which would be the better choice for the best support and safety? the jack stands or ramps?

 

jack stands- ramps are a pain in the *** and you can spin them under the car if you accelerate at the end of the ramp. I use a floor jack to raise the car and slide some old wheels under the tires if I need to support the car with wheels on.

 

It depends on the kind of work you are doing. Ramps are nice if you are doing something that does not imvolve removal of the front wheels or suspension. They are alot alot more convenient. But jackstands are a must if you are going to be removing the front wheels or suspension.

 

I can't get up on a ramp w/out pissing off my front bumper cover.

And once it's on the ramp, it takes up alot of space under the car. My ramps just sit there now, I think our Maxima is the only car that can clear it.

 

For support and safety, I'd have to say ramps. As long as their sturdy enough, I'd have no fear of "accidentally" kicking one and having the car fall on me while laying all my power down to untorque a bolt. They're not friendly with my car though. I tried to use my friend's ramps and I couldn't even touch the edge of it with my tires. My friend's lowered Civic goes up with ease...he's lucky with the short bumper. I'd probably need one of those LONG ones. I'd say they're excellent for oil changes or for swapping headers.

 

Consider building your own ramps. Here's what you need:

2x12x12' cut in half. 4x4x8 or 4x4x12 (cut to the 2x12 width). Stack the 4x4 lumber at one end and some in the middle to make a gentle slope. This should clear your car.

A hint on jacking your car on stands if you're having trouble getting the jack undernearth the car in the first place. I like to use the tow hooks in the front to get the car off the ground and place stands just behind the front wheels to support the car; my car is lowered. To squeeze your jack underneath this area, use a 2x4 or something long and use it as a lever to lift that end of the car enough to clear the jack.