Tire rotation, best way to lift rear?

[prech]

Did my first rotation (7500mi) a few weeks back and it was pretty tough raising the rear. Currently, I have this equipment handy:

• Rhino ramps
• 2 jacks
• 2 jack stands

I drove up the ramps with the front tires, then threw the 2 jack stands under the front axles area, per my usual oil changes, but when I got to the back, I realized it would be pretty tricky. I couldn't fit a standard 2 ton jack under the car from the rear, so ended up elevating from the side lip/flange jack point, then removed one rear tire at a time for the front<->back rotation.

Anticipating my next rotation, I'm trying to come up with a better (safer, more efficient) way to lift the rear of the vehicle. I was thinking of investing in another pair of Rhino ramps and 2 more jack stands, so I'd just drive up all 4 tires at once, then insert the 4 stands. A pair of ramps and stands should cost no more than $40-50 off Craigslist, but thinking about it some more, when I replace the tires down the road, I'll be purchasing the lifetime tire rotation package from the local garage/Walmart, so perhaps it's not worth the effort to purchase another set of ramps/stands, not to mention the precious garage space they take up.

Any tips from those who do rotations themselves?

[snowcrossmxz]

use the center jack point to lift the front, place 2 jack stands on each side right behind the front wheels

remove center jack

jack up rear of the car on each side at the same time with your 2 jacks

just remember that the cars balance point is right around where the shifter is, depending on how full the gas tank is. so place the front jack stands closer to the front then that balance point. (fill the tank up to move the balance point closer to the rear).

do this on level solid ground and u should be all set

[str8dum1]

doin the rear is simple. just block the front wheels and jack the pumpkin. both side some off the ground in a second

[SwivelHips]

Not sure how you expected to rotate the tires while they were on Rhino ramps...but anyway, do what snowcross said. If you want to do a four-wheel rotation (assuming you're not running staggered wheels/directional tires, hard to tell), get four jackstands.

[soundmike]

Originally Posted by snowcrossmxz

use the center jack point to lift the front, place 2 jack stands on each side right behind the front wheels

Which point would this be, or are you just referring to the reinforced lips where the scissor jack would lift from? I've been wanting to place the jack stands elsewhere but wasn't sure where.

Thanks.

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prech, i don't think you can drive up all four wheels on the rhino ramps and place the stands in their respective locations. What i do in my case is lift the car side-to-side instead of fore/aft. Then again, when i rotate, it's just F<->B so i only need to lift one side at a time.

[kregg]

Yeah thats what he's referring to. I do something similar to OP. I drive up on ramps for the front and on 2X4s in the back. This makes access easy to jack up the front off the ramps and place stands, then go to the back which is raised a bit on 2X4s to get to the rear pumpkin. I do not have a low profile jack, and I'm lazy/time bound so this route has been quickest for me...... g'luck....

[prech]

Originally Posted by kregg

Yeah thats what he's referring to. I do something similar to OP. I drive up on ramps for the front and on 2X4s in the back. This makes access easy to jack up the front off the ramps and place stands, then go to the back which is raised a bit on 2X4s to get to the rear pumpkin. I do not have a low profile jack, and I'm lazy/time bound so this route has been quickest for me...... g'luck....

Thanks for the idea, I think I should be able to round up a couple 2x4s for the rear... Will definitely consume less garage space than another set of Rhino ramps

[GSedan03]

yeah usually use 2x4's if your really slammed, best idea and then jack where the pumpkin is like everyone said. easiest way to do it.

[kregg]

hey soundmike post that link to your super 2X4 ramps those things are kewl, might make 'em someday.

[soundmike]

Originally Posted by kregg

hey soundmike post that link to your super 2X4 ramps those things are kewl, might make 'em someday.

You mean this? I should post some new pics, i've painted it matte black since.