Hey guys!
I've decided to make it my new years resolution to learn more about my truck and basic maintenance and repairs.
My first thought comes to mind when I think about jacking up my truck, what's easiest, most practical, and what will last in the long run. So I've been watching a lot of Chris fix videos and he uses a combination of ramps and jacks with stands.
Also with me living in an apartment complex ( first floor though) I'm not sure which option would be best for my needs. I'm hoping my fellow ranger owners could help me get going in the right direction. And if someone could recommend a good quality jack or ramps, one seen both from 30$ or 60$ to upwards of 350$ and I don't want to spend more money than I need but I don't want to risk my safety.

Tl;Dr I need help with choosing ramp vs jack/stands at an apartment complex.

Harbor freight has nice jacks.
You have more uses for a jack over Ramps

I prefer jacks, in case the wheels need to come off, just make sure you get jack stands too, in case the jack gives out while your under it

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2001 f250 7.3 zf-6
1979 f150 400/c6
Ranger free since December 2015
quote of the day:
The round flowing fenders of this vehicle have been lovingly reconstructed by a Dutch craftsman out of, what could be considered the most precious material on earth, bondo

This ^^

Really the only thing you can do with a ramp is oil changes. Brakes, bearings, ball joints, etc you need a jack to remove the wheel.

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2007 Regular Cab - 2.3 DOHC - 5 Speed Auto - 4.10 Gears - Maxtrac 7" Lift - Fiberwerx 3" Fenders - Bilstein 5100 Series - 15x10 Ultra 164's - 35x12.50x15 Red Letters - Custom dents

You have to have a decent jack.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package

Alright thanks guys, I'll start with harbor freights and find myself a decent jack and stands. Thanks for the help!

I have a harbor freight jack and its fine. I also have some 6 ton jack stands (mainly for the height). Most of my tools here in tx are from there as well- have only had 1 tool break.

I'd say you need to get a digital multimeter and possibly a mechanics stethoscope (a breaker bar is great too though). Most tools you'll get for X or Y job, and slowly your collection will grow.

Another thing- get a GOOD light setup. Nothing sucks more than not being able to see what you're doing. I have a garage at my apartment- I have an overhead light, I have a cheap $9 drop light hanging from one side with an incandescent bulb and a stand up lamp at the back corner of the garage. Combine those with the bayco led drop light I have and I'm happy.

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2002 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab, 2.3L Duratec I4, 5-speed manual, 4.10 gears, ~100,000 miles
Power nothing with air conditioning; crank windows for life!
Throttle cable mod, retained accessory power mod, 2006 thermostat w/resistor mod
Headlight relay harness, Philips xtreme-vision bulbs
P235/75R15 Michelin LTX M/S2s

Awesome! I'm looking forward to being able to do things myself. Another off topic question. Where's the best place to get an owner's manual to have on hand for torque specs and helpful things to reference to? Online?

Owners Manual: Ford Ranger Owners Manuals

But for torque specifications & related - you will want at least the official Ford Workshop Manuals & related Wiring Manual.

I use the crap out of mine - They put the Haynes and/or Chiltons style manuals to shame.

The manuals show up on eBay occasionally - which will be a much better deal, because buying new tends to be on the expensive side.

Worst case, they are made & sold brand new by the Helm Company. Even buying my set brand-new, the knowledge is worth their weight in gold.

Random 2003 Ranger Info: http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.a...ected%5Fmedia=

Like I said, eBay is the route to go for many - However, I hate waiting, so I bought that pair years ago for my 2003 Ranger when I had it & now my Mach 1.

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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Good point.

Having light is mandatory.

__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package

Logan beat me to it.

Literally had the link copied.

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2007 Regular Cab - 2.3 DOHC - 5 Speed Auto - 4.10 Gears - Maxtrac 7" Lift - Fiberwerx 3" Fenders - Bilstein 5100 Series - 15x10 Ultra 164's - 35x12.50x15 Red Letters - Custom dents

You guys are awesome ☺

image-3022609079.jpg

Free !

Better first ask your apt property manager nicely of your intentions...then wrench away
I figure the shop manual goes with the truck like any mod would as money well spent.

Maybe code reader, then more you get into it gradually add quality tools.

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2008 FX4 Ranger. Black/ Black
Undid the full size Mod.
Kept the power rear window
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=82y5AyI5eEY

I would recommend getting a craftsman socket set and some vice grips. I personally have the 200 piece, I don't think you'll need any quite that big, probably like a 30 piece would be plenty, and a multimeter and code reader and you'd pretty much be set

__________________
2001 f250 7.3 zf-6
1979 f150 400/c6
Ranger free since December 2015
quote of the day:
The round flowing fenders of this vehicle have been lovingly reconstructed by a Dutch craftsman out of, what could be considered the most precious material on earth, bondo

This ^^

I have a 100 piece that I carry in my truck. It has every size socket I need (and a couple sockets A-La-Carte) to basically replace every part of my suspension.

It really depends on what you want to do maintenance on.

The more tools you have, the more you can do.

__________________
2007 Regular Cab - 2.3 DOHC - 5 Speed Auto - 4.10 Gears - Maxtrac 7" Lift - Fiberwerx 3" Fenders - Bilstein 5100 Series - 15x10 Ultra 164's - 35x12.50x15 Red Letters - Custom dents