Two Post vs. Four Post Lift

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

I realize there is a LOT of info on lifts, but I did a search and didn't find anything specific. I am planning to install a lift behind my house, which will be accessed from a narrow alley. I am thinking the two post will be better, not just because of the sharp 90 degree turn to get a car in there, but also because it is easier to pull the wheels with a two post. The two posts also just strike me as higher quality. Comments?

wit2003 · Jul 11, 2012

There are many people on here that may have a better answer for you, but what i ccn contribute is that I would go with a 2 post(and i did).

My reasoning was that I wanted to be able to do work on the car that required taking the wheels off. You can get a jack for a 4 post that will lift the car off the wheels as well, but i just preferred the 2 post.

If your looking for a parking solution also, then 4 post would be better.

Hope that helps some.

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

I don't plan to park under it.

Mmfh · Jul 11, 2012

I like a drive on rack for just that reason, you can just drive on. No getting down on the ground and setting the legs to the right place to lift the car. Used to not be a big deal, but as you get older and stiffer getting down on the ground like that isn't as easy as it used to be.

The air lifts on the drive on racks are great too for doing any kind of wheel or brake work, easy to lift the car up off the rack, also a large horizontal surface to lay out all of your parts. Don't have that surface for everything you remove with the 2 post.

My 2 Cents

Mm

EOC_Jason · Jul 11, 2012

Generally you see 2 posts for work because of the easy tire removal and other minimal blockage by the four legs. While 4 posts are more for doubling up vehicle storage because it's easier to just drive on / off.

It's not to say that you can't do vice-versa with them, it's all about what you think would fit your particular application better.

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

I'm thinking the racks(the part you drive on?)will be in the way when doing brakes, shocks, springs, and other suspension work. Is a bit of a pain moving the arms under there, maybe put some convex side mirrors(like on 18 wheelers) on there? Mark the floor with different color paint for the cars lifted most often?

Falcon67 · Jul 11, 2012

Friend used to own a car shop - he had one Bendpak 2 post and 3 4 posts. Mostly they used the 4 posts for work.

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

Really? What did he consider the pros and cons? I can't remember ever seeing a four post in a pro shop, thought is was more of a consumer-grade item.

torquepower85 · Jul 11, 2012

It is generally considered that a 2-post is better for working on your car (more under-car access, wheels free). Though you could park on it, it's not suggested to leave the suspension hanging for an extended period of time.

A 4-post is considered better for parking a collector car. Though you can do work on it, it's a little more difficult than a 2-post.

It all comes down to what you plan on doing with the lift, and what space you have to accommodate such lifts.

KPSquared · Jul 11, 2012

4 post good for oil changes and parking. . .that's about it. 2 post is pretty much unlimited with nothing in the way. The ramps on a 4 part are in the way all the time. I hated trying to do anything on a 4 post, they're just not convenient.

If you just want the lift for doing work and it's going to be outside, go 2 post.

383 240z · Jul 11, 2012

After 15 years as a line tech, I learned a few things, first off 4 post lifts **** for everything except for oil changes and lube jobs. cant use them for suspension work, or pulling engines from the top. There is no way to roll an engine crane over the forward cross member.

I am eating brown bag lunches saving up for a 2 post lift, I was offered a few 4 posts for free and I dont have them, if that tells you anything. Keith

mayday0017 · Jul 11, 2012

Very good topic, I'll be following it for sure!

Always liked the storage of a 4 post lift but they seem to be in the way more when not in use. Also looked like a 2 post lift could adjust to accomidate anything I would want to lift not just a car/truck.

Not in a position to buy either at this point in time but do dream of one day owning one and will be nice to already know what I want.

PeterT · Jul 11, 2012

Go with the Mohawk system 1 2 post lift. You won't regret it.

Cryptic1911 · Jul 11, 2012

For the OP, I think a 2 post is best because of the space situation

but, I don't see why some of you guys rag on 4 post lifts.. they aren't just for parking. If you have a rolling jack, you can do just about anything. They may be a little more of a hassle involved with some, but to say they are only good for oil changes is a bit ignorant. We've done plenty of oil changes, exhaust work, suspension work, pulled transmissions multiple times, etc.. And pulling a motor out the top is no problem. The only thing I can see that would be a pain in the *** is dropping an entire front member with the motor on a fwd car out the bottom.

