I already have a pair of axle stands but as I'm going to be spending more time under the car soon I want to double up for safety reasons. I'll be doing a front subframe so I want all 4 stands at the front.
How are 4 stands to be used so not to be unstable?
And can you recommend some?
Four stands at one end seems strange to me and may create instability as not certain which ones are taking the load, unless you are having all four wheels off the ground and spaced accordingly.
First things a good solid, level, concrete floor to jack car up on. If only lifting one end then chock both sides of the wheels that remain on the ground.
Personally I prefer stands with pins to alter height and not a fan of cast ones or quick release mechanism especially cheap versions.
Make sure where the stands are supporting the vehicle that area is strong/secure.
Use a good quality jack to lift as high as you need.
Once up in the air and stands in place, personally I reach under and tap the three legs of each stand with a hammer to ensure they are not wobbling on two legs etc.
Finally before getting under the vehicle I give it a rock to satisfy myself that it is safe.
If lowering a subframe I would probably support it on a length of solid timber and lower it using a jack that I trust to have a easily controlled decent, so I can lower and still use my other hand to stop subframe from tilting, also able to stop jack quickly if you find something catching or still attached.
If lowering with engine and gearbox attached I would probably use a good engine crane rather than jacks.
I may have missed something, but remember one thing when going under a vehicle, you are a long time dead and being slowly crushed to death before anyone realises will not be pleasant
