Looking for a lift for F350

[agdodge4x4]

I have all pickups and I do all of my own repair work on them. I am finding it harder and harder to do front end work on my garage floor with jack stands. So, I am considering a lift. I have read many threads about 2 post vs. 4 post and I just can't see a down side to the 4 post. The main advantage is that I don't need to have engineered concrete poured. However, my trucks are Expeditions, F150, 250, and 350 and typically I need to do brake work and suspension work. What size lift should I be looking at to accommodate my largest vehicles which are Crew cab F350 with long beds? Is there a cost effective way to get into this that will include the lift, a pair of bridge jacks, etc?

Then again, I do need to pour concrete anyway to put this thing on, so getting from 4" to 6" concrete shouldn't be a huge deal if a 2 post is the way to go. I do NOT need to used these to store vehicles, in fact, this will be installed on a concrete pad with a basic pole style covering over it, probably won't even have sides.

 

[cvairwerks]

My 2007 Super Duty, crew cab, long bed, 4x4 diesel has a curb weight around 7800 pounds, so take your heaviest truck weight and add 20% for safety and you are in the 9-10,000 pound capacity lifts. The 20% is because few people ever have their vehicles completely cleaned out and at showroom delivery weight. At 9,000 pound capacity, you are in the 6-8,000$ for a certified lift. If you don't care about the certification, then knock one to two grand off. An alternative is finding a used one, but that has it's own foibles.

 

[charbar]

4 post are awful to actually do work on in my opinion. The runways are ALWAYS in the way.

The only advantages of a four post if you ask me are that you don't have to set up the arms so there is zero effort to 'rack' a vehicle and the runways make a nice bench when you are working.

If you go two post a good 10k will work BUT a 12k is way more stable and easier on your nerves. I have a pretty stout 10k and CCLB pickups can get pretty squirrelly on it. Another advantage of going with a 12k is that they usually have longer/3 stage arms which is almost a must for Super Dutys because of the frame design. It ensures you have enough length to reach the lifting points and have the balance point correct when lifting.

I have to park a CCLB Super Duty absolutely PERFECT on my 10k so the arms will reach and it honestly puts it too far forward in consideration of weight balance. I set that lift up extra wide though so I did lose some arm 'reach' from doing so.

On my 12k you can park a CCLB Super Duty anywhere and the arms reach no problem. I also don't feel anywhere near as nervous when I'm wailing on a dual that is seized to the hub or jerking on a transmission because it's stuck to the engine.

 

[kctgb]

4 post are awful to actually do work on in my opinion. The runways are ALWAYS in the way.

The only advantages of a four post if you ask me are that you don't have to set up the arms so there is zero effort to 'rack' a vehicle and the runways make a nice bench when you are working.

If you go two post a good 10k will work BUT a 12k is way more stable and easier on your nerves. I have a pretty stout 10k and CCLB pickups can get pretty squirrelly on it. Another advantage of going with a 12k is that they usually have longer/3 stage arms which is almost a must for Super Dutys because of the frame design. It ensures you have enough length to reach the lifting points and have the balance point correct when lifting.

I have to park a CCLB Super Duty absolutely PERFECT on my 10k so the arms will reach and it honestly puts it too far forward in consideration of weight balance. I set that lift up extra wide though so I did lose some arm 'reach' from doing so.

On my 12k you can park a CCLB Super Duty anywhere and the arms reach no problem. I also don't feel anywhere near as nervous when I'm wailing on a dual that is seized to the hub or jerking on a transmission because it's stuck to the engine.

I agree on the 4 post. For me it would be either a bendpak 2 post or their scissors lift flush in the floor that’s open in the middle. They make scissor lifts for heavy vehicles. The scissor lift flush in the floor are really nice, they don’t take up space like a 2 post does.

 

[ScaldedDog]

Remember that published curb weights are always lighter than actual. My 2001 PSD Excursion, for example, weighs 8150lbs, against a published curb weight of 7688lbs. My 10k Rotary Smartlift has no trouble with it, but I would not want any less lift. I'd also hate having to work on it with a 4-post.