We're completely happy with our 4 post.. didn't want to have to deal with the arms and lowered cars

blk00ss · Jul 11, 2012

Haven't seen anyone mention this yet. But a 4 post is the only way to do exhaust work. But I'm getting a 2 post myself.

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

blk00ss said:
4 post is the only way to do exhaust work.

Care to elaborate?

Crusty Nut · Jul 11, 2012

Suspension is at ride height for exhaust work. If you snake a pipe around with the axles hanging, nothing will fit when the car is on its wheels.
Engine work is easy with a 4 post. Just raise the lift 6 inches and roll the cherry picker under the front crossmember. trans work is easy too.
I recently got a 4 post after years of planning on getting a 2 post. I made the right decision for me. both work well, both have pros and cons. The rolling jack adds to the cost, but adds way more in versatility.

torquepower85 · Jul 11, 2012

hope this helps

2 post vs. 4 post lift. What are the differences? :beer:

dirttracker18 · Jul 11, 2012

Falcon67 said:
Friend used to own a car shop - he had one Bendpak 2 post and 3 4 posts. Mostly they used the 4 posts for work.

When I was working as a tech our shop had mostly 4 post lifts and the 2 post lifts rarely got used.

Those saying 4 post is for oil changes and parking have never worked in a pro shop.

They both have many pros and cons and can be situation specific. The only limit on a 4 post is when the engine needs to be dropped from below. It can still be done but it is much harder. Other than that, space and smacking your head are the big drawbacks for 4 post, that and cost. Considering the need for a good rolling jack or two.

I am struggling with the same question myself.

Falcon67 · Jul 11, 2012

I don't know what the deal was, but him and his main mechanic usually worked off one of the 4 posts. Even for brake jobs and such. They had a big tray with air jacks on it, so I suppose that helped with that.

blk00ss · Jul 11, 2012

Richard D said:
Care to elaborate?

Best to it by crusty nuts lol.

bd8134 · Jul 11, 2012

For a regular front engine/ rear wheel drive, a gearbox removal on a 4 post is ok.
A 4 post with front wheel drive, gearbox removal would be complicated.
A solid rear axle removal or gas tank could also be more complicated.
A 4 post takes up more garage floor space.
I am not sure why they say you should not store a car on a 2 post.
The hanging suspension rests on the stops so the springs are not compressed.
The tires are not resting on the ground maybe causing flat spots.
I have multiple friends who store their cars / work extended times with a 2 post.
Just curious.
I have a 2 post and love it. I spent a long time deciding 4 or 2 post. It was certainly 4 post at the beginning. If I get another lift now, it will be a 2 post.
A ball on a string attached to the garage door for positioning your car works great.

Bad Hammer · Jul 11, 2012

blk00ss said:
......4 post is the only way to do exhaust work.....

Richard D said:
Care to elaborate?

Yeah, what Richard D said.
I don't think I've ever been to an exhaust shop with a 4 post lift. :dunno:

But then again, I do most of my own, so who knows?

bd8134 · Jul 11, 2012

And another..
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Which-Lift-Should-I-Buy-2-Post-or-4-Post

Richard D · Jul 11, 2012

Crusty Nut said:
Suspension is at ride height for exhaust work. If you snake a pipe around with the axles hanging, nothing will fit when the car is on its wheels.

I can see that, but I'd just tuck it up as close to the car as possible.

dirttracker18 · Jul 11, 2012

Bad Hammer said:
Yeah, what Richard D said.
I don't think I've ever been to an exhaust shop with a 4 post lift.
But then again, I do most of my own, so who knows?

Most exhaust shops I've seen go 4 post for speed. Easy on and off with total room under for work.

darkk · Jul 11, 2012

Richard D said:
I'm thinking the racks(the part you drive on?)will be in the way when doing brakes, shocks, springs, and other suspension work. Is a bit of a pain moving the arms under there, maybe put some convex side mirrors(like on 18 wheelers) on there? Mark the floor with different color paint for the cars lifted most often?

