What size jack stands and/or jack are good for general maintenance of a '96 and a '98 Civic coupe and sedan? Both cars have stock wheels and suspension. Let me know if you have a make and model preference in stands/jack.

For example, on my local Craigslist there is a 2-ton combo of jack stands and hydraulic jack. The stands have a lift range of 10-3/8" to 16" and the jack a lift range of 5 5/16" to 13". (I'm not sure why the jack range doesn't go higher than the stands.)

Thanks,
Scott

P.S. Sorry if this question has been asked a zillion times. I couldn't find an answer with a search.

 

im using a jack and stand combo that i got for $20 from my local o'reileys/ kragen. works for the stuff that i need to do.

 

I use the small ones, which say 2 ton. That's 4000 pounds. The entire Civic weighs about 2200 pounds. Scissor jacks are good, and will not leak and sink.
Some hydraulic jacks will leak and slowly sink.
Oh, I mean jack stands. 2 ton.
The Civic comes with a scissor jack in the trunk. I have a few scissor jacks with the handle attached, which folds over. That is nice, as then you never lose the handle.
dc

 

^scissor jacks are dangerous. I hated having to use it on the side of the road to put my spare tire on after my tire randomly blew up.

 

Yup, scissor jacks are to be used in emergencies only; they don't have a big enough footprint and can easily be knocked over with the weight of the car on them. A two-ton hydraulic jack with jack stands is all you need.

 

Thanks, guys.

 

I would never carry a two ton hydraulic jack and jack stands on the road. Thus I would have no question but to use the scissor jack on the side of the road. It has to be a flat safe surface, tho'.
In the driveway, or garage, again flat safe surface, you can use either, and then the jack stands. You always want to put the jack stands under the car when you are working on it. Not just a jack.
dc

 

enough said.