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Modifying ramps for DIY maintenance on Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Robert Holt, Aug 13, 2015.

  1. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    When I went to put our 2012 Gen 3 hatchback up on ramps to change the engine oil and transmission fluid, I found that the long, low overhang in the front of the car would hit the ramps if I tried to drive directly up onto them.
    Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was your solution?

    My solution was to construct a shallower approach angle by using 4 foot long sections of 2x6 leading up to each ramp, supported in the middle by an 8 foot 2x6 laid crosswise at the foot of both ramps (white arrows):

    DSCN2727_ramps1.jpg

    DSCN2728_ramps2.jpg
    I also beveled a short section of 2x6 to insert into the front pocket of each ramp, both to make the pocket somewhat shallower and to better prevent running off the front end of the ramps used at this angle. That modification seemed to work well, but what have the rest of you DIY folks done to get your Prius up on ramps for maintenance? Thanks in advance for any better ideas!
     
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  2. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    that looks workable. I have similar ramps, which I've never used under the Prius. I'm considering sawing an inch or so off the bottom edge all around. The hacksawing would be tedious work, and give up some height, but the shortened ramps would be less cumbersome to set up and use every time.
     
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  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    I have a set of ramps from Autozone that are plastic and have held up well under full size trucks, SUVs, and the Prius. They fit perfectly snug under the bumper. I get the car straight then pull the ramps out throw them on the ground and kick them "into" the tire. Drive up, and that's it. No mods neccessary and I can get fully under the car.
     
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  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    OP's solution is good.

    Another possibility I have used from time to time is to employ a couple of long lengths of 4 x 6 wood. The front of the car is jacked up so that one end of the wood will fit under a front tire. A ramp is placed on the other end of the wood which provides a shallower approach angle. Repeat on the other side of the car, then remove the hydraulic floor jack.

    After the car is driven onto the ramps, the wood continues to support the approach end of each ramp. Obviously enough wood needs to be under the ramps so there is no chance of the wood slipping away.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, that could prove painful.:cool:
     
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    no more ramps for me, a floor jack and steel adjustable jack stands is more than secure and basically the same effort.
     
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  7. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    This, and now that I know where the jack point(s) are for a floor jack, I have better options than working two small scissor jacks each time I have maintenance to do.
     
  8. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    ...and you're free to remove the wheels. ;)
     
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  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Lets bring to each " Shade tree mechanic" their own heaven.....
     
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  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Each solution has a purpose and merit, shade tree or professional.
     
  11. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

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    I use the same metal ramps, but what I do is use a floor jack to raise the front end then slide the metal ramps under the tires then lower the tires onto the metal ramps. Works good for me less frustrating too!
     
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The one problem I see with that is having to raise the car all that extra distance of the suspension travel.
     
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  13. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    that ain't so much, a few more pumps for the floor jack
     
  14. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    My heaven would be a hydraulic lift in a nice, high garage where I could stand upright to do all the work. Some dealers used to lend out their repair bays on non-work nights, but haven't heard of anyplace doing that around here recently, probably due to liability concerns.
    Failing that, my dream would be the kind of drive-over "maintenance pit" that we used back in my Army days, similar to a Jiffy Lube arrangement but made from a 3-foot wide cut into an earthen embankment. Outdoors, so no maintenance , but chance of collapsing walls if it was not done right.
    Does any Prius Club offer this kind of perk to their members? It would sure as heck make me sign up!
     
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Similar sorts of ideas rattle around in my head every so often, then I give it a shake, get back to floor jack and safety stands. For the nervousness factor, I stick with a rule: always push a thick chunk of tree trunk under first, under a main beam.

    image.jpg
     
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  16. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    And you later have to explain to insurance why you have a tree-trunk shaped dent in the bottom of your car. :whistle:
     
  17. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Better to utilize car insurance than life insurance. ;)
     
  18. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Now I would have to hunt down and chop down one of my neighbors tree to have a little chunk. Just in case.......
     
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I put the post under a main cross beam, not gonna dent. Another good trick: keep your cell phone on you.
     
  20. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Why? I can barely move to grab that tool I need. I doubt I could work my phone with the car on top of me. o_O