2 post vs 4 post lift with center jacks

[Partsguy57]

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.

That explains your hatred for the two post and your reasons for not wanting a two post ( listed earlier) are not really valid reasons in most cases played out in use.... As I said before a simple look around at guys who build cars ( local hot rod shop, professional shops on tv or magazines, or zillion car builders on tv, u tube etc) Two post in the vast majority of cases. Why is this? Are they all stupid? Look around, for storage, lube oil, general maintenance and generally not as heavy use ( again not as versatile for a variety of jobs) the 4 post is better. I have both and for what I do if I could only have one, it would be two post.. I believe the opening post stated he wants to get two lifts, why would you limit one's self with two four posts? Get one of each and have the best of both worlds if you actually do much wrenching vs mostly storage. What does the opening op plan on mostly doing? Working or storing?

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[rburke65]

In your original post post stair the debate will go on forever........

 

[Partsguy57]

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.

Good grief, anyone doing much building always has tall jack stands for use under a two post.... I have four.. Incredibly handy for exhaust, putting rear ends,mock up etc. This argument boils down really to more storage or more working on cars and what one feels comfortable under. I see some here are scared to work under a two post no matter the advantages.. You don't belong under a two post then...

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[slowTA]

That explains your hatred for the two post and your reasons for not wanting a two post ( listed earlier) are not really valid reasons in most cases played out in use.... As I said before a simple look around at guys who build cars ( local hot rod shop, professional shops on tv or magazines, or zillion car builders on tv, u tube etc) Two post in the vast majority of cases. Why is this? Are they all stupid? Look around, for storage, lube oil, general maintenance and generally not as heavy use ( again not as versatile for a variety of jobs) the 4 post is better. I have both and for what I do if I could only have one, it would be two post.. I believe the opening post stated he wants to get two lifts, why would you limit one's self with two four posts? Get one of each and have the best of both worlds if you actually do much wrenching vs mostly storage. What does the opening op plan on mostly doing? Working or storing?

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Exactly, the OP asked about using a 4 poster to take the wheels off and doing that kind of work. I replied that after using both I preferred the 4 post and taking wheels off isn't a problem. Then I went on a bit of a rant about people bashing 4 posts for reasons that baffled me.

Do I think that people who use 2 posts are stupid?... No. Do I feel there is a huge bias towards them because people started off in shops with them and that's what they're used to?... you bet I do!

 

[slowTA]

Good grief, anyone doing much building always has tall jack stands for use under a two post.... I have four.. Incredibly handy for exhaust, putting rear ends,mock up etc. This argument boils down really to more storage or more working on cars and what one feels comfortable under. I see some here are scared to work under a two post no matter the advantages.. You don't belong under a two post then...

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I disagree, I've done all the exhaust, mock up, rear end swaps, engine swaps, etc on my 4 post so saying they're just for storage and fluid changes is giving them a bum rap. If I found a 2 post that was more stable then I wouldn't hold that against them, but since the OP didn't state a brand it is something to consider.

 

[Partsguy57]

Exactly, the OP asked about using a 4 poster to take the wheels off and doing that kind of work. I replied that after using both I preferred the 4 post and taking wheels off isn't a problem. Then I went on a bit of a rant about people bashing 4 posts for reasons that baffled me.

Do I think that people who use 2 posts are stupid?... No. Do I feel there is a huge bias towards them because people started off in shops with them and that's what they're used to?... you bet I do!

I must be stupid lol. I also own a four post.. You are the nut job when it comes to lifts as self evident from your rant earlier about them in regards to two post. Most of your reason listed do not play out in the real world in regards to two post. Again simple, what is your planned use?? You don't have a valid argument as your reasons are ultimately based on fear.. ( your own words) You are not comfortable.... End of story. Using your reasoning airplanes must not be safe if one is afraid to fly....

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[Partsguy57]

I disagree, I've done all the exhaust, mock up, rear end swaps, engine swaps, etc on my 4 post so saying they're just for storage and fluid changes is giving them a bum rap. If I found a 2 post that was more stable then I wouldn't hold that against them, but since the OP didn't state a brand it is something to consider.

Sure you can.. no one is saying you can't... Sometimes depending on what you are doing there is a better tool for the job... Again look around it is very self evident what lifts are a preferred depending on intended usage.. its not complicated and neither lift is the best. ( Thats why I have both) decide what you are going to do most of... For you that best tool does not matter( in this case) as you are not comfortable working under a two post as you stated... What good is your opinion based on what would be best depending on usage? If the two post was better you still would not use... My point has been from the start get what Will work best depending on usage. For me if given a choice two post based on what I do and having used both and owning both..

