2 post vs 4 post lift with center jacks

[E55 Bulldog]

Yes, I know the debate will never end.

Guys who have 4 post lifts do any of you use the center roller Jacks that lifts the cars up off the 4 post lift to access wheels off work?

Does it really work comfortably like a 2 post lift or is a 2 post a lot better?

I was going to add one 4 post lift and one 2 post lift (one in each bay) for the best of both worlds but if I add a 2 post lift, it really limits the ability to stack cars in that bay when maintenance isn't being conducted.

Thoughts?

 

[Bradbilt]

Subscribing

 

[PoorOwner]

If I can only have one I would go with 2 post.
But you can't beat the 4 post for fluid changes.

 

[WhiffySpark]

There’s no reason you can’t stack cars on a 2 post.

I can’t work on a 4 post. Those damn runways can be a real pain in the ***

 

[mfewtrail]

I can’t work on a 4 post. Those damn runways can be a real pain in the ***

I have to strongly agree with this post. 4 post lifts make a lot of jobs far more annoying than they have to be since the lift limits your access.

 

[slowTA]

I normally use a 4 post but have been using a friend's 2 post this week. I hate it! Lining up the car so the arms actually get to the frame is annoying. First the car has to be centered, then you have to roll it back and forth to get the arms under the car. Forget about getting in and out of the driver seat, the posts are in the way and love to scratch your doors. Try lifting a long vehicle, the arms don't really reach that far. When lifting a full size pick up make sure you watch the cab to bed gap get bigger as the frame sags at the ends. God forbid you need to lower the car just to lift it again, as the suspension and tires compress the car can shift so that means you have to go through the whole process of setting the arms again.

With a 4 post you get to drive on and position the rolling jack without bending over to put your face in the ground. The rolling jack can be placed anywhere along the deck so you can lift by the axle or suspension instead of the frame only. All the doors have plenty of room to open.

As for those who say the runways get in the way, you make it sound like you have T-rex arms and you have to reach ALL-THE -WAY across the runways to reach anything. When in reality the wheel/brakes are roughly centered on the runway. Also, you can just as easily smack you head on a runway as a lift arm. Runways are a good place to put your tools and parts within easy reach.

The only job a 2 post makes more sense for is tire rotation, but a bit more work on a 4 post and you can get both ends of a car off the deck.

Try setting your alignment on a 2 post, at least with a 4 post you can get a better idea of what you're doing at ride height!

 

[glentre]

I have two four post lifts and love them. One has a rolling jack and a jack tray so lifting the whole car up to rotate tires etc is very easy. Too old to be crawling around the floor trying to get the arms adjusted with a two post lift.

Glen

 

[WhiffySpark]

I normally use a 4 post but have been using a friend's 2 post this week. I hate it! Lining up the car so the arms actually get to the frame is annoying. First the car has to be centered, then you have to roll it back and forth to get the arms under the car. Forget about getting in and out of the driver seat, the posts are in the way and love to scratch your doors. Try lifting a long vehicle, the arms don't really reach that far. When lifting a full size pick up make sure you watch the cab to bed gap get bigger as the frame sags at the ends. God forbid you need to lower the car just to lift it again, as the suspension and tires compress the car can shift so that means you have to go through the whole process of setting the arms again.

With a 4 post you get to drive on and position the rolling jack without bending over to put your face in the ground. The rolling jack can be placed anywhere along the deck so you can lift by the axle or suspension instead of the frame only. All the doors have plenty of room to open.

As for those who say the runways get in the way, you make it sound like you have T-rex arms and you have to reach ALL-THE -WAY across the runways to reach anything. When in reality the wheel/brakes are roughly centered on the runway. Also, you can just as easily smack you head on a runway as a lift arm. Runways are a good place to put your tools and parts within easy reach.

The only job a 2 post makes more sense for is tire rotation, but a bit more work on a 4 post and you can get both ends of a car off the deck.

Try setting your alignment on a 2 post, at least with a 4 post you can get a better idea of what you're doing at ride height!

