Another 4-Post lift question

[Luscombe1940]

I am considering a lift for my garage and would like to hear from those who have a 4-post lift and how they use it for repairs.

My garage will be heated and I will have my tools and primitive shop set up in it. I have a 74 Alfa Romeo spider I have just finished restoring and a second one that I will start on this next summer. The project car will need everything from rocker replacement, rusted panel replacement, body work, suspension work and engine, drive train rebuild.

I would like to do this restoration from a lift instead of on my back underneath the car. I also would like to be able to store my completed Alfa beneath it when not working on the project car. I live in Wisconsin so the garage will be heated and also house the other two family vehicles.

I am leaning towards a 4-post because of the storage aspect but would like to see photos and hear how others are using 4-post units to do extensive repairs. The wheel base of the Spiders is only 52" wide so it will set on the inside 7"-8" of each ramp. I am concerned about how I would use jack stands on the lift to hold the vehicle up while working on the suspension system.

Pictures and comments welcome.

TIA.
Gary

 

[Aquaticbob]

I used to have 3 of these lifts, and 3 sets of the rolling jacks. I sold one lift, and set of rolling jacks since the 2 posts I think are a lot better. I plan to keep at least one of the 4 posts, and most likely get rid of the rest of the rolling jacks.

The rolling jacks are SUPER useful, and they would take care of any issues jacking your car up off the tracks. As your vehicle is short, the posts won't get in the way, but if you plan to put any sort of longer vehicle in there the posts might get in the way. The tracks can get in the way of some jobs, but otherwise it is really nice to just drive onto the lift and get going. Is there anything in particular you wanted to know about a 4 post other than that?

 

[saabman]

A narrow 4 post and rolling jack will do what you need. I have both a 4 and 2 post lift in my home shop. Each can be used for storage, and each can be used for work. For all around work access the 2 post is better. For storage a 4 post stores the car with it suspension loaded, and 2 post stores with the suspension a full droop.

 

[ccrunch]

I've had my Dad's 1991 and 1964 Spider Veloces on my standard (non-narrow) 12k Rotary 4-post. On the '91, the inner edge of the tires sit ~3-4" in from the inner edge of the ramps when centered. The '64 is a bit narrower and the tires sit pretty much on the edge.

The lift has (2) 6k rolling jacks and has worked out great. We've done suspension work, pulled engine/transmission, detail/body work, interior work, electrical, etc.

Pics for reference:

 

[ryan77]

I love my 4-post, just drive on and hit the button and not be on your hands and knees placing pads on the frame checking balance, I have done extensive repairs on my 4 post, both have their place, I primarly use mine to stack cars for storage, if you were a shop doing suspension work all day you'd want 2 post.

 

[boobag]

4 post is used more for storage.
2 post if you work on the car.

 

[600SL]

Here's my Bend Pack Shown being used as storage, engine, transmission and both sub frames removed. Installation of a giant V12 engine, custom exhaust fabrication. I use the 4 post lift with jack stands and a bridge jack.

The 4 post lift can do more than a two post lift when equipped with a bridge jack, although it cost more when equipped with a bridge jack.

 

[c39er]

I too have a couple 4 post lifts.
One with dual bridge jacks- a 20' extra long lift. Lotsa room to put tools parts and beverages on the long runways. Plus a car or big long truck is always stabil and no worry about loading it right on the lift.
I love it for all jobs except pulling bodies.
I have another tool for that.....

 

[OldracerJones]

I have a 4-post with a movable air jack that has allowed me to change springs & shocks on my 442, wheel and tire changes and most everything else. I like not having to crouch down and set a 2 post as my legs are not as young as they used to be. Been very happy with this setup and haven't found anything I can't do yet.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I too, have a 4 post lift in my shop and absolutely love it.

I read all the naysayers comments when shopping regarding 2 post versus 4 posts, etc...

I have yet to use mine for "storage"...just maintenance and its worked fantastic.

I love pulling my vehicle in straight after driving home from work, pulling on to the runways, raising the vehicle and draining the oil into my telescoping drain barrel without even putting coveralls on or stooping down on my bad knees.

I have rolling bridges/jacks that I've already used extensively to replace the brake calipers on my Jeep as well as numerous suspension components all while all 4 wheels were off at the same time.

I have just purchased several pieces of pallet racking that I am going to build a mezzanine out of to store my motorcycle collection.

I will be using the 4 post as an elevator to raise the motorcycles up to upper level as well...just another great use for it.

This lift has far exceeded my expectations.

The best part is, no need to bolt anything to my new cement shop floor...I can move it anywhere in my shop using the portable lifting casters that came with it.

 

[Will S.]

I too, have a 4 post lift in my shop and absolutely love it.


I love pulling my vehicle in straight after driving home from work, pulling on to the runways, raising the vehicle and draining the oil into my telescoping drain barrel without even putting coveralls on or stooping down on my bad knees....

I will be using the 4 post as an elevator to raise the motorcycles up to upper level as well...just another great use for it.

This lift has far exceeded my expectations.

The best part is, no need to bolt anything to my new cement shop floor...I can move it anywhere in my shop using the portable lifting casters that came with it.

Vincent, that's a great additional use for a 4 post lift. I've thought about getting one, from time to time, and always talk myself out of it, so I am still "liftless".

What model did you buy?, And do you move it much? I am thinking there must be a way to add those lift casters on leveraged mounts on each post, so that they could be deployed more easily.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I bought the Garage Pro 9000 from Greg Smith Equipment. It came with rolling bridges, casters, etc...

Its extra long, extra wide, and extra tall so that it will fit my crew cab diesel Chevy too.

The casters work just as you mentioned...they work on leverage.

They're long for leverage and have a pin that pins through the uprights on the lift at each corner.

Basically, you lower the runways onto the caster arms which raises the posts and you can roll it around to wherever it is that you want it.

Then raise the runways, remove the casters and you're done.

They have pretty good package deals in all sorts of weight load limits and sizes.

Check out their website, if nothing else it gives you an idea whats out there.

 

[Will S.]

Thanks Vincent. Greg Smith Co actually has a warehouse/showroom right here in Delaware, about 2 hours from me, but I wouldn't have thought about goinjg there, as my friend stopped there last week to look at 2 post lifts, and he was greeted by a 'salesman' who seemed to know nothing about the lifts. Maybe I'll do better.

 

[911mike]

I have a 4 post Bendpak and love it. I had a single rolling Jack but soon bought a second. with 2 Jacks I can swap all 4 tires in minutes. I really like having the ramps as a work surface to hold parts and tools. I have moved it around the shop as times have changed which is a real bonus too.