2 or 4-Post Lifts - Who? What? Pros & Cons?

teveritt · Jun 4, 2013

I'm planning my new pole-barn and am comtemplating putting in a 2 or 4-Post Lift so I can work on my vehicles including restoration projects.

Looking for what manufacturers you guys have used and what the lessons learned are on selecting a lift system. Kinda like the 4-post systems for stability, but the 2-post systems might offer more flexibility in doing frame off restorations. Has anyone used the lift system for lifting the body off the frame before?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Angelfire · Jun 4, 2013

Without trying to sound like an ***, these topics have been discussed ad nauseum. Do a search then come back and post specific questions that you couldn't find the answers to.

jimzz2006 · Jun 4, 2013

I think a 4 post would work best for my needs.. but I am in the same dilemma. 2 post or 4.. My wife changes the oil on her van, so i think a 4 post would be easiest for her to drive on and raise it up.

kamesama980 · Jun 4, 2013

+1 for more reading.

a 4 post is going to be basically useless for separating the body and frame. Not good for tires, suspension, brakes kind of work either because after it's in the air, you have to lift the vehicle off the tires. 2 post lifts are perfectly stable, If you're worried, get a few tall screw jacks for comfort. I will just so I can hammer and lever as much as I want without my wife worrying about the car rocking on the lift.

If you make it too easy for her, she won't worry. Then she'll get careless, then something will go wrong. Plus, when I worked in the shop, I found changing oil on the drive-on lifts to be a bit of a PITA. I'm 6-4 tho.

pattenp · Jun 4, 2013

Doing restoration work I'd go 2 post. How many of the shows on TV do you see using a 4 post lift to do resto work, suspension work, exhaust work, etc.?

48windsor · Jun 4, 2013

Id lean towards 2post lift for all the reasons above but also . With 1 car on lift a car could be parked under it to double parking space. Also you can do anything under the car without ramps being in the way.

Fast Orange · Jun 4, 2013

We had a 4 post in the restoration shop I worked in years ago-
To lift a body off the frame,we put the whole car on the lift,raised it about half way,hooked lift straps from building structure to body,then lowered frame away from body.We'd roll the frame off the lift,roll a body dolly onto the lift,raise the lift until the body was on the dolly,unhook straps and lower body and dolly down and off lift.
As long as the building structure and hooks are strong enough,it works great.
Having said that,for routine work,I prefer a 2 post-no messing around with jacks and almost total access to underside of the car.
The worst lift I worked with was a single post in ground-

fflintstone · Jun 4, 2013

as stated use the search function.
short answer:
2 post BendPak.

Chris05gto · Jun 4, 2013

I think that a 4 post is more versatile, I have a Bendpak HD-9 and I love it......

http://New BendPak HD 9 4 Post Lift (Multi-page thread 1 2 view all)

cyamaha2007 · Jun 4, 2013

I hate 4 post lifts. If you want to double park cars everyday i get it but otherwise it just another thing to work around. I work alone and can remove car bodies, truck cabs, sub frames, irs rear axles, bottom drop engine with the trans, k-member,suspension all still attached. Have a rolling chassis that you need to load on a trailer?Just lift it with a 2 post and back the trailer under.

pattenp · Jun 4, 2013

Sorry, but you aren't getting away with that statement without some explanation. So, how do you see a 4 post being more versatile than a 2 post?

Chris05gto said:
I think that a 4 post is more versatile, I have a Bendpak HD-9 and I love it......

http://New BendPak HD 9 4 Post Lift (Multi-page thread 1 2 view all)

excavator · Jun 4, 2013

I also have the 4 post Bendpak HD-9 and it is perfect with the RJ45 rolling jack.
The rolling jack lifts 4500 lbs and I can pick up front or rear of car at any time and do brakes or front end work. The possibilities are endless. My rolling jack is sitting under front of jeep in pic out of the way and rolls any place on the runway. I am making sliding brackets for my transmission jack that will work same way. Pull trans out and can lower car and jack same time.

Crazy68Dart · Jun 4, 2013

I know this is a more expensive option, but how about a 4 post and then something like a mid-lift scissor or max jack setup?