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[slowTA]

Based on your last 2 posts I can see you're hung up on one thing I said and ignore a bunch of the rest. I didn't call you or anyone else stupid and I listed a bunch of reasons why I feel a 4 post is the better choice. My arguments are based on facts and not fear, if I felt 2 posts were more stable I wouldn't list that as one of the many things I don't like about them.

 

[c39er]

Just to make this more fun.........

What if there were an earthquake while working on your car using both a 2 post and a 4 post...
...Which would you rather be under..
...Which would be safer to be under..
...and the car might fall off which one faster?

 

[lakeroadster]

Just to make this more fun.........

What if there were an earthquake while working on your car using both a 2 post and a 4 post...
...Which would you rather be under..
...Which would be safer to be under..
...and the car might fall off which one faster?

And thus the thread is now totally derailed.

Reminds me of the guy who bought a solar powered calculator and was pissed off when he found the sun was going to go out in about 5 billion years.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Just to make this more fun.........

What if there were an earthquake while working on your car using both a 2 post and a 4 post...
...Which would you rather be under..
...Which would be safer to be under..
...and the car might fall off which one faster?

Why would you stand under a car in a earthquake?

 

[c39er]

Why would you stand under a car in a earthquake?

I would under a professional quality 4 post
I've been through four earthquakes here in the NW.

 

[Partsguy57]

Lol earth quakes, cars falling off lifts ..... I think one stands a far greater chance of dying driving ones car vs working under a lift... Me I own lots of heavy equipment, contract to the feds for fire suppression services here in the west. (Spend lots of time on the fire line) involved in motor sports, dirt bikes etc... I can hurt myself in many ways and playing with my hotrods and cars under my lifts is the least of my worries... Some of the concerns I see with lifts and many other things I see on the forums makes me wonder how some even dare get out of bed in the morning.. .....

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[c39er]

^^^^ You got it all right!!!!

 

[BruceMc]

Just to make this more fun.........

What if there were an earthquake while working on your car using both a 2 post and a 4 post...
...Which would you rather be under..
...Which would be safer to be under..
...and the car might fall off which one faster?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263119

 

[WhiffySpark]

I would under a professional quality 4 post
I've been through four earthquakes here in the NW.

That makes no sense to me but hey whatever floats your bed.

We went through a earthquake here to the point where our toolboxes were rocking back and forth.

No cars fell of the 12 2 posts lifts in the shop

 

[c39er]

Well then certainly a 4 post would be very safe to stand under during an earthquake.
If 12 cars stayed on the 2 posts I'd bet my life all would stay on the 4 posts longer.

 

[BruceMc]

It happens.

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2016/11/16/pics-new-zealand-earthquake-shakes-1972-corvette-off-lift/

 

[kbuhagiar]

It happens.

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2016/11/16/pics-new-zealand-earthquake-shakes-1972-corvette-off-lift/

Yup.

Enough to be concerned about?

Nope.

 

[BruceMc]

Yup.

Enough to be concerned about?

Nope.

It is certainly a decision factor if you're like most of us that live in earthquake zones, will have only a single lift, and your lift serves both for working and storage.

 

[kbuhagiar]

It is certainly a decision factor if you're like most of us that live in earthquake zones, will have only a single lift, and your lift serves both for working and storage.

I've lived in the SF Bay Area since 1970. I rode out Loma Prieta in 1989. I am aware of the special considerations we need to make with regards to our geology and geography. My house is bolted to the foundation, my gas shutoff (and appropriate wrench) is easily accessed, I have an ample supply of food and water at the ready at all times, etc. etc.

However (and this is just me - YMMV) the possibility of being injured or killed...while under a car ...while up on a lift ...while I am working on it is so remote as to not warrant any serious consideration. I'm not saying it doesn't happen - it does - but it happens so infrequently as to be statistically insignificant. And when it does happen, earthquake safety protocol should apply, i.e. run for cover.

We cannot (or at least, I cannot) prepare for every possible health or safety hazard. I refuse to be mentally hamstrung worrying about how dangerous life is today. I have friends who twist themselves into knots every time a house three neighborhoods over gets broken into.

Of course, for some folks, their guiding principle in life may be lift safety during an earthquake. And that is their prerogative.

It's just not mine.

Sorry for the rant Bruce Mc, not directed at you, just life in general.

Cheers!

 

[kbuhagiar]

Oh, and FWIW I prefer the 4-post with center jacks.

But that's just me...

