2 post vs 4 post lift

[Squirlz]

I'm new to all this, just building my first and probably last garage. I want to do it right. I really want a lift and because what I want it for is mostly wheels-off stuff I figured on a 2 post. With this I have to decide where it should go in the 28 x 40 garage and mount it permanently.

I just discovered the Bridge Jack which allows you to use a 4 post parking lift as a wheels-off lift. This seems like the best of all worlds as it does not need to be mounted and can even be equipped with casters!

Please help this n00b learn about lifts. I have searched and found a lot of great info but I want to dial in specifically on my needs and realistic expectations. Thanks for any help!

Paul & Molly

 

[mikeyr]

oh oh...you are going to get it now... this is a religious topic and you will hear from both sides.

2 posts have their advantages in a professional shop where multiple cars are worked on daily, for a homeowner, its 4post all the way. You can store the car there if you want (more religion, you should not store a car on a 2post because the suspension is unloaded and that is bad if you store it that way for a long time, some say BS to that, some agree).
The 4post is easy drive on/off and with casters can be moved, I store a car on mine in the corner of the garage, when I have to work on a car, I bring it into the middle of the shop with plenty of walking room all the way around, can't do that with a 2post.
It only takes a minute to remove the wheels and do suspension work with a jack bridge, hopefully you do your brake and suspension work correctly the first time and you won't have to do it often. I personally find that I rarely have to use the jack bridge to get the wheels off.

 

[ket-tek]

This topic comes up over and over around here. There's a couple hours worth of reading if you search the board on this topic.

I have a 4 and love it, if I had the room I'd also have a 2.

 

[Squirlz]

Sorry if I picked a scab! It definitely looks like a movable 4 would be the best. Just increases the expense if I got the bridge lift. I really appreciate what you guys are telling me!

 

[ket-tek]

I'm new to all this, just building my first and probably last garage. I want to do it right.

See your new, welcome.

And if your starting a new build I would also suggest spending a couple weeks reading your a$$ off here about all aspects of the build other than the lift if your not already in the process. I wish I found this site before my build instead of after it was sheetrocked. I thought I had planned for all the features I would want, and quickly found out about some great ideas around here I wish I had.

Quick list off the top of my head.

-Lighting layout and using multiple switch banks
-Outdoor/attached air compressor shed
-In floor radiant heat
-Sink plumbing/floor drain
-Air compressor plumbing/drops
-Exhaust fan
-Wall/Ceiling Insulation
-Insulated door
-Jackshaft door openers
-Slab insulation
-Getting in writing the expectations of the quality of the troweling finish of the concrete slab as well as the thickness and psi of the concrete to be poured.

There is so much more. Your in for a fun ride..

28x40 is a great size what is the ceiling height? Mine is 28x38x12 and I now wish I had gone at LEAST the full 30x40 and 14 on the ceiling if not more all the way around..

 

[John R.]

oh oh...you are going to get it now... this is a religious topic and you will hear from both sides.

2 posts have their advantages in a professional shop where multiple cars are worked on daily, for a homeowner, its 4post all the way. You can store the car there if you want (more religion, you should not store a car on a 2post because the suspension is unloaded and that is bad if you store it that way for a long time, some say BS to that, some agree).
The 4post is easy drive on/off and with casters can be moved, I store a car on mine in the corner of the garage, when I have to work on a car, I bring it into the middle of the shop with plenty of walking room all the way around, can't do that with a 2post.
It only takes a minute to remove the wheels and do suspension work with a jack bridge, hopefully you do your brake and suspension work correctly the first time and you won't have to do it often. I personally find that I rarely have to use the jack bridge to get the wheels off.

First let me say Great looking Dino.

I solved my "unloaded suspension" by having ramps made to support the wheels since they've been hanging for many years now, it's still sitting basically the same way today as in the picture, look at the date on the picture and it was like that for a few years before the picture was taken.

 

[RAYJAY]

depends on what you do ..... if you need it for storage oil changes and brake jobs s a 4 post is great, if you need to drop out sub-frames (complete with engine and trans ) or lift a body off a frame the 2 post is your better option

Jeff

 

[Squirlz]

depends on what you do ..... if you need it for storage oil changes and brake jobs s a 4 post is great, if you need to drop out sub-frames (complete with engine and trans ) or lift a body off a frame the 2 post is your better option

Jeff

Definitely sounds like a 4 post is best for me. Higher cost with the bridge jacks but much more versatile.

 

[Nutty 5.0]

Honestly, if you're going to use your garage a lot, and looks like you may, go with both. I have both and prefer the 2 post. For me it works best. Like the others say, start reasearching and see what will work best for you. Its a tough decision that for me was a 2 post, but got a 4 post later for storage.

 

[Dragster Racer]

What do you see at your local mechanic's place? Usually 2 post. If you do that kind of work, it would be a good bet that 2 post would be best for you too. If you do other stuff and want to move and store with it, I am thinking 4 post.
I'm a 2 post guy.....as soon as I have the rest of the money saved up!

 

[Aberdale]

I've got a 2 post. My buddy has a 4 post. Both are nice for different reasons. a 2 post is cheaper, and easier if you have to go back and forth under the vehicle to the toolbox often. I have to be careful not to hit my head going under my buddy's 4 post.

After using both, I would much rather do a brake job, tire rotation, suspension work, ******/clutch work on a 2 post. There's just a lot more access. When the lift isn't in use, a 2 post takes up a lot less space too, making it easier to walk and work around.

The 4 post is easy to drive on. (No pads/arms to position). The 4 post also seems more sturdy. (Don't have to worry about the vehicle's center of gravity when lining it up to lift.) As to storing an elevated vehicle, no question, a 4 post is best.

So you really need to think about how you will use it most of the time. Good luck in whatever you choose, and remember . . . if you choose wrong, you can always buy the other style down the road!

Dale

 

[Aberdale]

Oh, and another tidbit, on a few occasions, I've used my 2 post as a hoist. When I brought home my metal lathe, and later when I brought home a vertical mill, I was able to lift them both off of my trailer with the hoist. Maybe you could rig the 4 post to do the same thing, but it was pretty easy with the 2 post. I just put a short I beam across the two lift arms from side to side.

Dale