4-post lift techniques

[86turbodsl]

I'd like to start a topic where we discuss ways to accomplish tasks that are more normally conducted on a 2-post lift. Because most of us won't have one of each, and some of us go down the 4 post path for our own reasons.

We know that there are pros and cons for each style (limiting to 2 vs 4 post, not including scissors and other types)

2 post pros -

Easier to pull axles
Suspension work
Brake / Tire work

4 post pros -

More stable
Store a vehicle with suspension loaded
No lift arm placement
Suitable for a wide variety of vehicle sizes


So i'd like this thread to discuss ways to do things with a lift type that may not be ideal for that type.

Example -

4 post lift - how to pull a solid axle on a vehicle.

Use a bridge jack to lift the frame of the vehicle near the axle to be pulled. Lower onto a stand of some type, unfasten the axle, lift hoist back up, rotate/roll the axle on stand through center and from under vehicle.


Anyone else? Alternative methods?

How to pull a body off a frame on 4-post?
Suspension work?

Discuss!

 

[86turbodsl]

Just found this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310900

 

[zkdiesel]

Won't own a 4 post. Ever
The extra work height and any commercial grade one has a huge footprint loaded or empty unlike a 2 post
Storage and suspension noises are about all a 4 post has going for it
My two post can rack a smart car(or lawn mower) to a crew cab dump truck f550 for versatility

 

[59 wagon man]

installed a Currie 9" narrowed rear end into my 59 chevy wagon On my 4 post

 

[LXCam]

I've got a few ways of pulling this off. But I'll need to come back when I'm on a real puter to post the pictures.

 

[Burl]

You can put a 4 post on just about any concrete floor, and you don't have to drill any holes. Good for folks with existing structures.

 

[86turbodsl]

Here's one for body lifting:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310900

 

[zkdiesel]

Here's one for body lifting:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310900

Slinging a body from the ceiling? Might as well go use a backhoe or skidsteer
Not technique, just hodge podge

 

[MJockey]

Rebooting this thread! I just got a 4-post lift and I'm looking for photos of people using there 4-post for something other than storage.

 

[thickhead]

MJockey,
I don't have photos, but my 4 post has been used more (or at as least as much) for work as it is for storage. Timing belts, suspension, brakes, fluid drains, exhaust, clutch. It does kick ash for storage though.

 

[ryan77]

I find it much easier to pull axles on a 4 post, for one the vehicle balance point will change when you take the rear end loose, on the two post that may be a tipping point, and on the 4 post you have the nice runway to lower the loose rear end on, then lower it to your truck bed height and roll it off, no lifting. I've done every repair or stripped vehicles bare on my 4 post, I wouldn't have anything else.

 

[LXCam]

Rebooting this thread! I just got a 4-post lift and I'm looking for photos of people using there 4-post for something other than storage.

Seriously. They get used just as much for anything you can do with automotive work. Some of us prefer them over a 2 post. For me it's because I do a ton of fab so jigging the body securely means everything.

 

[gnpenning]

Most of my vehicles are 4x4 trucks. Trans, transfer case's, radius arms, leaf springs, and everything else I do is much safer and easier on a 4 post.

I've seen a couple cars move and one come off a 2 post. As mentioned your balance changes when you remove things and certain types of vehicles don't lend themselves well to 2 post. I think the ramps make great place to keep parts and tools when doing brakes and pulling axles, packing front wheel bearings, etc.

You can lift off the ramps and pull axle housings, etc.

Depending on a your vehicles and the work you do an argument can be made for both.

 

[86turbodsl]

You can lift off the ramps and pull axle housings, etc.

What exactly do you mean here? I'm not envisioning what you're saying.