Safely lifting car to change shocks / brake pads
Discussion
I need to change my brake pads and I am pretty sure the shocks need replacing to. The trouble is my drive way has a slope on it and is covered in large gravel so it is I think dangerous to jack the car up. I certainly wouldn't get under the car. Would it be ok for doing the above jobs as I wouldn't be under the car? I can't think of any other way of doing it, my car is too big to fit in the garage and I wouldn't be able to get to the wheels anyway as it a single garage. I have axel stands, lifting one corner at a time should be ok. What do you think?
If your stuck having to do it on a slope I'd say get loads of wood together, handbrake on+in gear+chock rear wheels then list one corner till you can get a block of wood under the wheel.
Swap to the other side and jack till you can get two blocks under the wheel.
Repeat this, a little at a time until you can jack up and put the stand under - using more (large) blocks of wood to give the stands a level footing. Then give it a good push to make sure it's not going anywhere.
This way you minimise the risks - if it does roll and come off the jack it only drops a short distance on to the blocks.
From choice - find a friend/family member with a flat drive you can use!
Swap to the other side and jack till you can get two blocks under the wheel.
Repeat this, a little at a time until you can jack up and put the stand under - using more (large) blocks of wood to give the stands a level footing. Then give it a good push to make sure it's not going anywhere.
This way you minimise the risks - if it does roll and come off the jack it only drops a short distance on to the blocks.
From choice - find a friend/family member with a flat drive you can use!
Suggest doing only one corner at a time, with the other three wheels left on the ground and firmly chocked on the downhill side. If you can jack the car under the suspension you only need to pick it up a couple of inches to get the wheel off the ground, making it less likely that you'll lift the weight off the other wheels. If you do this make sure you don't damage the suspension - position the jack at a strong point and use a piece of wood if necessary to protect the load.
You don't say which way the slope goes. If you can position the car sideways across the slope that is ideal. If that isn't possible but you can get it at an angle, position it so the wheel you're working on is furthest uphill.
Regardless of anything else, only every work on one corner at a time and make sure you and the jack stay on the UPHILL side of the car. Never ever jack the downhill side under any circumstances; if it starts to slide you want it sliding away from you not towards you.
You don't say which way the slope goes. If you can position the car sideways across the slope that is ideal. If that isn't possible but you can get it at an angle, position it so the wheel you're working on is furthest uphill.
Regardless of anything else, only every work on one corner at a time and make sure you and the jack stay on the UPHILL side of the car. Never ever jack the downhill side under any circumstances; if it starts to slide you want it sliding away from you not towards you.
Dont risk it if your not confident, ive heard of many accidents this way, do you really want a 1.5+ ton car on your chest/face if it slips off? Take the car round to mates place who does have a flat space you can borrow for a day or two. For safety when I am under the car on soft uneven ground surface stuff the spare tyre under car beside you when you work and move it around accordingly. Check your jacking points are also in good order before you start. You may need extra blocks 
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