Lifting a Vehicle over a Pit

[RetroPug]

You just need a pit jack...Can pick up second hand ones for very little...Just straddles the pit much like a 4 post ramp jack does, like you see them use on MOT...

As above, I didn't build the pit and I can't be sure the edges would be strong enough. I've used them many times on commercial pits and ramps but those are definitely strong enough and won't collapse on me.

If that was me on a budget I'd use a sheet or thick steel/chequer plater etc to slide over the end of the pit, then slip a low entry jack under and jack entire front or rear up, if you place a good full size jack under the subframe or rear beam you can lift both wheels off with one jacking action quite safely.

Only in for ~£100 then.

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And agree, I would not be using a jacking beam on anything other than the metal edges of a ramp designed for it.

Great idea, you are 100% right, I'd just need some thick steel plate, it wouldn't have to have a large surface area, just enough to go under either the front subframe or under the rear beam area. Very easy to source and much less expensive than lifting equipment.

I'd still welcome further suggestions but I think I'll be doing this. Most suppliers would even cut it to size assuming I don't "repurpose" something.

I could even weld a web on the bottom for increased stiffness in the middle if the middle was dipping.

Thank you!