Mark

 

[beltfeed]

Another vote for a 12K to post. Remember each pad on a two post is rated for 25% of the lifts capacity. This means the front lift pads are rated for 4500 pounds max on a 9K lift. With a front-end weight of a 4wd diesel pickup being in the 4K to 5K range I would spend a little more and get a 12K lift. Last year I was at a friend of mines shop that has seven lifts. Smashed against the buildings side wall was a new crew cab one ton diesel chevy pickup. One of the vertical posts on the two-post lift failed and was folder over. I wish I would have taken a photo of this mess. He replaced the lift with a 12K two post. He showed me the difference in construction between a 9K and a 12K, it's not 30% beefier it's at least 50% beefier!

 

[gizardlizard]

Yet another vote for a 12k lift. Two post is the only way to go. I’ve had my neighbors super duty on my 10k two post and it had no issues. You just need to lift the truck a little off the ground and rock the truck a little to make sure it’s balanced.

 

[Aileron]

I have a 2000 Excusion 7.3 4wd and 12,000 bendpak 2 post. I have left it up in the air sitting on the locks for months at a time, since i don't drive it much anymore in the summer, Only issue we have had wth the bendpak was a friend wanted to get under his BMW converatble and it was to low to the ground. Once you raised it up to get the bars under the arms where also very close to the rocker panels. Should have used tran fluid instead of hydraulic oil also. In the colder months it seems like forever to bleed down. Whats nice about a two post is i have used it to lift heavy items out of the bed of my f350 CC dually.

 

[pl_silverado]

Where are you located? I have a used Mohawk 15k available.

 

[AC-WC]

If you have to do concrete why not do it right for a 2 post 12k? You also don't mention ceiling height. After concrete that is usually the next restriction. My 2wd, 3/4 with long bed, ext cab and v10 weighs 6200 lbs. (weighed at the scrap yard empty!)

As for actually working on a vehicle....there's a reason all the shops have a 2 post. Yes, advantages for each type and I would like to have a 4 post for quick stuff like oil, storage and an advantage for transmission/clutch/exhaust but I have a 2 post for ease of access at lower cost.

You will have added expense of rolling jacks/bottle jacks in addition to the cost of the 4 post.

Tons of articles here for both styles, it will take a little but research, research, research because it's all free here!

 

[kngelv]

I have a 4-Post with two jack trays but no jack lift. I use an airbag jack and jackstands on the bridge trays. I can do anything that can be done on a 2-Post. It does take longer to set up if you need the wheels off the runways. A bridge jack would make it much faster though. I have a Backyard Buddy Classic. Very well made. I waited too long to order a bridge jack and can't get one for my lift because of the stupid tariffs. Advantage - which owns Backyard Buddy makes their jacks in China and has stopped taking new orders. I got a 4-Post because my garage concrete varied from 3.25" - 5". I just had a second garage built with 8" being the thinnest part of the slab so now I can put a two post in if I want to in the future. For now I'm moving the four post there. Any lift is better than no lift. You definitely have to be more concious of balance points on a 2-Post if you remove engines, transmissions, rear ends etc. Body work is easier on a 4-Post. My friend has one of each which is ideal - obviously. BTW most lifts are not rated for outdoor use so you might want to have some sides on that pole frame that roll down in inclement weather. Good luck.

James

 

[agdodge4x4]

2 posts make me nervous because I have never used a lift. Putting the truck on 2 chinese 6 ton jack stands is fine though. LOL.

Seriously, how do you balance the vehicle? I am always nervous that the two post is going to fall over or pull out of the concrete. I don't really have an engineer to design a slab. We basicaly have concrete dudes that come pour out whatever thickness you want to whatever dimensions you want. We live in the country so that's just how it's been done. You want 8" concrete, no problem.

But how do you make sure the dang thing isnt going to tip forward or back on those two legs? I agree with going bigger. I'll look for at leat a 12k. I'd be a sad MF if my brand new King Ranch fell off and there is no one to blame except me.

 

[ScaldedDog]

2 posts make me nervous because I have never used a lift. Putting the truck on 2 chinese 6 ton jack stands is fine though. LOL.

Seriously, how do you balance the vehicle? I am always nervous that the two post is going to fall over or pull out of the concrete. I don't really have an engineer to design a slab. We basicaly have concrete dudes that come pour out whatever thickness you want to whatever dimensions you want. We live in the country so that's just how it's been done. You want 8" concrete, no problem.

But how do you make sure the dang thing isnt going to tip forward or back on those two legs? I agree with going bigger. I'll look for at leat a 12k. I'd be a sad MF if my brand new King Ranch fell off and there is no one to blame except me.