Also agree on the search, TONs of conversations on this topic.

c39er · Jun 4, 2013

I have a couple 4 post lifts- one a open front type alignment lift. The other super long runway lift has two RJ7 jacks on it so I can do all under car work on it. The runways are great work benches too. I also have a pit and an inground post lift. I use a 2 post at a job all the time.
I like my 4 posts a lot. The 2 post is OK but I'm getting tired of reaching under the cars to set the arms as I get older.

NitroShark · Jun 4, 2013

I couldn't decide... so I bought Both a 2-post and a 4 post. The 4 post for me is just a storage lift. 2 post for "working" on anything needed.

Shawn

sunshine1639 · Jun 4, 2013

You are going get answers on both sides.
Personally I looked at both and the one thing that made it easy for me is the movability of the 4 post lift.
The place I use my lift sometimes has to be used for other purposes so I couldn't use a normal 2 post lift and was not interested in something small like a max jax for my only lift. Now it would be nice for a second lift.
Mine is Direct lift ProPark9 with the wheel accessories and a sliding jack.
I use it to change tires, do brakes, change oil. Pull transmissions, drive shafts etc. Also nice for detailing the tires and lower side of you vehicles without stooping.
I do use mine from time to time to store a car on top and my Chevy 1/2 ton pickup under it.
Someone mentioned exhaust systems. Most of the shops around here I have been in have 4 post lifts to do muffler work. Don't know about other places.
One other thing that helped me make a decision is with the 4 post you just drive on and chock the wheels. It is getting a little harder now to bend down and pull and push the arms to align the arms under a car with the 2 post.
A few years ago that would have been easy.
Good luck with your decision and either one would be a great improvement over not having one.

stingry · Jun 5, 2013

pattenp said:
Sorry, but you aren't getting away with that statement without some explanation. So, how do you see a 4 post being more versatile than a 2 post?

Argueably, a 2 post is the best lift for doing strictly shop-related tasks, suspension and tire work, lifting bodies, engine removal out the bottom, etc.

BUT, in the overall scheme of things, I do believe the 4 post to be more versatile. I have had a 4 post for almost 20 years and would not trade for a 2 post. Here's some of the reasons I prefer the 4 post:

1) Don't have to get on the floor to set the lift arms. The reason I bought the lift in the first place was to NOT have to get down on the floor!

2) Can be moved around in the shop with the caster kit. I used it as scaffolding when I put the ceiling in my previous shop (14' ceiling)

3) Brake, tire and wheel work can be accomplished with a rolling air/hydraulic jack

4) By filling the center of the ramps with purchased or homebuilt sections. it works great for working on or storing 4 wheelers, mowers , etc.

5) When working under cars, the ramps make a great place to set tools, parts, filters, oil, etc.

6) and last, but not least, the 4 post makes a great bar/buffet table for those occasional shop parties!

Cheers
Steve

Falcon67 · Jun 5, 2013

>Have a rolling chassis that you need to load on a trailer?Just lift it with a 2 post and back the trailer under.

LOL - and on a 4 post you can lift the chassis level with the trailer and roll it right on the trailer.

Have a friend that owned a busy 3 bay shop here in town. Not a 2 post lift in the building.

I couldn't decide... so I bought Both a 2-post and a 4 post. The 4 post for me is just a storage lift. 2 post for "working" on anything needed.

Best answer to this question, ever.

porschedude996TT · Jun 5, 2013

I had the same question two years ago. Two or Four, what to do?

My problem is that both are Omni-Present. I use the shop for many things and sometimes I want the floor wide open. My other thought at the time was I can move a 4-Post around, and get the hydraulic jacks that will raise the wheels off the lift. But what an expense!
4-Post $1,700-$4,000
Rolling Lift Bridge $1,200-$3,500 each!

So, to do a brake job and get all four wheels off the ground, I was looking at $4,100 to $11,000.

