Re: $#^%@&*# Tire Jack!!!!!!

[only5kgt@uswest.net]

JG, you are speaking the truth about AZ summers and Audi factory jacks. Around
two years ago I had quite an evening involving these very same components. Didn't
sink into the pavement (was on the usually harder dirt) and didn't cut my finger
off. Did experience the legendary event my friends remember as "The Night Rob
Lifted the Q-Ship"... jack went south, trapping itself sideways under the 5kt...
ON MY FOOT... no other jack handy at the moment... picked the d*mn thing up and
kicked the jack out into the open. Yes. This was the *front* end BTW. Pant for a
few minutes and massage foot. Get two other jacks from around the neighborhood,
raise the car off the dirt, thank Audi Gods for not doing any notable damage to
the front suspension (my foot broke its fall, eh?) throw the good rim on, and set
off for Phoenix as planned. Dance the frenetic Jamaican Ska for three hours.(I
wasn't goin' to miss the Skatalites live!) Return home.
Geez, think I was sore (back, legs, FOOOT!) the next day?
I carry a trolley jack around in the trunk now. Helps the distribution if not the
weight, and I'm not going there again...
Regards,
Rob

JustaxPHX@aol.com wrote:

> >why not just get a single jack-stand to carry in the trunk?
>
> This past weekend, at a garage sale in my neighborhood, I saw a pair of
> *folding* jack stands ... unfortunately, they were not for sale and the
> seller didn't know where her husband had bought them.  I'm not sure I'd use
> them for anything but an emergency but they looked perfect for packing in the
> trunk along with my traveling toolkit on trips.  If anyone can give me a lead
> on where I can buy a pair, I'd appreciate it.
>
> BTW, whenever I am forced to use the factory jack, I always slide the spare
> wheel under the car, just in case.  I've had a few close calls in the past
> and this offers at least a little extra insurance.  I also carry an 8" square
> piece of 3/4" plywood to provide a more stable surface for the jack ...
> during summers here in Arizona, it gets so hot that asphalt can soften up to
> the point where most factory jacks -- and Audi jacks especially --  will sink
> into it several inches under load.
>
> JG