Lifts ?

[monza]

Thinking of getting a lift. Which do you think would be better. A four post car storage type rack or a two post hoist?

It's main function would be used for stacked storage but also for mechanical as needed and any and all restoration type work.

About the same costs (used two post). But even the cost new or used is not that different between the two units. The car storage racks have add ons, that make it like hoist at additional cost. (not supported by the wheels)

Looking for what other hobbyists would say and advice from the pros.
Thanks

[z28orshoot]

it really depends on what kind of work you do. i have both. i originally went 2 post because i do alot of suspension and motor work.. if you do lots od detailing or tranny work i would tell you to go 4post. i bought my 4 post to do exhaust and detailind. alot to do chassis mods.

you said mainly storage so i would go 4 post.

both have pros and cons.
the choice is yours.

[ALLFAITH]

With 2 post you need deeper concrete for code (and safety) at least where I live. I went 4 post, will pull tranny in winter so it should help. It is a slow time consumming PIA to use a bottle jack to raise car on the lift and pull a wheel with the four post, but to me the plus of having storage outweighs that negative.

Garage junkies forum has a ton of opinions


Brad

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by ALLFAITH

With 2 post you need deeper concrete for code (and safety) at least where I live. I went 4 post, will pull tranny in winter so it should help. It is a slow time consumming PIA to use a bottle jack to raise car on the lift and pull a wheel with the four post, but to me the plus of having storage outweighs that negative.

Garage junkies forum has a ton of opinions


Brad

good point on the concrete thickness, the 2 post generally want 6-8" thick slab versus the standard 4" slab for a 4 post. Many garages don't have the thickness required to safely mount a two post lift.

I use a 4 post because 95% of the time I only need to drive on and raise the vehicle to do what I am doing, instead of having to set the arms to lift the car. I also have a neat jack that slides the entire length of the lift and has arms which adjust for width and height to lift the front or rear of the car. It sets up so fast and easy it takes no time, no separate jacks, etc. Here's a pic of one similar to mine:

[deuce_454]

the sliding jack even come in a penumaic/hydraulic version so you can run it of the compressed air...

i just bought a lift myself, but since i dint have sufficient celinghright for a 1, 2 or 4 post lift i went with a scissor lift

[Rick Dorion]

I too have a 4 post with the sliding hydraulic jack Jody showed. I've had it 4 years and have done everything from engine removal to front end work. I love it. I have a 10' ceiling and can stand under the car - no I'm not height challenged! My truck can raise high enough to do exhaulst etc using my roll-around chair too!

[ALLFAITH]

Jody,

how much is that lift adapter ?

Brad

[BonzoHansen]

7 years spent in repair bays with (the equivalent of) both types. Both have +'s and -'s. 4 post is for storage, alignments and some work. But in my expereince a 2 post is much more useful for working on cars. That is what I would buy. Floor requirements woud not sway me, I'd fix the floor if necessary.

$0.02

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by ALLFAITH

Jody,

how much is that lift adapter ?

Brad

I got Charley and I one for about $500 each or so. Not that brand though, but looks and works the same.

I know the 2 post lifts are popular when wheel/tires have to come off, but the advantage of a 4 post to me is:

simply driving it on the lift and immediately lifting (no setting the arms like a 2 post)

ground clearance; sometimes a real low car has to be jacked up just to let the arms get under the lift

much more stable, never seen a car fall off a 4 post but have seen several fall off or partly off a 2 post

moveable, which is nice when you want to steam clean the bottom of your car or need the floor space for some temporary reason

with that jack I bought I can get the wheels off just as fast for brake jobs, etc. as a two post in my opinion

they both have plusses and minuses, but I've worked under two posts a lot, and having the car rocking around gets your attention sometimes....
Jody

[tyoneal]

This is a great Thread as I am in the Market as well.

What Brands do you recommend and why?

Thanks,

Ty