2 post lift or finished floor

[buddha2364]

Anybody that has had a lift will say the lift is the priority. It is a real game changer for maintenance. I won’t argue 2 post vs 4 post, but feel very confident the OP should put in a lift over flooring.

It's the path I was headed down, just like to have real world experiences. Besides, I can point this to my wife and say "See, I'm not crazy! "

 

[ScaldedDog]

I voted lift. If the post-in-the-middle issue is really important to you, that can be solved by using an in-ground lift (like a Rotary SmartLift). The cost is substantially more, though, and it's even more expensive if installing in an existing floor. Here's my thread on my install from 2020.

Mark

 

[05snopro440]

I grew up with my dad having his own automotive repair shop with 2 lifts (first an in ground and a 2-post, then the 2-post and a 4-post). So we could use it for some things, but always used jacks and stands at home. For 12 years I've used jacks and stands in my own garage, and last year we bought a new place that has a big 1200 sq ft triple garage with a 4-post lift. We're planning to do the floor in the garage eventually, but the lift is something I could never go without now that I have one.

For my personal uses and maintaining and building cars I prefer a 4-post with a center jack. For many people it's a lot safer not having to figure out vehicle balance and make sure the lift arms are safe and secure.

 

[Cairo94507]

I have had lifts in my last 2 garages; the first was a 4-post the second was a scissor lift. I loved them both for different reasons. The 4-post was used mostly for storing a car that was awaiting a restoration. The scissor lift was mostly for maintenance and detailing. I am in the process of building a new 1550 sq. ft. garage and will be installing a lift. I believe I am going to go with a Two-post Rotary lift this time. I am not 100% convinced yet, but pretty sure that is my path. The only thing that gives me pause is the number of vehicles that apparently fall off Two-post lifts. I am pretty sure that is due to sloppy placement, but it's a consideration.

 

[SmackinHondas]

I voted lift. I have a 30x40 with the lift towards the front. I never had an issue with the column being in the way.

The only thing that gives me pause is the number of vehicles that apparently fall off Two-post lifts. I am pretty sure that is due to sloppy placement, but it's a consideration.

It's mainly stupidity, lack of maintenance and not double checking your lift points after you go up the initial 6" or so. Speaking from experience lol.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I put in a cheap two post lift a little over a year ago and I've been kicking myself ever since for not doing it sooner. I'm already looking at getting a four post for another area in the shop.

As far as finished floors are concerned I've never had anything other than regular concrete and I really don't see the appeal in a working garage/shop.

 

[buddha2364]

I voted lift. I have a 30x40 with the lift towards the front. I never had an issue with the column being in the way.



It's mainly stupidity, lack of maintenance and not double checking your lift points after you go up the initial 6" or so. Speaking from experience

So I'm 30X40, with the short side to the front entrance. I use 7+ feet down the left side for a workbench/cabinets, compressor, tool box with overhead storage on top of that. Scissor truss configuration, throws a lot of folks off when they walk in as they aren't expecting the high ceiling.

With this setup, I'll really only have to contend with the one post to the inside of the garage with a 2 post, the other will be placed close to an already existing 6x6 for the overhead storage.

I've seen the pictures of cars falling off the 2 post, but have to wonder what they did wrong, so I'm not overly concerned with that piece. It's the whole measure twice, cut once addage. Trust me, before the cars anywhere near off the ground, I'll be checking things more than once.

 

[PCustoms]

Lift now, can always do the floor later. Even the kits at hardware stores work very well and are inexpensive.

You can buy a lot of floor paint at HD and touch it up once per year for not much $$.

Get a lift.

 

[pbon]

I’d take a lift over a floor if you are into working on your cars. If you do only relatively minor stuff and are young, Jack stands and ramps are fine. As you get older or do more serious work, the extra access is welcome and it is nice not to be on your back.

When we moved a few years ago, I had the choice between a Porsche or renovating the 24x30 carriage house. I chose the renovation because I would get more pleasure out of a nicer shop than a fancier car.

The 2 post I bought in 2010 for $1400 was some of the best money I ever spent. I have wood floor now so I had to get a 4 post, but will never be without a lift again.

At a minimum I would buy quick jacks on sale.

A nicer floor could come later.

But if your work is just occasional and Jack stands are all you need, then a fancy floor might give you more happiness. It depends on the individual and the use of the garage/shop.

 

[CraigStu]

The only thing that gives me pause is the number of vehicles that apparently fall off Two-post lifts. I am pretty sure that is due to sloppy placement, but it's a consideration.

I agree w/ smackin. Spent 25 years in car dealer shops and never saw a car fall off a lift. Any time there is a concern I get the tires 6 inches off the floor, go to a bumper and move it up and down as strongly as I can. You can usually get a bumper going up and down through a 6-8 inch arc. If it stays in place you are good to go. One concern to watch out for is any thing like a trans jack or adjustable stand under the car. Those scare the **** out of me. When I used one, I took a new latex glove and hung it on the lowering lever hoping it would remind me to look under the car first.