It takes less than 30 seconds to set all 4 arms. Don’t set the car down so far that the arms lose contract. Simple solution.

Runways are a complete pain in the ***. Whenever I had a car on 4 post for inspection first thing it did was got moved to a 2 post if it needed any work.

 

[Lonnies Performance]

4 posts are great for storage or oil changes.

They absolutely **** for suspension work or exhaust (where you need to unload the suspension for clearance).

Setting the arms is easy on a 2 post... it you have troubles, you just need more practice. I was nervous the first few times, now it honestly takes about 30 seconds.

 

[slowTA]

Really, less than 30 seconds to set the arms? I hope you're not one of those guys who kicks the arms under the car and crushes the rockers.

 

[59 wagon man]

as a teenager i worked in a gas station as a mechanic and since then i have had 2 and 4 post lifts . if you store the car more often the 4 post is def easier. if you have a lowered car a 2 post can be a pain. the bridge jacks can get expensive so i just use a harbor freight air powered bottle jack to lift my car off my 4 post
any lift makes working on cars more fun as you get older cause you don't have to keep getting out from under the car roll onto your knees and stand up.

 

[lakeroadster]

If I can only have one I would go with 2 post.
But you can't beat the 4 post for fluid changes.

If by "you can't beat" you mean dumping fluids on runways and 4 post lift cross supports, reaching over runways and runways obstructing your views and access... then you are right.

And the center rolling jacks... they are in the way too.

The only thing a 4 post does better than a two post is store a vehicle on it's suspension.

I had both at the same time.

• I stored vehicles on the 4 post
• I worked on vehicles and detailed vehicles on the 2 post

That being said, a 4 post is still a great lift. And infinitely better than no lift at all.

 

[slowTA]

Also, try changing front springs on a car that doesn't have coil over shocks. Where you compress the springs into place with a floor jack under the control arm... and the car shifts and teeters on a 2 post. You can even get a car rocking back and forth on a 2 post just hanging on a stick bolt.

I've done so much suspension work on my 4 post with no issues. Try making suspension parts and checking them at ride height on a 2 post. Want to see the suspension at full droop, set up the jack and lift from the frame. Want to lower a car and see how/where the wheels rub at full lock, a 4 post is your best option.

 

[Partsguy57]

Yes, I know the debate will never end.

Guys who have 4 post lifts do any of you use the center roller Jacks that lifts the cars up off the 4 post lift to access wheels off work?

Does it really work comfortably like a 2 post lift or is a 2 post a lot better?

I was going to add one 4 post lift and one 2 post lift (one in each bay) for the best of both worlds but if I add a 2 post lift, it really limits the ability to stack cars in that bay when maintenance isn't being conducted.

Thoughts?

I have both. Two post hands down...

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[Partsguy57]

I normally use a 4 post but have been using a friend's 2 post this week. I hate it! Lining up the car so the arms actually get to the frame is annoying. First the car has to be centered, then you have to roll it back and forth to get the arms under the car. Forget about getting in and out of the driver seat, the posts are in the way and love to scratch your doors. Try lifting a long vehicle, the arms don't really reach that far. When lifting a full size pick up make sure you watch the cab to bed gap get bigger as the frame sags at the ends. God forbid you need to lower the car just to lift it again, as the suspension and tires compress the car can shift so that means you have to go through the whole process of setting the arms again.

With a 4 post you get to drive on and position the rolling jack without bending over to put your face in the ground. The rolling jack can be placed anywhere along the deck so you can lift by the axle or suspension instead of the frame only. All the doors have plenty of room to open.

As for those who say the runways get in the way, you make it sound like you have T-rex arms and you have to reach ALL-THE -WAY across the runways to reach anything. When in reality the wheel/brakes are roughly centered on the runway. Also, you can just as easily smack you head on a runway as a lift arm. Runways are a good place to put your tools and parts within easy reach.

The only job a 2 post makes more sense for is tire rotation, but a bit more work on a 4 post and you can get both ends of a car off the deck.

Try setting your alignment on a 2 post, at least with a 4 post you can get a better idea of what you're doing at ride height!

