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Can I Back Up Onto Normal Car Ramps Without Scraping The Front End?

5.4K views 16 replies 13 participants last post by  broudie  
#1 ·
I want to make sure as I back up on flat surface the rear end does raise too much so that the front enc scrapes. If it does, I won't use the ramps and us jack-up the car and use jack stands. I don't have ramp yet but if the front end is going to scrape while backing up the car, then I won't bother to buy 'em.
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#2 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kaustein @ Jan 3 2008, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
I want to make sure as I back up on flat surface the rear end does raise too much so that the front enc scrapes. If it does, I won't use the ramps and us jack-up the car and use jack stands. I don't have ramp yet but if the front end is going to scrape while backing up the car, then I won't bother to buy 'em.
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It's fine on my car/ramp combo.
 
#3 ·
No problems with ramps here, and mine is pretty low. But if you're worried, then back the front wheels onto 2x4s and then go up the ramps.
 
#4 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (southerneditor @ Jan 3 2008, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
No problems with ramps here, and mine is pretty low. But if you're worried, then back the front wheels onto 2x4s and then go up the ramps.[/b]
Thanks. I want to do this in a garage, but if not, half garage half driveway as the driveway slopes, so that would work.
 
#5 ·
Yes but drop the top have a spotter and.. well i'll just say i hope you enjoy the smell of clutch ha ha, I was so nervous the first time I did it. fun though to service a car with its butt jacked up, you'll rarely if ever do it again.

-Spargo
 
#7 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Spargo @ Jan 3 2008, 10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Yes but drop the top have a spotter and.. well i'll just say i hope you enjoy the smell of clutch ha ha, I was so nervous the first time I did it. fun though to service a car with its butt jacked up, you'll rarely if ever do it again.

-Spargo[/b]
Maybe I will wait until it gets warmer. The driveway slopes away from the garage and placing the ramps in the driveway would give less of an incline to drive up on, with the same about of space below. But then all my neighbors could hear me swear when things go wrong.
 
#8 ·
Be very careful not to "kick" the ramps up under the car. I did this once and it wasn't pretty. You could double the risk on a slopped driveway backing up a hill do to the additional tork required to go up the ramps. Just be very careful.

Steve
 
#12 ·
I have no problems and I'm lowered with eibach springs and konis.

I took an old rubber mat and cut it in half. Then, I put each piece under each ramp. That keeps the ramps from sliding out while I drive up them.

I use my ramps for my Camaro, Spyder, and Z3. It's SO much faster than messing with a jack and jack stands.
 
#14 ·
Don't worry. I use ramps all the time for oil changes and maintenance under the Spyder. Your ramps should have elevated lips at the end for a stop. Push the ramps right up to your tires and make sure the tires are on the lower pad before they go up the ramp. If not, they might push the ramp forward. You'll get the hang of it in no time.
 
#15 ·
Thanks! I bought the plastic ramps, rated 2000 pounds each. Backed up with no problem but can't take the exhaust manifold off. Which now is my new problem.

As for oil change, I thought about doing it myself, but the drain plug is not the lowest point now. How do you manage to get all the oil out?
 
#16 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (matthew7hayes @ Jan 5 2008, 12:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
I have no problems and I'm lowered with eibach springs and konis.

I took an old rubber mat and cut it in half. Then, I put each piece under each ramp. That keeps the ramps from sliding out while I drive up them.

I use my ramps for my Camaro, Spyder, and Z3. It's SO much faster than messing with a jack and jack stands.[/b]
Hey another maro/spyder owner!
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#17 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kaustein @ Jan 5 2008, 08:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Thanks! I bought the plastic ramps, rated 2000 pounds each. Backed up with no problem but can't take the exhaust manifold off. Which now is my new problem.

As for oil change, I thought about doing it myself, but the drain plug is not the lowest point now. How do you manage to get all the oil out?[/b]
Well, the ramps sure ain't the problem with your manifold right?
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