Lift selection checklist

[Jackfre]

In reading over a part of the post on the "lift not fitting his cars" it occurs to me that there is so much experience with lifts here, what are the questions to be asked in lift selection?

 

[ronr80]

Well I'll start , what is the lift for , storage , occasional work , what kind of work , I work on mostly Corvettes, and the width of the hoist matters to me , these cars are low and wide, I also work on pick ups , long and wide , I have a Bend-pak HD-9 , after a few years I should have bought the HD-9W , it's longer and wider , if it's just for storage any will probably do . Ron

 

[ronr80]

Sorry I"m talking about a 4 post

 

[GasNSteering]

Subscribed. I am at this point too. My vehicles will be changing over time. I will be using a 4 post for working on vehicles and parking. A local installer has put up many of these 4 post and they have held up well.

What lifts have you been looking at? This place is near me

Greg Smith Equipment
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Im-4d7G2QIVGEsNCh0EFgnFEAAYASAAEgJ4WvD_BwE

 

[swharris]

*Tracking
Eventually will need one for this. A long way to go, but it's a journey ;-)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2otDoVvAe0nqdxe32

An inside lift was the motivating factory for my ceiling height( I went a bit overboard but I have lots of wiggle room now) I can't fathom someone not using one enough if you do any sort of car work. @ 50 I'm sick of working with jack stands and cardboard rooting around on the ground.

 

[Sammgb]

I don't have a lot of experience with 2-post lift, so all of my comments are 4-post related. I have a 4-post and so does my dad. Between his and mine, I've stored or worked on several cars, all shapes and sizes. I replumbed brake and fuel lines on a Chevy Beretta GTZ, I've done countless procedures on my MGs ('77 & 78 MGB & '57 MGA)', I installed a turbo system and complete exhaust on an Mazda MX-5, and I frequently do oil changes and other miscellaneous things on my Corvette Z06. I've done brake jobs, but you need the jack tray to really make it usable for that or suspension work, but it can be done.

I think the biggest question is how are you going to use it. That's probably the most crucial question. Both styles can be used for most jobs, each has its trade offs. What's important to you, storage or maintenance? That answer will shortcut the decision making process.

 

[RWorth]

I think before this thread goes anywhere the OP needs to state the purpose of his proposed lift. Everyone stating what they like isn't going to help.