 

[Cairo94507]

Yeah, I agree with the above about stupidity being the main culprit cars fall off lifts. I am pretty sure I will go with the 2-post Rotary lift. The garage is 44' x 34' with a 13' ceiling, so we will have the room.

 

[jmdirk]

Depends on what you use your garage for. I'm not particularly organized and do a bunch of grinding, welding etc. Hardly any value in me doing any kind of finished floor. Lift would be by far the more important thing.

 

[bctexas]

Two post. A game changer. When you budget for it, make some room for an oil collection tank and a pair of high rise jack stands. I lucked into a Craigslist deal for the oil drain, and got the jackstands on sale at Northern Tool.

Happy Motoring!

 

[buddha2364]

Two post. A game changer. When you budget for it, make some room for an oil collection tank and a pair of high rise jack stands. I lucked into a Craigslist deal for the oil drain, and got the jackstands on sale at Northern Tool.

Happy Motoring!

Yes, first thing on the list is the oil catch can, a cheap one is $100.

 

[SmackinHondas]

Yes, first thing on the list is the oil catch can, a cheap one is $100.

harbor freight has small 5 gal one for $60ish, online. The top catch pan is plastic and only secured with a set screw. It works tho.

 

[05snopro440]

Yes, first thing on the list is the oil catch can, a cheap one is $100.

harbor freight has small 5 gal one for $60ish, online. The top catch pan is plastic and only secured with a set screw. It works tho.

Mine is a version of this https://www.homedepot.com/p/JohnDow...my-Portable-Poly-Oil-Drain-JDI-8DCP/308102197

My dad had it at his shop and I've now inherited it as he doesn't have a shop at the moment. It doesn't have a fancy pump, but that just forces you to remember to empty it more often. It works great, you don't need a fancy $800 one.

 

[racecougar]

Another upside to a 4-post: no need for an oil catch pan/can.

Lift modifications Thread- Lets see them!

Due to floor slope, the entry end of my Bendpak is on 3 inch or so risers/shims which means the platform was around 9" off the driveway. The steel ramps that came with it are not only really heavy, they were nowhere nearly long enough but too long to leave attached and still close my garage...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[ScaldedDog]

Not sure how we got on the subject of oil drains, but I'd think awhile before buying a small one if you have several cars to maintain. I've had the 20g Harbor Freight one since I got a lift years ago, and it's been great. Admittedly, one of my vehicles is a PowerStroke that drains 4g in a single change, but I wouldn't want a smaller one. Once you have one large enough to be on wheels, they all take up about the same amount of floor space. The one I have empties with shop air.

Mark

 

[Wiz02]

Buddha,

My Corvette (C5 Z06) sits pretty low. I bought a low profile jack and still head to remove the saddle from the jack to get under the frame rails from the side. To get the car on the lift I have to pull in, jack one side up, place front arm under the frame, place a piece of wood under the back tire, remove jack, place rear arm. Copy and repeat for the other side.

I'll figure something out that's easier!

Not to hijack the thread, but @Skyking1992 , if you figure out a better method to lift your Z06, I'm all ears. I have a long reach low profile 2.5 inch, jack for the initial lift, but it's a Pita getting the 2 post lift arms positioned under my C6 Z06. I've had to "initial" lift, test the arms, find out that I couldn't position them properly, lower the car, move the car and try this dance multiple times until I got the lift arms properly positioned. I think that l need some offset jacking pucks. I don't have any issues with the rest of the "fleet".

 

[05snopro440]

Not sure how we got on the subject of oil drains, but I'd think awhile before buying a small one if you have several cars to maintain. I've had the 20g Harbor Freight one since I got a lift years ago, and it's been great. Admittedly, one of my vehicles is a PowerStroke that drains 4g in a single change, but I wouldn't want a smaller one. Once you have one large enough to be on wheels, they all take up about the same amount of floor space. The one I have empties with shop air.

Mark

Mine is 8G and I maintain 9 vehicles plus 2 tractors. I have to take used oil to our local recycling center so it forces me to stay on top of it. I wouldn't want a 20G one for a home shop personally.

 

[tyyost]

For me this is a simple function over form question. One makes the workspace infinitely more workable with the ability to tackle more work or more challenging work in less time or looking attractive.

Dollar for dollar the lift will return its value to you if you work in the shop. I would love a lift, it would greatly simplify much of the auto work I do. I just did two Subie’s brakes all the way around, oil changes, and have sons Escape coming up for oil change, an Explorer that needs brakes, and a Subie sounds like it’s got an exhaust issue. A lift would save me hours of work in the next few weels.

 

[05snopro440]

two post would be better for car storage and four post lifts are better for general use and durability reasons since it can hold more weight.But you need to find out which lift can fit into your garage. you can check these measurements drawings for your reference.

Actually the opposite, four posts are better for storage (easier to use and have the option of drip pans to catch leaking fluids). Two posts are more versatile for general vehicle service as they're better suited to suspension and brake repairs and tire changes/rotations.

 

[Richard D]

As far as cars falling of a two post, as mentioned before, a couple high lift jack stands and you are golden.