Not true at all. I just did a front end on our truck and then due to wear recently had to do rear spring shackles. Not difficult at all with a rolling jack.

Richard D said:
Really? What did he consider the pros and cons? I can't remember ever seeing a four post in a pro shop, thought is was more of a consumer-grade item.

Really? Jay Leno ring any bells? Has has about as professional a shop as anyone, he even has Bend Pak 4 posters.

QUOTE=KPSquared;2426488]4 post good for oil changes and parking. . .that's about it. 2 post is pretty much unlimited with nothing in the way. The ramps on a 4 part are in the way all the time. I hated trying to do anything on a 4 post, they're just not convenient.[/QUOTE]

You're not very coordinated are you? Where do you guys come up with this?

383 240z said:
After 15 years as a line tech, I learned a few things, first off 4 post lifts **** for everything except for oil changes and lube jobs. cant use them for suspension work, or pulling engines from the top. There is no way to roll an engine crane over the forward cross member.

Another uncoordinated mechanic...

blk00ss said:
Haven't seen anyone mention this yet. But a 4 post is the only way to do exhaust work. But I'm getting a 2 post myself.

So far from the truth it's funny

Crusty Nut said:
Suspension is at ride height for exhaust work. If you snake a pipe around with the axles hanging, nothing will fit when the car is on its wheels.
Engine work is easy with a 4 post. Just raise the lift 6 inches and roll the cherry picker under the front crossmember. trans work is easy too.
I recently got a 4 post after years of planning on getting a 2 post. I made the right decision for me. both work well, both have pros and cons. The rolling jack adds to the cost, but adds way more in versatility.

A man with some intelligience....finally!

There are advantages to both types of lifts, It's just a preference and the type of work you are comfortable with doing on a specific type lift. I worked for 50 years in the auto industry and have used both. You can use either with ease for the majority of auto related work.

blk00ss · Jul 11, 2012

darkk said:
Not true at all. I just did a front end on our truck and then due to wear recently had to do rear spring shackles. Not difficult at all with a rolling jack.

Really? Jay Leno ring any bells? Has has about as professional a shop as anyone, he even has Bend Pak 4 posters.

QUOTE=KPSquared;2426488]4 post good for oil changes and parking. . .that's about it. 2 post is pretty much unlimited with nothing in the way. The ramps on a 4 part are in the way all the time. I hated trying to do anything on a 4 post, they're just not convenient.

You're not very coordinated are you? Where do you guys come up with this?

Another uncoordinated mechanic...

So far from the truth it's funny

A man with some intelligience....finally!

There are advantages to both types of lifts, It's just a preference and the type of work you are comfortable with doing on a specific type lift. I worked for 50 years in the auto industry and have used both. You can use either with ease for the majority of auto related work.[/QUOTE]

Arrogant much?

zmotorsports · Jul 11, 2012

After working with both I prefer a 2-post for almost all of the work under a vehicle. It seems like the rails on a 4-post get in the way more than anything else.

I know there are pros and cons to both but I installed a 2-post at my home shop and don't regret it one bit.

Mike.

metaleltr · Jul 11, 2012

darkk said:
Not true at all. I just did a front end on our truck and then due to wear recently had to do rear spring shackles. Not difficult at all with a rolling jack.

Really? Jay Leno ring any bells? Has has about as professional a shop as anyone, he even has Bend Pak 4 posters.

QUOTE=KPSquared;2426488]4 post good for oil changes and parking. . .that's about it. 2 post is pretty much unlimited with nothing in the way. The ramps on a 4 part are in the way all the time. I hated trying to do anything on a 4 post, they're just not convenient.

You're not very coordinated are you? Where do you guys come up with this?

Another uncoordinated mechanic...

So far from the truth it's funny

A man with some intelligience....finally!

