Sizing my First Floor Jack for 850 Wagon...

[plumsmooth]

Thanks again for your replies.
I read some reviews on the Pittsburgh 1.5 Aluminum and honestly it sounds like some people with 3000+ pound vehicles felt as though it came up a little short, at least when trying to raise an entire side.

Not that I want to do that right away, as I think I may have jacked a car once with the jack that came with my Volvo and I forget why... I prefer gradual progression.

However, considering I am 205-lb, 6ft, and reasonably muscular, I do not see how -- for the same price -- the Pittsburgh 3-Ton Steel Jack would not be a better choice, albeit a little more challenging to maneuver at 72.4 pounds...

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-stee ... 69227.html

Someone said they could see the Aluminum bend on the 1.5 Ton Jack, especially if on dirt/gravel which is my situation...

I also do not think the low-profile capability will be of any use to a Volvo Wagon...

And for that Matter, a pair of Three Ton Steel Jack Stands thrown in, and I will feel as though I have started my Mechanic's Course knowing I didn't go under-kill...

And, since I was told I do not have to fix my parking brake for an inspection, I am not as hurried to get my First Floor Jack!

[skloon]

I also work with a Michelin 2 Ton floor lift and two 2 Ton jack stands. An important thing with the lift is to have a slow release valve - so that I can control the lift height when lowering it.

http://img1.weiku.com/c/019/833/Mechani ... 3362_5.jpg

I never set the handbrake when jacking the car. Do you guys do the same?

I had that one, the car slid while I was jacking and it twisted the jack to hell- I still have it for some uses but bought a better one

[tryingbe]

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-stee ... 69227.html

I prefer this one. Easier to get into places.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-low- ... 62326.html

[erikv11]

You are homing in on a good choice, I agree get some nice jack stands too. The ones with square base are much more stable than the ones with triangular base.

[Flystagg]

I cast my vote for the heavy duty 3 ton low profile. That's my jack and I use it often it raises the car very quickly easily and securely. You can always make a low jack taller with wood blocks but you cant make a tall jack shorter. I don't have a single complaint it works flawlessly

[abscate]

I have to say the rollers on the front kick the snot out of castors they were on the old jacks. Rear,beer when a castor would get caught on a stone or crevice, and the whole list would shift as you jacked?

Exciting!