Tools recommendation

[rbizet]

Hello,

I have a 2000 Boxster S and with the help of your web site and the workshop manuals I am looking into doing most of the maintenance myself to learn more about my car.

Which tools would you recommend for the following?

- Jack

- 4 Stands

- Mechanics tool set

How do you put the car on the 4 stands? To be more precise how can you jack the car up at the 4 designated lift points and put it on the jack stand at the same points? Which other places do you jack the car up from?

Thank you for your help.

[djantlive]

I use car ramp, safe and easy compared to jackstands. They are $25 at Pep Boys/Kragen. Not sure if you get enough lift for a mid engine boxter though

For tools, it depends on cost and your expected usage. Cheap tools from autoparts stores may last 4-5 yrs for occasional wkend usage. Kraftsman will last 10+ yrs and cost you 3-4x. I'd start with some cheap tools first from Costco and upgrade later after you know which tools you need more often. Always choose metric tools too, not standard tools.

[aak5454]

For jacking up the car, I first jack up the back on each side and put Cinder blocks under the tires and then do the same for the front. This way the car is level and no danger of falling on me.

Also, the emerency brake should be engaged.

[Tool Pants]

I have never found a reason to put a Boxster on 4 stands at the same time. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...st=0entry8248

[rbizet]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. Most of the time you don't need to, agreed.

This weekend I flushed my brakes with the OEM jack, one wheel at a time and it would have been much easier if I had access to all 4 calipers at the same time.

Did you guys have a preferred brand or model regarding the tools you use?

For example a brand of floor jack, capacity, clearance, etc.

Same thing regarding the stands some have a V shaped other are flats, etc.

Thank You

[Tool Pants]

Over the years we have used many different brands of hydraulic floor jacks depending on where we work and what is available - 'racing' and otherwise. They all work the same if you can slide it under the lift points and not damage the rocker panels. And if it does not then one person lifts on the fender and we get it under the car, or you drive up on a piece of wood. Most are made in China.

The flat jack stands work better on a Boxster because you will be putting them under a flat surface. But we have also used the V style - whatever is available when we do the work.

This is the V style on a Boxster for an oil change at the last work on cars day and we also did the 60k service with them on a 996. That is the style Henry has so that is what we used as I did not bring my flat style. The beer bottle is for additional safety. :D You can also do the clutch bleed when the car is like that.