Wrong on nearly all counts.. I have both lifts in my shop. Two post is the most versatile. ( Most car builder's use a two post because of this. ) if you are a lube and oil sort of guy get a 4 post. If you are a car/ hot rodder/ builder. Two post hands down....

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[lakeroadster]

Also, try changing front springs on a car that doesn't have coil over shocks. Where you compress the springs into place with a floor jack under the control arm... and the car shifts and teeters on a 2 post. You can even get a car rocking back and forth on a 2 post just hanging on a stick bolt.

Use jack stands to make the vehicle stable and use straps around the frame at the arm locations.

 

[slowTA]

Wrong on nearly all counts.. I have both lifts in my shop. Two post is the most versatile. ( Most car builder's use a two post because of this. ) if you are a lube and oil sort of guy get a 4 post. If you are a car/ hot rodder/ builder. Two post hands down....

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I think you're wrong on all counts. Any builder worth listening to knows that you need to set up a car with the suspension loaded. Also, pulling a motor will throw off the balance of a 2 post.

Remember, the question was asked about a 4 post WITH a rolling jack. You obviously don't need the jack to change oil.

Also, how does a rolling jack get in the way way you can push it clear to the opposite end if the car?

 

[slowTA]

Use jack stands to make the vehicle stable and use straps around the frame at the arm locations.

So you may as well start off without a lift.

 

[Partsguy57]

Bend pac xpr10a. A symmetrical lift ( or the like) doors open full wide no issue problem.. I have a set of custom built blocks two feet high for loading suspension etc for my two post. Drop down back up again. As I said I have both lifts in my shop. Two post hands down for building cars. Lube oil etc 4 post.. Have the castor kit for my four post, handy if I want to roll to my shop... Rarely do that as two post much better. Not my car or blocks in pic of car sitting on short blocks (all other pics are mine) my blocks are the same except 24" high ) camaro my latest build. Massive suspension,brake ,drive train, engine and metal work.. I can assure you the two post much better most of the time.... ( my 4-post used for nothing more then storage most of the time...) Cheers.

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[slowTA]

Partsguy, do you have the rolling jack on your 4 post?

As for the blocks to put the car down on, there is no way you're getting the suspension correctly loaded that way. With the arc of control arms as they move, it's like putting down a car on the ground and you can just see that it isn't sitting right. The tires are tucked under the wheels and the ride is higher than normal, just measure the fender gap after being put down versus rolling a few feet to settle.

 

[Partsguy57]

Partsguy, do you have the rolling jack on your 4 post?

As for the blocks to put the car down on, there is no way you're getting the suspension correctly loaded that way. With the arc of control arms as they move, it's like putting down a car on the ground and you can just see that it isn't sitting right. The tires are tucked under the wheels and the ride is higher than normal, just measure the fender gap after being put down versus rolling a few feet to settle.

Yes sir I do.. ( rolling jack) and yes I have no problems setting ride heights correctly as you can well see in the pic..( see camaro pic). no you don't need to roll the car, You do need to bounce the susspenion to settle.. I can all assure you that depending on suspension type rolling or bouncing will not settle a new suspension untill driven.. be honest a look around ( look at the zillion car building shows for instance what do the vast majority build on?) Lube oil maintenance etc 4 post... Serious building two post.... Cheers

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Either lift vastly better then no lift...

 

[slowTA]

Referencing 95% of those hack car building shows doesn't do much to make your point.

But I'll agree that either lift is better than no lift.

 

[Partsguy57]

Referencing 95% of those hack car building shows doesn't do much to make your point.

But I'll agree that either lift is better than no lift.

Lol hack build or not what do most build on?? Separate the hack builds out then... What do most builder's build on? Yea. We both know the answer to that... There is a reason why... More versatility.... Cheers

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[LX-Markham]

Guys who have 4 post lifts do any of you use the center roller Jacks that lifts the cars up off the 4 post lift to access wheels off work?

Yes, I use my bridge jack all the time. But I would say it’s a compromise. It works, but if my main job was working on cars I would use a 2-post. If you are getting both that is perfect.

