willfxp

I have a pair of ramps now, not sure the brand or the weight capacity. I'm not a very big guy, but I'm not sure if there's enough ground clearance even for me! And the width of the tires match the width of the ramp, including the little bump sides. I just don't know how safe that is.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I drive the front wheels onto these ramps I made from an 8' long 2 x 10:



Then I put my floor jack on the jacking point(s) and raise the car:



Finally, I put the jackstands under the jacking points for the scissors jack as shown in the diagram above.

I bought a couple of small pieces of 4" x 4" x 1/2" oak from Lowes to put on the jack. It prevents scratches and dents. I don't put anything on the jackstands, but I have thought it wouldn't be a bad idea. There are jackstands with simple flat tops and rubber pads which work very nicely for holding the car up on floor pan seams.

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Its in the Owners Manual people.... (I'm a slow poster)

But this post will help GREATLY

Edit:
Lance - We should make a Sticky on "How to Jack a Lexus IS"

I have worked on over a dozen IS's.. Never bent a rail yet.....

Also, below is another helpful PDF document from Javy!!!!

OEM VEHICLE LIFT AND SUPPORT LOCATIONS

bhuwan

So what do people do when the metal at the JACK position (4 corners) ends up bending? Is it safe to continue using the bent metal?

I looked at the recommended Jack position (based on the manual) and it seems too small for a hydraulic lift... to change tires / brakes / rotors, is it really safe to use that position?

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

why don't you just jack it up from the frame of the car? I've changed oil on this car....24times and friend's IS 250 about 18 times. I've never jack the car from the side of the part you bent. They do look weak though...

bhuwan

That's what I am thinking of just doing.

Sadly though, I looked under the car and two of the four corners are bent. (I only take my car to the stealership, so...). My main concern, though, is what if I am in a situation that I need to change the tires myself (flat, middle of no where). Is it really safe to use those bent metal points with the factory Jack ?

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

good question... i guess i did use factory jack on the weaker point before, but didn't bent. Weird.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

its just the pinch weld that your bending its no big deal. i use the 4 points shown all the time to jack my car up.

bhuwan

Is it safe to use the four points (pinch weld), even though they look bent? I

P.S. For the record, I did not bend them as I haven't lifted the car from that point (as of yet). [stealer-ship are the only ones]

jnguyen87

iTrader: (2)

All 4 of my jackpoints are bent to hell. I dont like it, but thats how i change my wheels out. Who wants to use the scissor jacks everytime tho, thats a pain!

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

Next time Im using rhino ramps as bichon said.

I used the cheap steel ramps and they shotout like an angry **** after I changed my exhausts. Good thing it didn't hit my wife's RSX.

There were some damage under my rear bumper and it probably broke a clip or 2.

I still don't know what happen when I came off the ramp slowly. Maybe I stepped on the gas a bit too hard? I felt a loud metal banging sound and my car dropped... it was a scary experience.

To be safe, I'll use snow mode to come off the ramp next time.

Or I'll use the jack and stands with the modded adapter as lobuxracer posted

Lexustom

As mentioned, Rhino ramps are fine. I do love my Race Ramps though. I use the 56" ones on my sport cars as well as the IS. Since I bought mine they now even have ramps where after the car is up on the top, one can remove the ramp. Give more accessabilty to the under side of the car.

As for bending the underneath of the car? You should see what my dealership did to my car on it's first oil change. I now do all the work myself.