After discovering that the high humidity of the east coast is rusting my beloved E39 M5, I've decided that I need to get a way to work on the underside of the car that is more secure and safe than my old jack + jackstands approach. Researching this topic, it seems like a lot of people really like the compact scissor lifts that are out there (ie Atlas TD6MR). However, inquiries to stores that sold the item all are unwilling to directly drop off to my house. Even if they were willing to do a direct dropoff to my house, there still remains the issue of how a single guy like myself will be able to move around a 1000 lb scissor lift by myself.
With that sort of knowledge, I started looking to see if there are lighter weight options for holding a car high enough to tackle underbody rust. On Amazon, I came across something called a 'wheel crib,' which appears to just be a big block of rubber that you can place under a car's tires to hold them in the air. (Example is Race Ramps RR-WC-12 12" Wheel Crib) Their draw is mainly their very light weight, but there still remains the question of how to jack up the car high enough to place these wheel cribs under the wheels.
I've never actually seen either the scissor lift or wheel cribs in action so I was hoping that the informed enthusiasts of M5Board could chime in with suggestions on which route to go. The advantage of the scissor lift is ability to lift to a much taller height as well as allowing easy wheel maintenance and removal. The disadvantage is the massive weight (for moving it around as well as simply getting it in the garage) as well as having some of the underside blocked off by the lift frame. From what I can tell, the advantage of the wheel cribs are their lower weight and unfettered access to the underside. However, the disadvantage is a relatively low lift height (12") as well as not allowing easy wheel maintenance and removal.
Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any advice you guys can give with regards to the best route. Happy Friday!
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2002 Carbon Black BMW ///M5 (Black Extended Leather, Anthracite Alcantara, Titanium Trim, M-Audio with Enhanced Bass, PDC) Conforti Shark Injected with M5Board Tune, CMS Custom Muffler Delete with OE Tips, AFE Pro Dry S air Filters, ACS rep CF Front Splitters, Flat Black Kidneys, Open brake ducts with Flat Black Brake Duct Rings, StopTech Stainless Steel Braided Lines, Shorty Clutch Stop, Lighted ZHP Knob, Custom Pure White Angel Eyes (Predator Ice housing and Rebel Tri-Star LED's driven by PowerPucks), Umnitza V4 ION License Plate Lights, Fogs color matched to HID's, Oil Pan Pad Heater for winter, 3M Clear bra on hood, Flat Black Style 65's on Nitto NT555's, Style 66's on Conti Extreme WinterContact's for the other 6 months, Interstate MTP-H9 Battery, Sybesmas remaned rearview mirror, Boomerang Espion Alert LoJack, MKIV Nav with 2010 maps.
So just looked at your location and too bad ur in NJ I'd let you see my setup. I bought a low rise lift NOT a scissor lift and love it. I too am a single guy and it was dropped shipped at my driveway. And when they say dropped they arent freaking kidding. Anyway I had some challenges but was able to push UP my driveway and into my garage. Best coin I ever spent. One thing I will caution is mine is "moveable" but I secured mine to the floor myself, very simple with a hammer drill and special bolts. I do have some obstruction underneath where the rails are but that space is minimal.
OptimusPrimeM5, what is the exact model that you purchased and do you like it? Yep, my driveway is also sloped up at what looks like an insane angle (IMHO), which is part of the worry regarding purchasing a lift that weighs roughly 1000 lbs.
OptimusPrimeM5, what is the exact model that you purchased and do you like it? Yep, my driveway is also sloped up at what looks like an insane angle (IMHO), which is part of the worry regarding purchasing a lift that weighs roughly 1000 lbs.
I love it. Here is my email mcelie009@aol.com. Drop me a quick line and I'll share some pics and specs of the model. It is perfect for every task I have needed it for and then some and makes everything 100 times easier from tire rotations, to oil changes to general mechanical work.
I love it. Here is my email mcelie009@aol.com. Drop me a quick line and I'll share some pics and specs of the model. It is perfect for every task I have needed it for and then some and makes everything 100 times easier from tire rotations, to oil changes to general mechanical work.
Mark
Share it here if you would. I've been debating this for a while now. I have two garages and converting one to a service bay is my ultimate goal.
After discovering that the high humidity of the east coast is rusting my beloved E39 M5, I've decided that I need to get a way to work on the underside of the car that is more secure and safe than my old jack + jackstands approach. Researching this topic, it seems like a lot of people really like the compact scissor lifts that are out there (ie Atlas TD6MR). However, inquiries to stores that sold the item all are unwilling to directly drop off to my house. Even if they were willing to do a direct dropoff to my house, there still remains the issue of how a single guy like myself will be able to move around a 1000 lb scissor lift by myself.
With that sort of knowledge, I started looking to see if there are lighter weight options for holding a car high enough to tackle underbody rust. On Amazon, I came across something called a 'wheel crib,' which appears to just be a big block of rubber that you can place under a car's tires to hold them in the air. (Example is Race Ramps RR-WC-12 12" Wheel Crib) Their draw is mainly their very light weight, but there still remains the question of how to jack up the car high enough to place these wheel cribs under the wheels.
I've never actually seen either the scissor lift or wheel cribs in action so I was hoping that the informed enthusiasts of M5Board could chime in with suggestions on which route to go. The advantage of the scissor lift is ability to lift to a much taller height as well as allowing easy wheel maintenance and removal. The disadvantage is the massive weight (for moving it around as well as simply getting it in the garage) as well as having some of the underside blocked off by the lift frame. From what I can tell, the advantage of the wheel cribs are their lower weight and unfettered access to the underside. However, the disadvantage is a relatively low lift height (12") as well as not allowing easy wheel maintenance and removal.
Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any advice you guys can give with regards to the best route. Happy Friday!
A Mover's Dolly. That's how I moved my delivered 4-post lift up my driveway. They are great for moving anything heavy around. Get 4 of them. Mover's Dolly - Harbor Freight Tools
Those wheel cribs only raise your car 12". That's not really enough to work under it comfortably.
I suggest these 6-ton jack stands, unless you get a scissor jack. I used these before I got my lift. They are truck-sized and more sturdy than the typical 3-ton car-sized jack stands. They are cheaper than the wheel cribs and get your car up much higher 24" vs. 12". With these, you can actually work under the car, and the wide bottom is much more stable than a 3-ton stand.
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