 

[lakeroadster]

Also, try changing front springs on a car that doesn't have coil over shocks. Where you compress the springs into place with a floor jack under the control arm... and the car shifts and teeters on a 2 post. You can even get a car rocking back and forth on a 2 post just hanging on a stick bolt.

Use jack stands to make the vehicle stable and use straps around the frame at the arm locations.

So you may as well start off without a lift.

Opinions vary, I simply look at it is using tools correctly.

___________________________________________________________

Nicely done sir!

 

[Partsguy57]

[emoji38]_hitti Opinions vary, I simply look at it is using tools correctly.

___________________________________________________________

Nicely done sir! [emoji106]

Lol. Thank you sir... It's fun car to drive.. Killer suspension,killer brakes and big horsepower equals lots of fun.. cheers

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[geoffro5]

Overall width of the hoist was one consideration for me when I bought a 4 poster over a 2 poster. In my garage it’s tight with a car beside it but with a 2 poster it would be impossible.

 

[APEowner]

As you can tell this is largely personal preference. It also depends on what job you're doing.

When I worked in a dealership I had both a two post and a four post with the bridge jacks. I preferred the four post for suspension work, brakes, fluid changes, RWD transmission R & R and diagnostic work. I liked the two post for engine R&R, FWD drive transmission R&R, FWD steering racks and exhaust work.

When I build cars I actually prefer to not use a lift at all. I use tall jack stands until they've got suspension and then I switch to cribbing.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Really, less than 30 seconds to set the arms? I hope you're not one of those guys who kicks the arms under the car and crushes the rockers.

Not at all. Literally takes 30 seconds to set a 2 post up

 

[WhiffySpark]

Also, try changing front springs on a car that doesn't have coil over shocks. Where you compress the springs into place with a floor jack under the control arm... and the car shifts and teeters on a 2 post. You can even get a car rocking back and forth on a 2 post just hanging on a stick bolt.

I've done so much suspension work on my 4 post with no issues. Try making suspension parts and checking them at ride height on a 2 post. Want to see the suspension at full droop, set up the jack and lift from the frame. Want to lower a car and see how/where the wheels rub at full lock, a 4 post is your best option.

Never had the rocking problem. I’ve pulled big blocks and diesel motors out with zero issues on a 2 post.

Try changing a motor out on a fwd car on a 4 post.

I rebuilt suspensions everyday on a 2 post. Never had the issues you described there either. I never set alignments on a 2 post anyway. That’s what alignment machines are for

You’re obviously set in your ways. I assume you feel unsafe under a 2 post and that’s fine a lot of people do. But a 2 post doesn’t compare to a 4 post at the end of the day.

 

[gnpenning]

It all depends on what you are working on. Fwd if you are pulling motor/transmission. 2 posts the only way to go. Pulling the transmission or transfer case on a pickup, I use a 4 post.

Try putting a early Bronco on a 2 posts and do any front end work. I have a couple EBs.

I've seen multiple cars come off 2 posts, never seen it on a 4 post. Doesn't mean that they can't.

If everything I had was cars I would go 2 post. Everything I own are 4x4 trucks other than one rwd car. I have more need for a 4 post. I like doing brakes on a 4 post.

This is one of those things that everyone can be right for their own needs.

The correct answer is it depends.

 

[c39er]

I have both lifts... I definitely prefer the 4 post with two rolling jacks on a long runway lift.
2 posts are scary doing long WB jobs and up into truck frames.
Stability and safety are my main goals..
Oh and fast up in the air with ease. No knee crush and double bouncing the car or truck time.

 

[slowTA]

You’re obviously set in your ways. I assume you feel unsafe under a 2 post and that’s fine a lot of people do. But a 2 post doesn’t compare to a 4 post at the end of the day.

If I'm set in my ways it's based on experience, I would feel unsafe under any lift that allows a car to move.

