PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Silver Boat · #4 03-07-2002, 12:20 PM

Hello I just got done putting in a new clutch in my w126. I have a set of 3 ton Sears jack stands. I am going to return them as one does not catch on the ratchet pawl. I had to borrow a 2 sets from my neighbors. One set was a $140 snap on set that holds 5 tons, very stable and has great height range so you can get under there very easy but kind of pricy. My other neighbor has a set of $39 generic 6 ton, they were almost as stable and also had good range. I would suggest better than 3 ton for the W126. I had an old set of 2 1/2 ton and they buckled under the load, very scary and glad that I was not under the car. I have worked on small cars in the past (MG, Miata, VW Cabriolet) so I never felt the need for stronger stands. After my experience I will get the 5 or 6 ton stands when I return the one's I have. Huge difference in stability. Remember that when you are jacking up the other side of the car you can have most of the weight on the stands. Sears stands appear to be made by the same people who make the one's at Auto Zone where I will get my second pair. (Larson I think and much less expensive)
You will want to have a big shop jack as well. Mine I bought from K-Mart about 20 years ago for like $40. It is great but they do not sell anything like it any more. The ones they carry are not very nice looking. Good jacks are hard to find and get very expensive. Sears jacks look good but that is what i thought about the jack stands and they are not really well made.
I am thinking about modifying an old jack to screw onto the floor jack so it can be lifted by the jack hole. Has anyone tried this?

One thing to remember is that the car weighs a lot and if it falls on you it will hurt a lot! Safety first. You can afford decent safety equipment before a long hospital stay or funeral!

Be safe so you can live to drive the car!