I tried to find a side view of my Excursion on the lift, but failed, so I'll just describe it.

Balancing isn't as hard as it sounds. You can weigh your truck and determine the fore/aft CG, or you can guess. Either works, as the CG will be somewhere under the driver's seat on the vast majority of vehicles. If you put the center of the driver's seat on the center of the post when looking at it from the side, and if you mounted the lift to the ground in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, you'll be fine. Even so, it's not a bad idea to brace the front and rear of the vehicle with tall jackstands when lifted. You must remember to remove them before lowering the lift, though.

Mark

 

[Yankeefarmer]

This is the 4 post you want -> https://realgaragelife.com/products/advantage-ss-11-000
but they have become pricey and unavailable at the moment. @finn has one.

Added a YouTube video about one ->

My F250 on my DX-9000 XLT. Rock solid.

 

[charbar]

You are overthinking the concrete. Just look at some requirements from different brands and I think you would be surprised. If you are in a location that freezes it might not hurt to go a little more on the concrete since you will be outdoors. Most 12k lifts are going to want around 6 inches of concrete in the 4000psi range (6 bag if that is how your concrete guy talks instead of psi)

Balancing isn't is bad as it sounds. I believe I've heard people talk about a book that tells you the lifting points and center of gravity of most vehicles. Of course that changes if the vehicle has a flatbed on it, or a 150 gallon fuel tank in the bed, or a Ranchhand full replacement bumper....you get the idea.

ScaldedDog mentioned somewhere around the center of the seat and he is pretty much right on. For long pickups I basically put outside door handle online with the post. Shorter trucks go a little further back and usually end up with the post lined up with the middle of the front door. Kind of a general guideline anyway.

 

[Sumboodie]

Be careful on hoist ratings for diesel trucks.

Like a 10k hoist may not be rated for an 8-9k diesel due to alot of weight on the steer vs more balanced on a gas engine truck.

When I looked at hoists, I was quoted 12-15k "commercial" units to handle a ~9k diesel.

 

[kctgb]

I have a 2000 Excusion 7.3 4wd and 12,000 bendpak 2 post. I have left it up in the air sitting on the locks for months at a time, since i don't drive it much anymore in the summer, Only issue we have had wth the bendpak was a friend wanted to get under his BMW converatble and it was to low to the ground. Once you raised it up to get the bars under the arms where also very close to the rocker panels. Should have used tran fluid instead of hydraulic oil also. In the colder months it seems like forever to bleed down. Whats nice about a two post is i have used it to lift heavy items out of the bed of my f350 CC dually.

I’ve seen this issue before. A flush in the floor scissor lift resolves the low car issue. In my area repair places are installing at least one flush scissor lift in a repair bay.

 

[finn]

I went with the Advantage SS11000 four post for my F350 Dually crew cab for a couple of reasons.

First, I absolutely hate crawling on my knees to position the arms on my Bendpack 10 k asymmetrical lift. It usually involves at least six or eight ups and downs on my knees, each of which hurts like hell on my original equipment knees, and I’m not about to schedule knee replacement surgery. Using the four post lift is a piece of cake, especially with the air powered bridge jack.

Second, I was never comfortable with the dually up in the air on the two post. My gas single cab F350 is comfortable and stable, but not the longer dually crew cab. I always use a support stand front and rear.

Third, the 10k two post is the max I can use, given my concrete thickness. Pouring fresh concrete isn’t in the cards as it would involve redoing the pex in the floor, which greatly complicate things, takes time, and increases costs. The four post mitigates all these concerns. The larger lifts will have heavier, bulkier columns, which take up space . If it’s a new structure going up, I would advise increasing the building footprint accordingly. The posts are a real pita to work around if you’re space constrained. Oddly, I don’t find the same issue with either of my four posts, probably because the posts are at the corners, and I can position the lift away from the wall if the need arises.

Many, or at least some of the lift manufacturers have notices on their sites that prices are increasing due to the tariffs, and the tariffs won’t only affect prices on imported lifts, because steel has tariffs too. If the tariffs impact imported lifts prices, domestic prices will rise accordingly. That’s just how tariffs work.

