Buy a 4 post or larger 2 post?

[sierradmax]

Currently building a 30x30, 2 bay detached garage and am in the process of wiring. I have a 2 post, 7,000lb. Challenger lift that has suited my needs well for lifting a corvette & a small size SUV. It's an older model with chain drive across the bottom for low ceiling height.

I'd like to get my truck in the air as well. It's a 3/4 ton crew cab, 8' bed with a diesel. Heavy truck that I don't want to even try lifting with a 7,000lb. lift. I think the trucks dry weight is 7,200lbs.

I like the idea and easy of a drive-on 4 post with a rolling bridge. Somewhere in the 12,000-14,000lb. range. But, will two lifts be a bit much in a 30x30? Or should I sell the 7,000 2 post and go for a 2 post 14,000lb.?

 

[WhiffySpark]

A 9k would be fine. 12 if you want to spend more money

 

[APEowner]

Before you lift that truck with anything I suggest you weigh it. It's surprising how heavy diesel trucks are and how much stuff they tend to collect in them over time. My F250 weighs 8k with half a tank of fuel, me and the usual collection of tools in it.

I'd put the four post in and see how it works for you. You may decide that you like both or you may never use the two post. It really depends on the type of work you do and a little bit on personal preference. I like to work of a four post with trolley jacks for pretty much everything except fdw transmission work and truck cab lifts. Another member on here so strongly prefers a two post that he feels my preference makes me worthy of name calling.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Before you lift that truck with anything I suggest you weigh it. It's surprising how heavy diesel trucks are and how much stuff they tend to collect in them over time. My F250 weighs 8k with half a tank of fuel, me and the usual collection of tools in it.

I'd put the four post in and see how it works for you. You may decide that you like both or you may never use the two post. It really depends on the type of work you do and a little bit on personal preference. I like to work of a four post with trolley jacks for pretty much everything except fdw transmission work and truck cab lifts. Another member on here so strongly prefers a two post that he feels my preference makes me worthy of name calling.

What he said, verbatim... as long as you buy 2 rack jacks for the 4 post, and Id go 12k.

At one time I owned a 6 bay shop, about week after I put in my first 4 post, a 12k Ammco with 2 rack jacks, my guys would fight over who got to use the lift, meanwhile, 2 very capable, and relatively new Mohawk 2 posts sat idle, unless a FWD needed some work that required a 2 post.

Its one of them things, you dont know what youve been missing, till you have it. Akin to getting your first 1/2" impact, after working with a ratchet your whole life. Both get the job done, but oh boy, what a difference.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I hate using a 4 post for any kind of work. The ramps get in the way for everything.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I hate using a 4 post for any kind of work. The ramps get in the way for everything.

Really ? Like what for instance ? Are you using rack jacks ? What procedure are you finding that they "get in the way " ?

 

[sierradmax]

Well, for starters... the lift will be first used to install a 6" lift kit for the truck. Then, it's primary use will be for oil changes & fluid film applications on my personal vehicles. With the occasional wrenching on the corvette or truck.

I'm leaning towards a 4 post in addition to my 2 post for one reason:

The 2 post is currently used to work on my corvette and store it up high for the winter. Should I sell then purchase a larger 2 post, the same will be used for the situation and I would have to offload should I have to work on any other of my vehicles.

 

[sierradmax]

Well, I've narrowed it down to a two post. I think a 4 post will take up too much real estate. My budget is $2500 and I'll install myself. Here are two lifts from warehouses within 2 hours.

http://www.naautoequipment.com/UNI-11KAF-11K-Autolift-p/uni-11kaf-11k-autolift.htm

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-BP10000

I've never heard of the Bison from North American Auto nor have I heard reviews. I have read positive reviews from ATLAS sold via Greg Smith.

 

[pelletman]

My dad has a Hunter alignment scissor lift just like this one

http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/5592040644.html

He has 10' ceilings and you can't lift up all the way, so we have to be careful. I use a rolling Craftsman creeper seat and it is very convenient to use. It has a rolling jack. I have used two post lifts and I hate getting down on my knees to position the pads. I thought I wasn't going to like this lift, but I pretty much love it. We can put things as large as a full size Chevy van on it and still roll under and work on it comfortably.

You can find them much cheaper than the one on CL here, should be able to find a nice one under 2 grand

 

[thejudges69]

my dodge crew cab 6.4 bed with a cummins, auto trans and 4WD weighs 7700 lbs, that it an actual Brechbuler scale weight. not a manufacturers weight. So I would say weigh what you have, I think you'll find you need a 9-10K

 

[bcradio]

Well, I've narrowed it down to a two post.

Good choice

 

[sierradmax]

Just an update: I waited long enough searching on craigslist and finally gave up. Currently, GregSmithEquipment has free shipping on some of their lifts so I bit the bullet and purchased the 10,000# baseplate lift.

 

[APEowner]

Just an update: I waited long enough searching on craigslist and finally gave up. Currently, GregSmithEquipment has free shipping on some of their lifts so I bit the bullet and purchased the 10,000# baseplate lift.

Cool! I look forward to reading how you like it.

 

[willjogervais]

I like to work of a four post with trolley jacks for pretty much everything except fdw transmission work and truck cab lifts. Another member on here so strongly prefers a two post that he feels my preference makes me worthy of name calling.

haha that is good stuff. Thanks for the laugh. I have an 11000 pound two post that has no problem lifting 1 ton crew cabs. I do a lot of engine/transmission work with mine and I love it. But... I would really like to have a four post for the storage factor and so you dont have to get on your knees to set the arms. Getting old isnt fun, and those little pebbles hurt like a b-*ch! Good luck with whichever way you go