low ceiling + vehicle lift

[Flanders]

First post on the forum -- so be gentle Long time lurker though, and some of the garages on here are awe-inspiring.

I built a 22x30' garage, 18' wide front door. The ceilings are 9', due to my outside power line restricting the roof from being any higher.

I'd like to put in a 4-post lift. I was wondering if there are any others out there with a low ceiling, and a 4-post lift. I figure I can get my car about 4' off the ground, which would be plenty for wheel/suspension/brake work but I'm not sure if i'd get tired of always having to scoot around sitting on a stool (I'm 6' tall) or only raising the car a foot off the ground so I could scoot around on my creeper. Thoughts? This definitely wouldn't be for storing two vehicles on top of one another (unless my tastes change and I get another 'flat' car )

 

[jaysberman]

I have the same height problem and went with a mid rise scissors lift.
I also can only lift about four feet, but it is immensity better than a creeper.
Jay

 

[nolimits76]

I figure I can get my car about 4' off the ground, which would be plenty for wheel/suspension/brake work but .....

Depending on the type of suspension/wheel/brake work you do, a 4 post will be difficult because of how it lifts (drive on the platforms & elevate).

A 2 post lift or scissor lift might fit your needs better if you need good wheel access.

 

[Falcon67]

Vaulting the space over the lift would give you more height. If you can only go part way, then something like a Max Jac would be a better choice that a 4 post.

 

[dmeadow]

What cars do you plan to put on it?

I used a four-post lift for several years in a garage with a 8 1/2' ceiling. Although the tallest car I put on it was probably about 48", including the roll bar. Mostly small British sports cars, although we had a C5 Corvette that fit pretty well on it.

 

[Flanders]

I'd have a few vehicles in the rotation. Most of the time would be a '69 mustang fastback (fairly low) and the biggest would be a Hyundai Sante Fe.

The cons of a 2-post for me:
-it's anchored in spot
-still need to get on hands/knees to align the arms

more pros of a 4-post
-i can put it casters and move it to the side when i store the car on it for winter, and move it to the middle of my garage when i want lots of room
-easy peasy to park on

I figure it might be a bit inconvenient to do wheel/brake work on a 4-post, however it's still MORE convenient than doing it on the ground

A scissor jack is another option -- but I don't know why but they make me nervous. Something tells me I'd be regretting not just getting a 4-post.

glad to hear having a 4-post lift in a garage with relatively low ceilings has been done before!

 

[dmeadow]

Just so you know, I went with the MaxJax the next time I needed a lift. It will move out of the way and store much more easily than a 4 post, though it is true that you have to do anchors.

And, for what it is worth, I MUCH prefer it for working on cars, though either is better than jackstands and a creeper.

 

[JSK]

A great four-post lift ceiling height calculator can be found here.

http://www.bendpak.com/HD-9%20Series%20Clearance%20Heights.pdf

 

[TF8]

FYI I've never seen a rolling 4 post lift and can't image A. It's to safe or B. real easy to move around.

 

[Flanders]

FYI I've never seen a rolling 4 post lift and can't image A. It's to safe or B. real easy to move around.

it's a caster kit that goes on the lift, only when you want to move it. It's not on there all the time, and no, you don't do it when a car's on it.

I'll have to think about the 2-post some more...

 

[ronr80]

I have a 4 post lift and 11 foot ceiling mostly work on corvettes but I did brakes on a H-3 hummer and a Chevrolet 2500-hd truck , I also have the caster kit and it's fantastic you can move it with a car on it also but the car is only a few inches off the floor .The way the casters work the lift can only be 4-5 inches off the floor so it won't tip. Ron

 

[kamesama980]

I find a 2 post MUCH more convenient to work on cars (I used both in the shop) but I see where you're coming from. I'd take a 4-post over a scissor-type lift too.

Yes it's certainly feasible and if that's what you want, it's your money and your garage and you can do whatever you want.

 

[Flanders]

hm. I've been reading all sorts of posts on the MaxJax. I'd never heard of that until now. This one might actually fit the bill -- I can install a few sets of floor anchors, so if I do need to move it, it's possible.

Plus, it's 1/2 the price of a 4-post. I talked to somebody with a 4-post, and the biggest nuisance was that any wheel work still required using some bottle jacks to get the car up.

The plot thickens. Costco will deliver it to my door, which is very convenient

 

[Jack Olsen]

Whichever way you go, you will really like having the ability to get the car up in the air. I didn't think I would use mine half as often as I do.

