Totally last minute here, I'm sorry. I'm set to help my dad install his new 2 post Direct Lift Pro 9F symmetric lift tomorrow. It just donned on me to throw it out to "the garage" for any suggestions or tips for a smooth install. Specifically I'm concerned about guidelines for front to rear and side to side placement. Is the manual right on or does anyone have experience to suggest changes? Any other thoughts or tips are appreciated. Thanks
2 post Direct Lift placement suggestions - Hurry Please :)
- Thread starter OldNeons
- Start date
I have one of my posts off the side wall 1 ft and about 10 ft off the back wall. If I were to do it again, I would make sure I allow enough room on the sides and front to have a work bench and or tool box plus open the drawers and stand comfortably, try cutting a couple of pieces of cardboard the size of your column bases and set them where you want them... then measure...
Thanks for reply, we have just under 18' of length front to back in the raised roof section of shop so I am most worried about front to rear placement. Im assuming lift mfgr knows best on between column spacing and im comfortable with room on sides (about 3' from column to wall on right side and wide open on left side). Basically we have just under 18' from the back wall of garage to where ceiling drops down to 8' towards front of garage. Have another 12' of work space from there to front garage door but ceiling is lower. Trying to decide where lift should be placed and if I will generally want cars on frontwards or backwards? 32 ford 3 window coupe, 2004 corvette, and who knows what else may find its way here? Thanks for any more suggestions.
Should also add we have the lift laid out on floor precisely according to lift manual and columns are setting in place, so we have a good idea of working space. My biggest concern is since this is our first lift, we don't know how the different cars will fit on the lift, proper weight distribution, etc.. Want to make sure we have as much flexibility as possible. Has anyone regularly put the car on "backwards" to have the engine area towards front of garage where there is more open space near garage door instead of working up against the front wall?
KPSquared
Well-known member
Read this:
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Where-Do-I-Position-My-Two-Post-Lift-In-My-Garage
Lots of good info. Should help!
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Where-Do-I-Position-My-Two-Post-Lift-In-My-Garage
Lots of good info. Should help!
Thanks, lots of good info there, but I am needing specific real world experience on how far front to back symmetric lift should be located when you only have 18' to work with, I'm assuming slightly forward of center due to motor weight. Would really appreciate an installers input on where he would put it. Thanks.
First thing is to (if possible) keep it centered on the garage door. This makes for a straight drive in without having to adjust for be centered on the lift. I have installed one post right up against a wall due to space requirements. I would stay at a minimum (if possible) 12' back from front wall MINIMUM as you did say SYMMETRIC not ASYMMETRIC. This allows for a tool box or bench or the ability to get a cherry picker in there for engine removal. I do not install PRO lift as it is not in my area. Lifts other than Rotary generally have a layout that is pretty accurate. If you doubt the measurements they provide, then stand the columns up, space them off what the book says and bring a car or truck between them to see if those measurements will meet your needs. keep in mind the side to side measurment will need to be kept as it directly affects the lift install BUT you can adjust the front to rear spec for your needs. You can also move the entire lift side to side a bit to suit your needs as well. Couple things to be mindful of. Overhead lights. Pressing a car or truck into them is bad. If lights are in the way even when vehicle is raised, you need to move them. Garage door. Make sure you can close the door with a vehicle on the lift especially trucks with plows, spreaders, and hitches sticking out. Options to consider if the power unit can be mounted on either side. Which is more useful to your needs? Try to avoid any cracks in floor by 6" from any anchor. Hope this helps!
Sorry didn't see question of frontwards or backwards before i posted first time. IF the lift is a symmetric as you say, then I do not see an issue as lifts are a balancing act. Since the lift is symmetric the arms are the same length all four and both columns are directly facing each other so no, it will not matter.
NHBandit
Well-known member
18' is a VERY tight space. I'm thinking if you want the option of being able to have the vehicles either nosed in or backed in you will want the lift dead center. You will, of course, only be able to use it with the overhead door closed and you won't be able to have a bench or a toolbox or anything else along the back wall.
Pics???
Yes, front to back we placed it dead center. BUT keep in mind this is a SYMMETRIC lift - both arms are equal and columns are not angled or offset.
It worked great on the 32 coupe, Corvette should be fine too. I don't have a 59 Cadillac with continental kit so hopefully we'll be ok on length. Shop is open on left side so we put lift pump/controls there. Column on right side is about 3' off the wall.
It worked great on the 32 coupe, Corvette should be fine too. I don't have a 59 Cadillac with continental kit so hopefully we'll be ok on length. Shop is open on left side so we put lift pump/controls there. Column on right side is about 3' off the wall.
It is actually my dad's lift. We've been building his new shop for a couple years now. Grand Opening Party set for Daytona 500 in 2 weeks! When I buy mine it will be an American made lift. Overall I think Direct is among the better imported lifts. The quality seems acceptable - for imported stuff. Assembly/install instructions stink- but we made it all work. Things fit ok, just several things I'd do differently if I designed/built it (like machined flats on the threaded cable ends so you could use a wrench instead of Vise Grips). I don't have a real solid complaint with it - I just don't like to buy Chinese, especially when I can buy American.
The pump will mount on the back side (outside) of either column. It would make sense to me to put it on the side of the column as you minimize width in tight installs. There is no reason you can't relocate pump - just have to move/install a new mounting bracket. It's only a small hydraulic hose from the pump. Good luck with your lift - do your homework here on the board - there is a ton of information about lifts and brands, etc - you just have to sort it out for yourself and decide who/what you believe
The pump will mount on the back side (outside) of either column. It would make sense to me to put it on the side of the column as you minimize width in tight installs. There is no reason you can't relocate pump - just have to move/install a new mounting bracket. It's only a small hydraulic hose from the pump. Good luck with your lift - do your homework here on the board - there is a ton of information about lifts and brands, etc - you just have to sort it out for yourself and decide who/what you believe
Iv had 2 four post lifts in the past. the last one being a Bendpak HD-9. Recently sold it to switch to a 2 post lift. My space is limited. Im patiently waiting for Bendpak to release there new GrandPrix series of lifts. They have a narrow foot print and will work in better in my garage. It all depends on the release date, i cant wait to long. Thanks