 

[CraigStu]

20+ yrs as a flat rate Lexus tech and I would not consider anything other than an asymetric 2 post lift. The asymetric fixes the in/out problem. Occasionally we would need an extra lift and would have to work on the alignment rack. This was a top end lift w/ two air over hydraulic rolling jacks. We all felt like we were sent to hell working on that thing. Just getting tires on and off the car is a real pain because the tire is 6 inches+ away from you w/ that ramp in the way. Putting that tire on, and banging your elbow into the edge of the ramp, and try not to drop the tire = no fun.

 

[E55 Bulldog]

Well after spending 8 hours under my truck yesterday changing a broken transmission dipstick tub I'm ready for my garage to be built.... oh yeah, and the 8 hours was in a storage unit because that is where all my tools are.

Here is a little information. I do a good amount of work on my cars and trucks. I am mostly a truck guy (hummer H1s) but I also have a 69 Jaguar E-Type.

I see a number of benefits for having both lifts. I have decided on putting 2 lifts in my garage and its either going to be two 4 posts of one 4 post and one 2 post.

I'm trying to maximize the ability of having cars in a 2 bay garage and also being able to use it as a shop. I can easily see myself owning 4 cars. Mostly likely 2 hummer h1's, my jaguar, and another daily driver (truck or car). So I would like to stack them in my garage. I know I am limited by ceiling height (13') in what I can stack. I shouldn't have any problems with a 4 post stack of either type of truck or car but when it comes to the 2 post lift, it seem limiting on what I can stack because of the rise height and the added loss of space for suspension and wheel droop. (plus, isn't bad to let that hang for long periods of time?)

I'm still very torn on how to set this garage up. If I was more confident in being able to stack cars on a 2 post lift I wouldn't have any question in my mind.

 

[WhiffySpark]

If I'm set in my ways it's based on experience, I would feel unsafe under any lift that allows a car to move.

Not really sure how you’re getting a car to move on a two post lift. I never had that issue. And I’ve picked up everything from minis to 450s in a two post.

 

[Sovereign-1]

While I am still a year out from buying one I too am struggling on what type to get. I am leaning towards a 4-post since storage will be the main function. Ideally I would get a 2 post with wheel engaging lift arms (Mohawk setup) but the cost of the lift plus the wheel arms is cost prohibitive for me.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Why do you y’all always think you need wheel engaging arms?

 

[Partsguy57]

Well after spending 8 hours under my truck yesterday changing a broken transmission dipstick tub I'm ready for my garage to be built.... oh yeah, and the 8 hours was in a storage unit because that is where all my tools are.

Here is a little information. I do a good amount of work on my cars and trucks. I am mostly a truck guy (hummer H1s) but I also have a 69 Jaguar E-Type.

I see a number of benefits for having both lifts. I have decided on putting 2 lifts in my garage and its either going to be two 4 posts of one 4 post and one 2 post.

I'm trying to maximize the ability of having cars in a 2 bay garage and also being able to use it as a shop. I can easily see myself owning 4 cars. Mostly likely 2 hummer h1's, my jaguar, and another daily driver (truck or car). So I would like to stack them in my garage. I know I am limited by ceiling height (13') in what I can stack. I shouldn't have any problems with a 4 post stack of either type of truck or car but when it comes to the 2 post lift, it seem limiting on what I can stack because of the rise height and the added loss of space for suspension and wheel droop. (plus, isn't bad to let that hang for long periods of time?)

I'm still very torn on how to set this garage up. If I was more confident in being able to stack cars on a 2 post lift I wouldn't have any question in my mind.

You said it. Simple you want storage, lube, oil, some maintenance and general work 4 post. Building cars, or lots of work two post a symmetrical is the way to go...

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[slowTA]

Not really sure how you’re getting a car to move on a two post lift. I never had that issue. And I’ve picked up everything from minis to 450s in a two post.

Every 2 post I've been under (admittedly it isn't very many) will rock a bit about the carriage. I know there needs to be some slop in there to keep things from binding up but there is just a bit of play. Granted it takes some effort thanks to a stuck bolt but it's still there. My friend uses a tall jack stand and puts it under the hitch of his truck to take it a bit tamer.