Or a 2-Post Lift $2,249-$4,000

Or I could get the Low Rise 2-Post that needs to be installed every time I would use it and it only goes up 40 inches. $2,249

Or I could get a In-Floor Model that is flush with the floor when collapsed and raises to 72 inches for $1,600. Yes I also spent $500 to cut/form/pour two pits that the scissor jack install in, but I have the best of all worlds (In My Opinion).

http://www.ever-eternal.com/en/product_details.asp?id=56

pattenp · Jun 5, 2013

Well yeah, you can throw some plywood sheets on top of a 4 post and make a huge buffet table. When I asked about how a 4 post was more versatile than a 2 post I was thinking along the lines of service and resto work on cars. I don't think not having to bend over to set the arms or a place to set your tools ranks high on the versatility scale. Using the 4 post to store cars and the ability to move it around are the two major things I see good about the 4 post. But each to his own.

stingry said:
Argueably, a 2 post is the best lift for doing strictly shop-related tasks, suspension and tire work, lifting bodies, engine removal out the bottom, etc.

BUT, in the overall scheme of things, I do believe the 4 post to be more versatile. I have had a 4 post for almost 20 years and would not trade for a 2 post. Here's some of the reasons I prefer the 4 post:

1) Don't have to get on the floor to set the lift arms. The reason I bought the lift in the first place was to NOT have to get down on the floor!

2) Can be moved around in the shop with the caster kit. I used it as scaffolding when I put the ceiling in my previous shop (14' ceiling)

3) Brake, tire and wheel work can be accomplished with a rolling air/hydraulic jack

4) By filling the center of the ramps with purchased or homebuilt sections. it works great for working on or storing 4 wheelers, mowers , etc.

5) When working under cars, the ramps make a great place to set tools, parts, filters, oil, etc.

6) and last, but not least, the 4 post makes a great bar/buffet table for those occasional shop parties!

Cheers
Steve

stingry · Jun 5, 2013

pattenp said:
Well yeah, you can throw some plywood sheets on top of a 4 post and make a huge buffet table. When I asked about how a 4 post was more versatile than a 2 post I was thinking along the lines of service and resto work on cars. I don't think not having to bend over to set the arms or a place to set your tools ranks high on the versatility scale. Using the 4 post to store cars and the ability to move it around are the two major things I see good about the 4 post. But each to his own.

Obviously you do not like 4 post lifts and I'm not too fond of 2 posts, that's why they make both types!!!
Cheers
Steve

Chris05gto · Jun 5, 2013

pattenp said:
Sorry, but you aren't getting away with that statement without some explanation. So, how do you see a 4 post being more versatile than a 2 post?

More versatile for me, I use mine more for parking & storing.....not working on cars.

pattenp · Jun 5, 2013

I'd love to have a 4 post and went through the whole which one is the best for what I want to do. I ended up getting the 2 post. If I had the space and money I'd buy a 4 post tomorrow. Oh.. and the wife would have to agree with it. :lol:

stingry said:
Obviously you do not like 4 post lifts and I'm not too fond of 2 posts, that's why they make both types!!!
Cheers
Steve

coljar · Jun 5, 2013

At different points in my life, I've had an inground drive on, an inground underlift, a four post above ground, and a pit. I still have two of these, but I put a two post hoist in the new garage, because it best suited "MY" purposes. It may not be for everyone, but it has more universal use for me than the others I've have/had.

volaredon · Jun 5, 2013

the only way I'd want a 4 post, is if I got the rolling jacks and a front end alignment machine with it.... otherwise a 4 post is useless to me that's why I got a 2 post

cyamaha2007 · Jun 5, 2013

Falcon67 said:
>Have a rolling chassis that you need to load on a trailer?Just lift it with a 2 post and back the trailer under.

LOL - and on a 4 post you can lift the chassis level with the trailer and roll it right on the trailer.

Have a friend that owned a busy 3 bay shop here in town. Not a 2 post lift in the building.

Best answer to this question, ever.

Ok but you have to push a rolling chassis up ramps to get onto the lift alone. If it was easy to push a roiling chassis up a ramp alone id just load it directly on my trailer. Your friend with a 3 bay shop does he do a power-stroke or duramax diesel work? Id imagine that removing a cab with a four post would be a pain. How does he remove engines from the bottom of cars? Some simply will not pull out the conventional way in a time effective manner.

