I have all three(stands/ramps and floor jack).  I use the ramps primarily
for bleeding the  cooling system and pulling radiator etc or when I need
total access to the undercarriage ie no jack to crawl around under.  I like
the jack stands(came with my 3 ton Craftsman floor jack for a total package
of about $130, shop wanted $160 to rebuild my old US made Walker jack but
that will have to wait until I'm richer) for the same reasons Bill
described, and the floor jack, ditto.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, November 08, 2000 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: jackstands vs. ramps

>> What is the consensus on the usefulness of jackstands vs. ramps for
>working
>> on our Vanagons?  As a novice mechanic I've put off this purchase.  Are
>both
>> necessary?  I'm thinking brake and other wheel work will often require
>> jackstands to allow the wheels to turn freely, but oil changes
>
>Neither is necessary for an oil change...
>
>and other
>> underbody work would be perhaps quicker simply to run the van up on
ramps.
>
>Certainly quicker... assuming you can start the van and move it :)
>
>seems convenient, bu the scary thing is the possibility of driving right
off
>the end of the ramps :(
>
>a good floor jack doesn't take long and may be easier to do just one
side...
>
>I have ramps and have never used them... always use the floor jack and jack
>stands...
>
>Bill
>
>> Adequate capacity with both types would seem to render safety a
>non-factor.
>>
>> Any sage advice from the pros?  Including brands you've found faithful
and
>> ones to avoid?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim Creech
>> 87 Westy GL
>>