There are advantages to both types of lifts, It's just a preference and the type of work you are comfortable with doing on a specific type lift. I worked for 50 years in the auto industry and have used both. You can use either with ease for the majority of auto related work.[/QUOTE]

Although your suspension work can be done with a rolling jack it would be simpler without the ramps in your way. I'm sure your going to call me an uncoordinated mechanic, but sometimes you need to work smarter not harder. IMHO there is nothing a 4 post can do that is easily done on a 2

villardk · Jul 11, 2012

I need a 4-post lift to store my vettes (75 and 76). I also want to work on them, as well as, my Dodge Grand Caravan van. I need to do an engine change and the van has to be lifted off of the engine versus pulling it from the top. Will I be able to do that with a 4-post lift?

torquepower85 · Jul 11, 2012

villardk said:
I need a 4-post lift to store my vettes (75 and 76). I also want to work on them, as well as, my Dodge Grand Caravan van. I need to do an engine change and the van has to be lifted off of the engine versus pulling it from the top. Will I be able to do that with a 4-post lift?

You should be able to do that. Depends on if it will clear the runways, I'm betting you'll be fine.

Falcon67 · Jul 11, 2012

If you have a big four post like my friends old shop - one that can handle a good size service truck, 3/4~1 ton or so - then a pip squeak front drive car apparently has plenty of room. I've seen more than a couple of cars on his racks with engine/front drive cradles sitting on the floor under them. Now at the Lincoln-Mercury dealer where other hot rod friends work, most of that front drive work and truck body popping is done on 2 posts. So youse pays your money and youse take your chances :lol:

tool-guy · Jul 11, 2012

Another thing to consider when toying with the idea of purchasing a hoist is how much room you actually have. A two post hoist, you can walk past or through it when not in use, a four post hoist, you either have to walk around it or over it. Depending on exactly where the hoist is located, you may be walking past it or over it every day where as your vehicle maybe on it once a week or less. Just my .02cents worth.

sunshine1639 · Jul 11, 2012

One thing That pushed me to the 4 post, other than storage was the fact that I needed to be able to move it from time to time and the only place I could put a lift was going to be in the way at times.

The Max Jax looks nice but wanted more height.

Finally went with the ProPark Plus so my truck can be parked under it when It is not in use or one of my sons cars is stored on it.

For me this works but in the end it is what you feel is going to serve your needs the best

Good luck with your decision

Dave Maxwell · Jul 11, 2012

I'm going 4 post that way I don't have to anchor it down. When I'm done with a car on the chassis table I can roll the lift to it and roll the vehicle on the lift and to the ground

rackeu · Jul 11, 2012

Dave Maxwell said:
I'm going 4 post that way I don't have to anchor it down. When I'm done with a car on the chassis table I can roll the lift to it and roll the vehicle on the lift and to the ground

In my opinion the above is the major 4 post advantage: potential to move it around. if you have limited space a two post is the way to go as a two post although permanent its footprint takes Much up less shop space

Dave Maxwell · Jul 11, 2012

Cheaper than a fork lift for me. Buddy has one and he is 6'4" and walks under it without a problem is what I also like. I used to work at dealerships and was always hunched over.

Steves32 · Jul 11, 2012

I have a 2 post at my shop- 4 post at home.
4 post is Bend Pak HD9 w/ rolling jack.
I prefer the 4 post & I own both.
I like the 2 post for lifting a body off the frame but that's the only time I use it now.

I don't do FWD cars- just hot rods so that may make a difference for some.

PDM · Jul 12, 2012

I just closed down my race shop of 12 years, and I had 2 Rotary 2 post lifts, and one 4 post Rotary alignment lift, and I used my Rotary 12K - 4 post alignment lift about 85% of the time. I love that lift and was the one I kept in storage until I rebuild my home garage to re-install my 4 post with alignment rack.

I did a lot of suspension work and alignments, and found the speed of the 4 post to get very low street and race cars was so much faster than using blocks and centering on the 2 posts. (one 2 post had under 8 hours of actual use it was essentially brand new when I sold it, and used it mainly to keep project cars on.) I also had 2 large center jacks on my 4 post, which were strong enough to lift most trucks also.

Plus I love the use of the 4 post as your working "workbench" for brake and suspension work. Handy to lay out all the parts and tools at work-level vs having to roll work carts and tool boxes near the 2 post.

4 posts do give you a larger footprint - so if you space is a concern, look at possibly scissor lifts (you lose more under-working area though)

2 Post lifts are generally cheaper, and are easier for engine swaps.

As stated - both have their pro and cons .....

Two Post vs. Four Post Lift

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