So true, Equi'! I served in the Air Force and, when using the Base Hobby Shop, I met the attendant there, a friendly and, above all, knowledgeable Panamanian guy who really put me up-to-date on those issues. Two of the most important things I learned while in the military were, "Do It Right The First Time!", and "Safety First!" Signs were all over the place on every Base where I was stationed. I guess they sank deep into my psyche, dude! I'm glad no harm came to you, man.

I have an old factory jack for lifting the z, a much better backup than hydraulic.

Yeah...I have one of those $20 jacks too...but I only use it for positioning suspension pieces and other non-critical applications where I need to support and align something. Your best bet for occasional under-chassis work are ramps.

While I've never dropped a car off a lift (like the Car Talk guys ;)) I am always super cautious when using mine...

http://images33.fotki.com/v1117/phot...227/p13-vi.jpg