 

[E55 Bulldog]

Its a tough call.
I am 100% for a 2 post lift, I have worked on them and they are great but I'm really struggling with the fact I would only be able to put one car in that bay. I'm not a fan of have a car up on a 2 post for any long period of time with suspension sagging as well as only having 69" of max rise (even less with wheels hanging) and 66" from lift pad to overhead switch. It would be fine if I knew that I would have will power to stop at 3 cars but I know I don't.

As for the 4 post, I do see every ones pros and cons on this. Yes, they runways will get in the way, but they are a good use of a tool bench, yes, the bridge jacks can get in the way of some jobs. but like most of you have said and agreed upon, you can pretty much do anything on a 4 post that you can do on a 2 post. Only thing I'm struggling with is not being able to lift the body off a car with a 4 post......

 

[Denee007]

Kwik-lift and Maxjax

Hi, dne' here, I'm actually looking into a 4 post within a month or so; mainly for storage of my 14' utility trailer, it's new and I want it protected.

I bought a used Kwik-lift a couple years ago, though it's heavy and a pain to move from one location to another, it has been a nice part of my lift arsenal.

Here I'm using it with my Maxjax lift and does make a pretty good work bench. The Kwik-lift, you drive on it, the put a jack under that large funny looking metal tube, then jack up the back and let down the rear support legs.


I bought a set of turn tables for alignments. It's easy enough to level the Kwik-lift.


The triumph TR6 really needs to be on all fours to get the height right.


I had some leftover 3 x 3 square tubing and it worked great to support the entire Kwik-lift.


The I could remove the front supports and have total access, plus if I wanted to, I could keep the car on the turn tables for doing alignments, or whatever I wanted to do. Also used my low/tall jack stands to totally remove the Maxjax if I wanted and can level with the low/tall stands as they are adjustable. Also the width of the Kwik-lift can be adjusted wider to accomodate large vehicles, but the jack trays don't work with a narrow car like my TR6.

Just passing on other stuff


a pic of the lift trays, they can be slid out of the way, they don't roll, but I've never had a use for them yet, but I have them just in case.
dne'


my main beef with a 2 post is they are permanent, many 4 posts can be moved by the casters many provide. I'd be able to roll it outside and tinker outside on a nice day if I chose to

 

[lakeroadster]

Its a tough call.
I am 100% for a 2 post lift, I have worked on them and they are great but I'm really struggling with the fact I would only be able to put one car in that bay. I'm not a fan of have a car up on a 2 post for any long period of time with suspension sagging as well as only having 69" of max rise (even less with wheels hanging) and 66" from lift pad to overhead switch.

They make taller 2 post lifts that will lift the vehicle as high as you would like.

You can also get Wheel-Engaging Adapters, or build a structure, that you can drive onto and lift the vehicle with a 2 post lift, thus loading the suspension, if that's your thing.

 

[Mr_fixit]

I have a 2 post for 10 years and just ordered a 4 post and rolling jack. To me, There's a need for both. There's no right and wrong answer here. Each one has different uses. The 2 post scares the hell out of me when I need to raise my truck with 2 cranes and a wheel lift. There's no problem when I'm lifting anything else( under the rating of the lift) The 4 post will be used for things the 2 post can't , and storage. I would not use the 2 post for extended storage. I prefer the 2 post when working on most cars.

 

[PoorOwner]

Its a tough call.
I am 100% for a 2 post lift, I have worked on them and they are great but I'm really struggling with the fact I would only be able to put one car in that bay. .........
Only thing I'm struggling with is not being able to lift the body off a car with a 4 post......

It sounds like you are in a residential garage. Just find the best compromise.

Get the 4 post and then 2 post on the outside like the guy above with the kwiklift. Problem solved

I am fairly sure body off 4 post has been done before. Similar to this..

 

[Denee007]

That's pretty cool getting the body off

It sounds like you are in a residential garage. Just find the best compromise.

Get the 4 post and then 2 post on the outside like the guy above with the kwiklift. Problem solved

I am fairly sure body off 4 post has been done before. Similar to this..

 

[lakeroadster]

I am fairly sure body off 4 post has been done before. Similar to this..

A couple friends would have saved this ^^^^^ fella a lot of time and effort.

 

[Bluedodge]

Just to make this more fun.........

What if there were an earthquake while working on your car using both a 2 post and a 4 post...
...Which would you rather be under..
...Which would be safer to be under..
...and the car might fall off which one faster?

Hey - speaking of two post lifts....

.....remember when some posters here got banned for starting a "Death Pool" because some members bought cut-rate lifts and began to Jerry-rig them?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=155