[Run Forrest]

I tried this out today; it worked great so thought I'd share.
This will lift the car 9.25" (23.5 cm), more if you add additional planks or scrap wood.

It cost me about $35, but that's because I already had some planks for the front ramp and some cement blocks for the same section. If buying everything outright it would be more like $50.

Here it is

It might look sketchy, but it's easy to position everything and the car is very stable once in place. Just measure the wheel path between the planks to get everything parallel. It seemed to be the perfect distance/height to work below with a creeper. I put a beefy new Whiteline rear swaybar in this morning.

Nothing is bolted or screwed together, which makes it easy to stow away afterwards. I used 2X8 lumber throughout. Two 10-footers for the flat part, another 2X8X10 cut in half make up the ramps. Its an easy grade to climb. You'll want to place a block of scrap or a piece of firewood under each ramp at mid-span (not all the pics show this).

The ramps can be removed once the car is in place.

 

[guggles]

That does look sketchy. I wouldn't go under there, mainly because you don't know the comppressive strength of the concrete blocks. Atleast throw a couple of steel wheels under the chassis so if those blocks crumble your not crushed.

 

[Cooper]

Creative. I would only get under there with four jack stands under solid suspension anchor points.

 

[guggles]

Black Friday sale at harbor freight, get you some 3 Ton jack stands for less than the 5 cement blocks. Only $31

3 Ton Heavy Duty Ratcheting Jack Stands, Yellow

Amazing deals on this 3T Heavy Duty Jack Stands Yellow at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[VWSixSpeed]

If you want to die this is a great idea.

 

[Jettaguynj]

I tried this out today; it worked great so thought I'd share.
This will lift the car 9.25" (23.5 cm), more if you add additional planks or scrap wood.

It cost me about $35, but that's because I already had some planks for the front ramp and some cement blocks for the same section. If buying everything outright it would be more like $50.

Here it is



View attachment 239764
View attachment 239767
View attachment 239768

It might look sketchy, but it's easy to position everything and the car is very stable once in place. Just measure the wheel path between the planks to get everything parallel. It seemed to be the perfect distance/height to work below with a creeper. I put a beefy new Whiteline rear swaybar in this morning.

Nothing is bolted or screwed together, which makes it easy to stow away afterwards. I used 2X8 lumber throughout. Two 10-footers for the flat part, another 2X8X10 cut in half make up the ramps. Its an easy grade to climb. You'll want to place a block of scrap or a piece of firewood under each ramp at mid-span (not all the pics show this).

The ramps can be removed once the car is in place.

Run:

Yeah it DOES look "sketchy" mainly because wood splinters and cracks and concrete crumbles! Where's the jackstands?!!!!!! I've got 7 ton Blackhawk low-profile for my lowered MKIII and I only jack it up "this much" when necessary. I have Rhino Ramps if I need to go higher.

Blackhawk BH5070B 7 Ton Pin Style Jack Stand

Blackhawk Automotive BH5070B 7 Ton Pin Style Jack Stand - Blackhawk Automotive Pin Style Jack Stands Sold and to be Used in Pairs Sturdy, welded steel construction Heavy gauge, steel frame helps prevent twisting Capacity (Pair): 7 Ton Min Height: 9.375" Max Height: 14.125" Saddle Size: 3.5" x...

www.blackhawk-automotive.com

 

[dr_spock]

It won't hurt as much to place some jack stands for backup in case of structural failure.

 

[Run Forrest]

I wouldn't go under there, mainly because you don't know the comppressive strength of the concrete blocks.

The compressive strength is 1800psi
They build foundations, chimneys and support columns for buildings with these. Imagine the weight of a 30-40ft tall chimney on the bottom blocks.

I guess one could double-up on the blocks and planks for good measure.

 

[Run Forrest]

Black Friday sale at harbor freight, get you some 3 Ton jack stands for less than the 5 cement blocks. Only $31

3 Ton Heavy Duty Ratcheting Jack Stands, Yellow

Amazing deals on this 3T Heavy Duty Jack Stands Yellow at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The blocks cost me $13.20, nowhere near the price of the stands, and no need for a jack, which is nice.
In this case I was installing a rear swaybar and needed the suspension loaded rather than hanging.

 

[BSM]

Not only is this more dangerous than jackstands… not only does this prevent you from removing the wheels… it’s more work than just using jackstands!

 

[gingercabrio]

I have little doubt that, if the planks and blocks are in good condition and regularly inspected, this is structurally adequate.

That does not mean I would trust my life to it, or moreover, my car.

 

[OEMplusCC]

Sorry to rain on your parade but I have to agree with others, thats sketchy I would not get underneath that. Jack stands(at proper lift points) with floor jack is the most economical way to get under a car(safely).
Harbor Freight might not be best for everything but their daytona floor jack and new jack stands are the best bang for your money.

 

[OmegaVW]

The ramp could slip with wheel spin. Wood could crack due to block spacing. Too narrow so edge of tire can flip / roll wood. Too easy to drive over the edge. Time to setup unless permanent. Can't jack up the car. Definitely no engineering in terms of designed and safety. If this was in a work invironment this would be an OSHA nightmare.

When cost is the focus on a supposed unique creation. Sometimes in the name of saving a few bucks our creations always look good, right and safe in our own minds. Pennywise and thousands of pounds...

 

[ForumBro]

What could possibly go wrong?
Darwin award

 

[Luxus Panzer]

Yup, run.

Seriously, buy a jack and jack stands like everyone else. Inventing a better mouse trap usually makes a worse mouse trap.

 

[oldtimer123]

Any single failure in the setup can lead to an uncontrollable cascading effect.

 

[Zhars]

I've been using this for a couple of years. Lifts about ~10". Was great when I swapped the downpipe.

 

[Nealric]

Use $30 homemade ramps if you think your life is worth $30.

 

[gingercabrio]

Use $30 homemade ramps if you think your life is worth $30.

$35*

 

[eBIOpower]

Sat like this for 6 months during pandemic while I was fully rebuilding tranny and resealing engine. Don’t worry got VW and Audi in the stable as well. Max lift 32 inches, spent countless hours underneath. Scored 4 30 inch trailer stabilizer scissor jacks on Amazon for $90 in 2020, each was 5 ton rated then bolted 2x8 to the bottom and top. Sold for $150 to Miata guys when I was done with the beemer and needed to move to a new house