4 vs. 2 post lift

[jpaw]

It requires some work but you can always strap a suspension on a 2 post to maintain a load. Think once a year for the winter.

Just some food for thought on suspension load during storage. Consider how most suspension repairs are made for a moment, the suspension is 99% of the time hanging when tightened so the bushings etc. are actually being stressed when the vehicle is on the ground.
I completely agree that a 4 post is best for long term storage but unless you are lowering the vehicle down prior to tightening the suspension components the common thought is backwards.
And yes I realize there are suspensions that it is critical to maintain a load on

 

[c39er]

Never tighten rubber bushings with suspension un- loaded.....that's stupid.

 

[WaterBoyz]

Never tighten rubber bushings with suspension un- loaded.....that's stupid.

Ding
Ding
Ding

 

[bulletpruf]

Here's the 4 post that I like. https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Apex-8 $3145 including shipping. Should be able to save a bit if I pick up.

 

[jpaw]

Never tighten rubber bushings with suspension un- loaded.....that's stupid.

Never said it was right but it happens more times than not.....

 

[fiataccompli]

I could imagine a set of 4 pedestals of sort to drop the vertical load at the wheels on (leaving the lift arms in place, just with no load) for someone who really had mobility issues. I guess in my experience, I’ve called those 2 pairs of drive-on ramps. Some of the cars I work on have very specific loading specs for suspension installation...basically a small Italian sized family and a little luggage. They also were equipped with original rear shocks that if allowed to extend fully (as in, rear axle hanging from a lifted body) would irreparably damage internal calving...but by now, they should not have those shocks anyway....I still almost always jack lift by the axle on these for that reason...old habits die hard.

 

[86turbodsl]

Never said it was right but it happens more times than not.....

On one of my cars, it specifically states in the manual to tighten the bushing bolts with suspension on the ground.

 

[crook038]

It has already been said, both 4 post and 2 post lifts each have strong points. For me, I prefer to use my 4 post for larger vehicles like trucks. I am NOT a certified mechanic who uses a lift to make my living, I am a hobbyist who enjoys cars. I am fortunate enough (I have worked long hours and a lot of overtime) to have built a building/shop that will accommodate both a 4 post and a 2 post lift. If you do go with a 4 post lift, trolley jacks are a must have item. If I only had enough room for 1 lift, it would be a 4 post with trolley jacks.
Sean

 

[firebirdparts]

Just some food for thought on suspension load during storage. Consider how most suspension repairs are made for a moment, the suspension is 99% of the time hanging when tightened so the bushings etc. are actually being stressed when the vehicle is on the ground.on

I hope not. I am hoping that happens 1% of the time.

 

[UpstateNY]

Some of these have been mentioned already so I'll give why I got the Bendpak HD-9.

Last point. There are 4-post lifts out there that have the pins that are used with the casters to make the unit mobile. Most have the removable pins, except for one style. The pins are welded on. These are ankle biters and trippers. AVOID.

Water,

What brand did you buy ?

 

[jpaw]

I hope not. I am hoping that happens 1% of the time.

Lol, alot of suspension parts are installed from the factory unloaded. No one in a volume shop is going to set your car on the ground to tighten bolts. I use a screw jack to load the suspension before tightening but it is still not the same as having the vehicle on the ground...
This is not the subject of this post and I was just making a case for a 2 post over a 4 post lift so I will refrain from further discussion on other matters for the sake of the OP.

 

[WaterBoyz]

Water,

What brand did you buy ?

Bendpak HD-9.

It was a toss-up, sorta, between it and the Advantage.

My pickup has a wide tire track so, on most lifts that would fit my garage (i.e. length), the tires would be about an inch+ hanging over. This Bendpak has a narrow and wide setting which allows my truck to fit just right.

 

[C2 Turbo]

Yes there is, Mohawk. I have a Mohawk System IA with wheel adapters. Certainly nice to have option to lift by frame or by wheels on a 2 post lift.

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