK LT's and High Flow Cats, Corsa Cat-back exhaust, Hurst short throw shifter, SLP skip-shift eliminator. 7/1/09 Placed order for IOM/IO int/ SS/RS 6M 9/26/09 Took delivery!

03-24-2010, 05:23 PM	#3
Kwik Drives: car Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 801	If that is one of their aluminum jacks, be careful. They have had less than stellar feedback on them. I've been hesitant to get a floor jack because a lot of them seem to have problems. Might be worth looking at Snap-On or Matco. Regards, Bob

03-24-2010, 09:21 PM	#8
ron10 Drives: 2010 2SS IOM L99 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: LOUISVILLE,KY.. Posts: 7,545	ditto

03-24-2010, 09:33 PM	#9
Silverguardrail Drives: 2012 ZL1 #1448 Join Date: May 2009 Location: WNY Posts: 892	Rapid Pump® 3000 Lb. Capacity Lightweight Aluminum Racing Jack, Blue (Harbor Freight) Low profile 3.5" minimum saddle height comes with 360° rotating rubber pad to prevent marring etc... Works great for me

03-24-2010, 10:22 PM	#11
two_wheel_mayhem Would rather be riding Drives: No car no more Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,750	No jack will fit dead center under the front. Not enough clearance under the wind deflector. I usually go at an angle from the corner of the car and get dead center under the front crossmember. I like to lift the car by the crossmember, but you could also use the side frame rail if you wanted.

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