RallyJon

The recent threads about ratchet-type jack stands failing, combined with my experience with my 993 slipping off a stand, inspired me to find a better solution.

I got a set of AC Hydraulic 5000N jack stands, which have a welded steel rod and saddle and pins for height adjustment. My idea is to make two modifications to the saddles:

1) Cut some of the ears off so they will fit the rectangular jack point on most other cars (my Audi for one, and I know Subarus are the same).

2) Attach a pin/stud/bolt to fit into the hole in the 993 jack points. It will have to be removable, so I'm thinking a short M14 allen screw (21mm dia x 14mm tall head).

What do you think? Is there a better way to do this?

TheOtherEric

SRSLY??

Amfab

wow! I hadn't seen those threads.
I would use a grade 5 or 8 steel rather than the alloy allen you have in the picture. I think it would be a higher shear strength than an alloy, and thats prolly what you are more worried about.

RallyJon

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.p...pic=70117&st=0

Isn't Grade 12.9 as good as it gets (within reason)?

AOW162435

Jon,
Did you buy the stands second hand? If not, why did you choose the saddle version over the flat-top version?

I have four of the flat-top AC stands and an extra set of the saddle post inserts for when I need to support my truck by its axle housing.

While expensive, I feel the AC stands are worth every penny - I've had the 993 on them at least a dozen times.

Andreas

RallyJon

Didn't get the flat top stands because later unibody cars (in my limited experience) have rectangular cutouts not flat areas for jack stands. I got the all metal ones since I planned to modify them.

Amfab

Thanks Jon for this post. I have been using the exact same jackstands as in that 914 thread.
I think I will be doing something similar to what you are thinking.
I was referring more to steel vs. alloy than the grade. I don't know a lot about this, so maybe someone else can chime in. I thought that steel has a higher shear strength than the alloy... but maybe that high a grade is superior.
Thanks again for the post
I have no problem dropping hundreds on stereos, tires, wheels, mufflers and other goodies but those AC jack stands seem expensive. I think I need to re-evaluate my priorities

TheOtherEric

Wow, that's scary stuff.

We recently picked up some reasonably-priced pin-type Torin aluminum jack stands that I'm really happy with:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...3386_200313386

RallyJon

Done.

AOW162435

Jon,
Very nice. You may wish to consider adding a thin rubber pad to the top - maybe 1/8" thick or so - to prevent damage to your jacking points under the car.

Andreas

RallyJon

Already got some fabric reinforced hard rubber sheet from McMaster. Have to cut to shape and I guess glue on. What bonds rubber to metal? Polyurethane glue? Cyanoacrylate?

AOW162435

Jon,
Considering that the stands will probably see oil, degreaser, etc., I'd just punch the bolt hole tight and press fit the pad around the bolt head.

Andreas

dbf73

Gorilla snot (3M super weatherstrip adhesive)

Amfab

Looks great! Many thanks to you for starting this thread and pointing me to the 914 site where the jackstand failed. I showed it to my girlfriend and my birthday present turned into 4 AC flat top jackstands, Im just waiting for them to arrive.
I use this hot melt stuff, it seems to bond to rubber pretty well. I use the MP300 cartridge
http://www.titebond.com/IntroPageTB.....asp?prodcat=4