How to work safely under Tacoma?

I've been practicing on lowered vw;

 

Recently went under mine to get my skid bolted up. I have some lift and bigger tires. Absolutely no way I'd fit under there on a creeper even with the extra room over stock.

 

Some 3' 4x12 cutoffs with beveled ends. That extra 3+" makes a big difference under there.

 

If steel, balance the skids on a floor jack, roll it under, lift it into place, and bolt them on.

If aluminum, crawl under with them on your stomach lift them up and bolt them on.

I don't think there is a real need to lift the truck.

 

Exactly. I think as others have said, ramps or go through the steps of putting on jackstands. Just allows for that little bit of elbow room to turn a wrench and see what you're doing.

What's everyone's thoughts on using the jack as a lift? The jackstands really aren't much clearance...

 

Make sure to ask a friend to hold your beer.

 

You can use a jack to lift the truck. Then slip a jack stand under the truck. Lower truck onto jack stand. Remove jack.

I use a piece of cardboard for my creeper.

 

So the question is how can I safely raise my vehicle for the cheapest possible cost. Many good ideas so far.

Let me add one suggestion. Have someone sit there and watch in case your cheap method fails and you end up pinned underneath. At least this way they may not find your corpse several days later.

 

Make friends with a dude with a two post

 

Look at Mr. Safety over here. Apparently everybody is too good for the old "drive up on the curb" trick

 

FWIW, suggest to get a 3 ton, high lift hydraulic floor jack and a set of 4-3 ton jack stands. Northern Tools is a good source.

I have a 2 ton hydraulic jack. It really struggles and its too short. I have to stack 2x4s either under it or on the lift cup to get enough lift. Not a good situation.

 

No thanks. Crawling under a vehicle that's parked on the street is where I draw the line. I'd rather take 10 dollars worth of garden pavers and simulate the same thing from the safety of my garage.

 

I got a set of used Harbor Freight jack-stands you can buy.

 

PT BELT!!!!

 

Life tip- always have yourself a decent bowel movement before entering any squeeze or confined space.

It ensures that your corpse will have a little bit of dignity.

 

Haha!

 

Jack stands up front, driveway has a very slight decline and ramps in back. Was changing all fluids last weekend and needed more height to get on a creeper.

 

This is what I use for oil changes etc. so much easier then jacking up and setting Jack stands. Plus it’s safer!

 

You look awfully young to be wrenching on a vehicle.