It looks like Advantage has stopped taking orders for their imports due to the tariff uncertainty, but they’re in a good place compared to many other suppliers, since they make essentially the same product under the Backyard Buddy brand, which is domestically produced.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a 2000 Excusion 7.3 4wd and 12,000 bendpak 2 post. I have left it up in the air sitting on the locks for months at a time, since i don't drive it much anymore in the summer, Only issue we have had wth the bendpak was a friend wanted to get under his BMW converatble and it was to low to the ground. Once you raised it up to get the bars under the arms where also very close to the rocker panels. Should have used tran fluid instead of hydraulic oil also. In the colder months it seems like forever to bleed down. Whats nice about a two post is i have used it to lift heavy items out of the bed of my f350 CC dually.

Many good quality hydraulic oils are multi viscosity. Though ATF would be fine in a hoist too given the fairly low load and cycles.

 

[ScaldedDog]

Be careful on hoist ratings for diesel trucks.

Like a 10k hoist may not be rated for an 8-9k diesel due to alot of weight on the steer vs more balanced on a gas engine truck.

When I looked at hoists, I was quoted 12-15k "commercial" units to handle a ~9k diesel.

Bigger is always better, but a 10K lift will handle a 3/4 or 1-ton diesel truck just fine. My aforementioned 8150lb PSD Excursion only has 4340lbs on the front axle, with (160lb) me in it. That's well within the limits of a 10K (4x2500lb) lift. A greater than 1-ton truck - think F650 with loaded tanks - would be too heavy for a 10K, but that's well beyond what the OP is contemplating.

Out of curiosity, what truck did you have that weighed 9000lbs?

Interestingly, at least with the in-ground Smartlifts, the 10K and 12K pump, pistons and hydraulics are identical. Only the superstructure changes between the two. I'm not sure how that translates to 2-post ones, though.

Mark

 

[575cat]

Drive on,s **** , if you have ceiling height for a 2 post 12 do it 10,s have a shorter column unless Mohawk but theyre big$$$$$$$

 

[ATC]

My buddy has the 4-post Bendpak 14HD. It’s perfect for my F350

 

[Rusted Nut]

2 posts make me nervous because I have never used a lift. Putting the truck on 2 chinese 6 ton jack stands is fine though. LOL.

Seriously, how do you balance the vehicle? I am always nervous that the two post is going to fall over or pull out of the concrete. I don't really have an engineer to design a slab. We basicaly have concrete dudes that come pour out whatever thickness you want to whatever dimensions you want. We live in the country so that's just how it's been done. You want 8" concrete, no problem.

But how do you make sure the dang thing isnt going to tip forward or back on those two legs? I agree with going bigger. I'll look for at leat a 12k. I'd be a sad MF if my brand new King Ranch fell off and there is no one to blame except me.

For whatever lift you choose, follow the manufacturers installation instructions, easy.

I have a F350 crew cab, and will be building new house/shop in the next year or so, great info here. Thanks to all who posted.

 

[Stick-man]

I am in the EXACT same position as you. I have five trucks, soon to be six. Two F150's, two F250's and an F350. I do all of my own work on them. I have worked on both, and I would not own a 2 post lift. I'm 54 and I AM NOT going to get on the ground to set the arms to lift a vehicle. I made two cross beams that slide, and I use bottle jacks to lift. I rotate tires every oil change. It's really not a big deal. Yes, there are times a two post would make work a bit easier, until my 17 year old kid doesn't balance it correctly and drops a truck. The ramps become a great place to keep a ton of tools while doing a big project like changing a flywheel on my oldest son's 2021 F150. I just installed a BendPak 14X, 14klb, extra long, last year. I can fit a crew cab long bed on it. I installed it myself, and had to do some mods to get it right. If you choose to go with that lift, I will offer any assistance I can. I did 6" concrete, and where the 4 posts are they dug it a little deeper just for shts & giggles.

 

[Aileron]

Bendpak came with a referance book. You do not have to take it to the top stops to give it a little wiggle to check balance.

 

[finn]

Bendpak came with a referance book. You do not have to take it to the top stops to give it a little wiggle to check balance.

The book Bendpack provides is actually from ALI, the organization that certifies lifts.

That book should be provided with any certified lift.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Where are you located? I have a used Mohawk 15k available.

Oh hell yeah!
That would definitely lift it without breaking a sweat!




I had a friend’s king ranch diesel dually on my Mohawk System 1. I have the scale on mine and it was about 1,000 lb under my weight limit, but I would definitely get a 12k or 15K Mohawk if I was servicing trucks all the time.