Jwestercamp · Jun 5, 2013

I have e a 2 post and a 4 post if u are doing body off the two post is the way to go. But the four is nice you can just drive it on. I will say this Spend the extra jack u won't be sorry

teveritt · Jun 6, 2013

Wow...ask and you shall receive! Thanks everyone for some great information and things I hadn't thought of. Looks like a 2-post lift is the way I want to go. I'm looking at the Bendpak Asymmetric Lift — 10,000-Lb. Capacity, Model# XPR-10A. I like the way an Asymmetric Lift leaves the doors accessible while on a lift. Is there any kind of trade-off with the Asymmetric lifts vs a Symmetric lift?

As to the "Search" function some of you mention...what am I doing wrong? I selected "Search this Forum" and entered "Lift" plus tried both Show Threads and Show Posts. The search returns things like "Harbor Freight Coupon Thread", "HF 20 ton shop press", "what did you do in your garage today?", "Best Made Toolbox", etc. Heck, it wasn't until the 9th post that this thread showed up with anything close to what I'm talking about.

So, since the basic search didn't work, I tried the Advanced Search for Titles with "Lift" in them. Hmmm...get "Best method to unload a 4-post lift from the delivery truck", "Anyone Else Lift Boats Off Trailers?", "Figuring out bay spacing for lift", etc, etc, etc. So, search specialists extraordinaires....how do you search for comparisons of 2-post vs 4 post lifts?

koditten · Jun 6, 2013

My 2 post makes the best set of saw horses you will ever use. Back the trailer up, swing out a pair of arms and unload lumber. Done. Also makes a great temporary work bench. Swing out arms + one piece of plywood=perfect height bench.

KO

pattenp · Jun 6, 2013

The Challenger CL10 lift can be loaded Asymmetrical or Symmetrical.

http://www.challengerlifts.com/CL10series.shtml

cyamaha2007 · Jun 6, 2013

I have a xpr 10a I like the lift, its called a versa metric so you can load it either way. I lift trucks symmetrically, everything else i lift asymmetrically.

rburke65 · Jun 6, 2013

Well the word "lift" is possibly being seen as a verb. How about a noun like "car lift" or "2 post lift" ? Don't know....try it.

66dave · Jun 6, 2013

I love my bend pak 9XW but the bridge jack price will kill you. For 2 of them it will run 1/2 the price of the lift. My opinion is buy once, cry once and have it for life.

Boondocker · Jun 7, 2013

I just installed a Worth 2 post and am not happy with the company. Late delivery, worthless install manual, no support, and poorly made. I am hoping it will lift my vehicles!

NHBandit · Jun 7, 2013

Boondocker said:
I just installed a Worth 2 post and am not happy with the company. Late delivery, worthless install manual, no support, and poorly made. I am hoping it will lift my vehicles!

Let's see... joined TODAY, 2 posts total and BOTH bashing this company with no proof whatsoever like pics ? Please don't take offense if I call you a spammer ok ? :thumbup:

dirttracker18 · Jun 7, 2013

Well when I worked in a shop we had 6 four posters and 2 two posters and the two posters only got used for special assignments.

For me a 4 post is the way to go and yes it is more versatile. However, to each his own.

I just can't stand the bashing of the 4 post everytime this topic comes up. In a perfect world I would have both, if I had to choose it would be a four post with casters, in the real world I can't afford either

Bad Hammer · Jun 7, 2013

Chris05gto said:
More versatile for me, I use mine more for parking & storing.....not working on cars.

Pointing out a single, solitary reason to own one is diametrically opposed to the concept of "versatility". :lol_hitti

And put me down as being firmly in the 2 post camp. :thumbup:

chevelle67 · Jun 7, 2013

I have a 4 post and with a rolling jack it does what I need. I don't regret going 4 over 2

shampoop · Jun 7, 2013

Former mechanic

Unless you mainly want a 4 post for the storage purposes, or some other niche, a 2 post lift is the way to go if you want one for working on cars.

When I was a tech every once and a while I would have to do something other than alignments on the 4 post lift and I always hated it. MOST things are significantly more difficult or annoying to do on a 4 post vs a 2 post, and there are a lot of things that you can't do on a 4 post that you could do on a 2 post.

c39er · Jun 8, 2013

Could we go over the reasons why one lift style is better than the other? I am really getting confused. I thought I heard of a 3 post lift and think I am interested in it.....

2 or 4-Post Lifts - Who? What? Pros & Cons?

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