oil change ramps for a 07change SE?

[El Loco VG]

Im going to start changing my own oil for the first time and just wondering what ramps you SE owners use? Im not looking for anything crazy just a cheap low profile ramp that will safely hold up my 07SE without scraping the oem spoiler. Also with the drain plug do you just rachet it down or do you guys use a compresion wrench?

*sorry for typo in the subject, I hate auto correct sometimes*

[knightslugger]

buy long 12x2 planks, start cutting and screwing different lengths together.

viola, ramps.

[sixsix]

I have some black composite plastic ones that I got from auto zone a couple of years back. They work great and the spoiler doesn't touch it.

[jbrnigan]

I use "Rhino Ramps" - 7" rise, 36" ramp length and 4000 lb gross capacity, composite construction, lightweight. They work very well, wont slide on a smooth garage floor.
I do use a torque wrench on the oil drain plug, minimizes chances of overtightening and stripping threads and/or undertightening and leaking

[DWVANDY]

I have a 2011 SE.
At the first oil change, I discovered that the low front air dam was an issue for driving up on the 30+ year old metal ramps that I use.
I simply placed a piece of 16x2 lumber under the leading edge of each ramp, so that the car drives up on the board and then the ramp.
I determined that the vehicle was completely stable on the ramps with the board under the leading edge.
I use a torque wrench on the filter cartridge housing and the drain plug. You dont want to overtorque the plastic or composite components.
It is a nice clean, quick oil change....

[leakyseals]

Originally Posted by jbrnigan

I use "Rhino Ramps" - 7" rise, 36" ramp length and 4000 lb gross capacity, composite construction, lightweight. They work very well, wont slide on a smooth garage floor.
I do use a torque wrench on the oil drain plug, minimizes chances of overtightening and stripping threads and/or undertightening and leaking

yeah the Rhino ramps are really cheap ordered here But I don't bother with them to change the oil. just lift the nose with the floor jack enough to get under. what torque wrench are you using?

[jbrnigan]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

yeah the Rhino ramps are really cheap ordered here But I don't bother with them to change the oil. just lift the nose with the floor jack enough to get under. what torque wrench are you using?

I use a Craftsman, ratcheting micrometer torque wrench,
3/8 " drive, primary scale range 110-750 in lb, I torque the drain plug to 350 in lbs (29 ft.lbs)

[JohnGD]

Here's an example of the lumber ramp people talked about, it doesn't have to be that long of course:
http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/...amps/index.htm

Harbor Freight also has 3/8"-drive torque wrench and when on sale for about $15 IIRC with mailing list coupon:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...rench-807.html

Originally Posted by El Loco VG

Im going to start changing my own oil for the first time and just wondering what ramps you SE owners use? Im not looking for anything crazy just a cheap low profile ramp that will safely hold up my 07SE without scraping the oem spoiler. Also with the drain plug do you just rachet it down or do you guys use a compresion wrench?

*sorry for typo in the subject, I hate auto correct sometimes*

[jbrnigan]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Here's an example of the lumber ramp people talked about, it doesn't have to be that long of course:
http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/...amps/index.htm

Harbor Freight also has 3/8"-drive torque wrench and when on sale for about $15 IIRC with mailing list coupon:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...rench-807.html

Harbor freight buyer beware. A micrometer torque wrench is a precision instrument and a $30.00 wrench (see their product reviews) is not likely to be a precision tool. Over half of their product reviews rate the wrench as a piece of junk. Not the kind tool I want to use on my car, especially on the oil drain plug.

[leakyseals]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Harbor Freight also has 3/8"-drive torque wrench and when on sale for about $15 IIRC with mailing list coupon:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...rench-807.html

I think thats what I have here, a 3/8 matw1. Scares me tightening tranny bolts with the thing, probably should start using it and stop doing it by feel.

[JohnGD]

For drain bolts on steel pans I actually do them by feel. The "calibrated elbow" method. But for the plastic oil filter housing definitely a torque wrench.

Yeah I did read some complaints about HFT, but I think those maybe ones abused by some customers. I've tested the ones I bought against a dial torque wrench and IMO HFT are great for the money and on the mark at least according to the dial wrench FWIW.

I also have Danaher-made Craftsman (some call Crapsman), but the plastic lock rings on these can break easily and the handle can spin loose. The ratchet mechanism is smoother (~45 teeth), but IMO not worth the $40 on sale. YMMV.

Home Depot has the Husky ones with lifetime mechanical warranty, and so are the new Kobalts at Lowes. But at those prices I expect them to be.

[bandit]

Made my own ramps out of wood

[El Loco VG]

Thanks guys I was about to order the Rhino 8000 on amazon and after a quick google I noticed Advanced had them on sale for $25 normally $45 so I picked them up. About to buy the wrench just ordered my oil from Amsoil just need to pickup a new washer for the drain screw and I'll be good to go.

[tanman12345]

Hello, new to the forum. I just bought a 2006 xle over the weekend and we're enjoying the car.

I've been using the lumber ramp ,that I made, for quite a while now. Works really well. Prior to the lumber ramps, I've always been scared that I would go over the commercial ramps.

With the homemade ramps, you know which plank you're on. Much easier to drive up on.

[El Loco VG]

I know its easy to make ramps but i didnt want to have to store them afterwards lol the rhinos weigh like 5lbs much easier to shove them above my garage.