 

[pl_silverado]

Oh hell yeah!
That would definitely lift it without breaking a sweat!


I had a friend’s king ranch diesel dually on my Series 1 Mohawk. I have the scale on mine and it was about 1,000 lb under my weight limit, but I would definitely get a 12k or 15K Mohawk if I was servicing trucks all the time.

I would install it but I don’t have the ceiling height in the garage for the direct drive cylinders.

I have another Mohawk Sys 1A 10k installed in there and it handles anything I can throw at it just fine.

 

[agdodge4x4]

Where are you located? I have a used Mohawk 15k available.

Texas. Probably not close.

 

[firebirdparts]

2 posts make me nervous because I have never used a lift. Putting the truck on 2 chinese 6 ton jack stands is fine though. LOL.

Seriously, how do you balance the vehicle? I am always nervous that the two post is going to fall over or pull out of the concrete. I don't really have an engineer to design a slab. We basicaly have concrete dudes that come pour out whatever thickness you want to whatever dimensions you want. We live in the country so that's just how it's been done. You want 8" concrete, no problem.

It's a misconception that you have to balance a vehicle. What you have to do is put the arms out as far as you can, with the center of gravity as far away from the ends as you can. You would never "choke up" to balance a vehicle. It's not safer. Arms out as far as possible, with the CG as far in as possible, is what you want.

The key word here is "possible". When you pick up a car by the rocker panels, they're not out so far. Because it's not "possible" to get ahold of anything solid farther in there sometimes.

Super Duties are hard to pick up, because the arms will reach the kickup in the frame. If you have a coil spring truck, then the huge radius arm bracket is going to be right there where you're trying to put the front arm. It's not easy, and you're a beginner. I admit it's not that easy. Even if you're not a beginner.

There is published a manual for pickup points, but on the super duty trucks results will vary based on how far you can reach.

 

[racecougar]

It's a piece of cake on a 4-post.

 

[Rc_Guy]

Lift for sale

 

[adsinnott1]

My 9k picks up my F350 power stroke CC, long box just fine. Yes I wish my garage was deeper, but up enough to get the tires rotated and get an oil drain under. I mainly use my lift for my cars, but get the truck up in the air when needed. I use the longer reach contact points now. This was the first time I tested it so it was leaning back a little.

 

[gizardlizard]

It's a piece of cake on a 4-post.

Until you go to work on the truck and the freaking runway is in the way. No thanks. Two post all day.

 

[racecougar]

Until you go to work on the truck and the freaking runway is in the way. No thanks. Two post all day.

The runway is handy to have, IMO. 4-post all day.

 

[gizardlizard]

The runway is handy to have, IMO. 4-post all day.

It is… quite handy for getting in the way, and banging your shoulders into. 4 post= no way. 2 post all day

 

[racecougar]

It is… quite handy for getting in the way, and banging your shoulders into. 4 post= no way. 2 post all day

I can't say I've ever banged my shoulder into a 4-post runway. The runway serves as a tabletop, holds the lights that illuminate the entire underside of the vehicle at the flick of a switch, supports the bridge jacks, drain pans, etc., offers a place to locate additional jacks/tooling for suspension work, and so on. 4-post all day.

 

[gizardlizard]

I can't say I've ever banged my shoulder into a 4-post runway. The runway serves as a tabletop, holds the lights that illuminate the entire underside of the vehicle at the flick of a switch, supports the bridge jacks, drain pans, etc., offers a place to locate additional jacks/tooling for suspension work, and so on. 4-post all day.

I guess that’s why you see so many 4 posts in shops compared to 2 posts. lol. Not. 4 posts are great for storage and putting your bridge jacks on, you have to buy when working on suspension. Great for oil changes and pretty much **** for everything else. 2 post all day, everyday.

 

[racecougar]

I guess that’s why you see so many 4 posts in shops compared to 2 posts. lol. Not. 4 posts are great for storage and putting your bridge jacks on, you have to buy when working on suspension. Great for oil changes and pretty much **** for everything else. 2 post all day, everyday.

2-posts are cheap, hence their proclivity. 4-post all day, everyday.

 

[gizardlizard]

2-posts are cheap, hence their proclivity. 4-post all day, everyday.

Of course they’re cheaper than a 4 post. A lot less steel in a 2 post. 4 post take up far too much room plus you have the freaking ramps to deal with. 2 post all day and night and then some.