Lifts

[Bent6]

Anyone got a lift in their home garage/shop? I've been contemplating getting one for several years now. I have looked at both 4-post and 2-post versions. Both have their pros and cons.

4-Post Pros - movable, can be used as a storage lift
Cons - not ideal for wheel/tire service
limited access under car due to ramps

2-Post Pros - Wheel/tire service
Free and clear under car
Cons - No good for storage or stacking 2 cars
Once it's installed it's not movable

I have a 1200 sq/ft shop behind my house. With 4 cars, tools, equipment, etc it can get a little cluttered back there. A lift or even 2 lifts would be a heckuva lot cheaper than expanding the shop. The 4-post lifts are appealing due to the fact I could stack 2 cars and free up some floor space but they don't seem that great for changing trannys, etc. Any opinions?

 

[gnxtc2]

A four post lift on one side and a two post lift on the other side. Can't go wrong then :biggrin:

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

 

[Bent6]

A four post lift on one side and a two post lift on the other side. Can't go wrong then :biggrin:

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

Don't think I haven't already thought about that! :biggrin: It's just that the 2 posts I've looked at are 138" wide minimum - afraid that might take up a little more room than I want.

 

[Buicksx2]

I have a Rotary two post assymetrical that has a 7,000 pound capacity and love it. I can open the doors, easy access underneath and it's the best money I ever spent.

 

[Bent6]

I've looked at a Bend-Pak 9k# assymetrical 2 post - I like the idea of being able to open the doors.

 

[Grumpy]

why can't ya do trannys on a 4 post ?? those ramps do spread apart I have an air jack on mine to.. trannys , brakes you name it we have done it . I am to lazy for a 2 post..:biggrin:

 

[Bent6]

why can't ya do trannys on a 4 post ?? those ramps do spread apart I have an air jack on mine to.. trannys , brakes you name it we have done it . I am to lazy for a 2 post..:biggrin:

I'm not saying you can't - just not ideal. It's got to be a bigger PITA to have to get the car on the lift, position jacks to get it off the ground, etc. Do you use a jack bridge with a separate air jack or do you have one of those fancy rolling air jacks that fit into the lift rails?

 

[Grumpy]

you have one of those fancy rolling air jacks that fit into the lift rails?

:biggrin: works awesome BUT they are pricey

 

[Bent6]

:biggrin: works awesome BUT they are pricey

Your not kidding! I could just buy another lift for the price of a couple of those things. They do look sweet however. Do you have just one or two to get the car completely up off the lift?

 

[Grumpy]

I just have 1.. you can use the tall jack stands if ya need to also.

 

[Bent6]

What brand of lift you got?

 

[Grumpy]

mine is a 4 post "Forward" 12,000#s .. ya its wayyyy over what ya need It is the Mazda's home inside for the winter

 

[craggar]

I have an assymetrical 10,000 2 post and love it, but need more storage so I just got a 7,000 4 post that has casters so I can move it around if I need to.

 

[qwic87gn]

Why can't you use a 2 post for stacking cars?

 

[GNeric]

This is about what I have. Mine came from a GM dealership. Store my wife's 442 under the GN when I have another inside to work on. I have 1200sq.ft. garage also and I would HATE to not have my lift anymore. I didn't want a 4 post for the legs at each corner make it hard to manuver around when a car is on it and you have to maybe bring another in. My two post gives me more room.

I have a Rotary two post assymetrical that has a 7,000 pound capacity and love it. I can open the doors, easy access underneath and it's the best money I ever spent.

 

[NASSTY]

I have a Challenger 2 post lift,9k lb. capacity.

 

[Grumpy]

I have a Challenger 2 post lift,9k lb. capacity.

can you get a car under that with the tires hanging down ????

 

[NASSTY]

can you get a car under that with the tires hanging down ????

I can fit a GN under it when there is a car on the lift.But when my Bronco or F150 is on the lift I can't fit a car under it.

 

[Grumpy]

I can fit a GN under it when there is a car on the lift.But when my Bronco or F150 is on the lift I can't fit a car under it.

guess guys with marginal ceiling height may have a problem tryin to get a car under them :redface:

 

[NASSTY]

guess guys with marginal ceiling height may have a problem tryin to get a car under them :redface:

I wouldn't want to store a car under my GN anyway.The GN would drip a little oil on it.