Here's some scissors jack silliness. I love having the thing. Although my particular lift really only makes sense with my particular car.

Click on the image:



9' ceilings in my garage, with only 7-1/2' vertical clearance where the car sits.

 

[OEMPartHaus]

Let me know if you have any questions about the MaxJax. I have one and use it quite regularly.
LS1 Porsche 951

E36 BMW

 

[Falcon67]

Whichever way you go, you will really like having the ability to get the car up in the air. I didn't think I would use mine half as often as I do.

Here's some scissors jack silliness. I love having the thing. Although my particular lift really only makes sense with my particular car.

Drama King

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you use Structure Insulate Panels (SIPs) for the roof, there are no trusses or joists required. You have free space up to the bottom of the roof. And the roof is insulated !

 

[sparksftball69]

I've been looking into the Maxjack as well...what do you think about it. sturdy? very long to life a car? do you just sit on a rolling stool while working under it???

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I got the MaxJax and wouldn't hesitate doing it again if it came up. The installation was so easy and the columns are so much more portable and easy to work with than I thought. My garage is restricted due to an overhead beam, but it's find for pulling wheels and doing brake work.

My next step is to put in anchors outside in the driveway so I can get higher clearance but still be portable.

 

[south_paw]

I have a low ceiling and I'm going with a Bendpak P6F (flush mount) lift. Best of both worlds, full center underbody access when up and when it's down it lays flat and out of the way.

 

[buzz4041]

I did the ceiling mod at my place. Started with about 9'-6" and now about 11'-6" and works fine.

 

[Falcon67]

buzz knows what Willis was talkin' about.

 

[70runner]

Also did the tray ceiling, 10' high ceiling in 8'x17' slot. Used triple sisters on perimeter with metal beam on ends attached to joist stubs.

Looked at Maxjax but wanted higher, heavier lift capability. Ended up with 7K lift from National Auto Tools (couple guys around here have this lift).

Will put the 70 Road Runner overhead. I'm 5'10". Raised GDO & tracks, but still have to partially shut door to get full height.

 

[aqr81]

I've been looking into the Maxjack as well...what do you think about it. sturdy? very long to life a car? do you just sit on a rolling stool while working under it???

I have the ceiling height for a full lift but chose to go with the MaxJax for starters. I'm still debating getting a 4 poster and may down the road. I really wanted the benefits of a two poster but didn't want to commit to a full sized one that I could not easily move if needed. I have an outside covered patio with 16' roof also, so will be setting up out there as well.

I use the MaxJax weekly and it has proven to be a good investment. My son loves it and it has paid for itself many times over. I work on a rolling stool; you can also kneel or whatever you need to do. Sure the added height would me nice at times, but I feel it was a good trade off and well worth it. I did purchase the higher lift pads that go in the ends of the arms and use for the truck. You can also use wood block etc. if done sensibly. It is very sturdy and well made. I mounted the motor etc on the wall to keep it out of the way, and well worth the extra effort and expense to set up this way. I've never really timed it but feel it takes a minute or less to do full lift. I have not changed it to 240v as it runs fine on the 115-120 circuit and it saves the 240v outlet for other use.

You can see some pics of it in use in my shop HERE. I hope this helps.

AQR81

 

[RAYJAY]

Also did the tray ceiling, 10' high ceiling in 8'x17' slot. Used triple sisters on perimeter with metal beam on ends attached to joist stubs.

Looked at Maxjax but wanted higher, heavier lift capability. Ended up with 7K lift from National Auto Tools (couple guys around here have this lift).

Will put the 70 Road Runner overhead. I'm 5'10". Raised GDO & tracks, but still have to partially shut door to get full height.

i see there is a group buy on here for this lift, any better pictures of it ? and do you have install pictures, also any problem so far ...

Jeff

 

[motorcycle79]

i see there is a group buy on here for this lift, any better pictures of it ? and do you have install pictures, also any problem so far ...

Jeff

I would like more info as well.

 

[Matt M PA]

Two of the bays in my detached have 9' ceiling. I use a midrise from Greg Smith. It lifts a max of 53", and can be rolled around. My daily driver parks above it every night. You don't need to install anchors, etc...just plug it in. I use it a lot...in fact...much more than my 4 post. It's true that exhaust work and other projects in the middle of the car wouldn't work well with these lifts...but considering how it can lift...it's not the type of work these lifts are made for anyhow.

 

[volaredon]

I am liking the idea of the "tray" ceiling I have a 2 post with a 10' ceiling and was thinking of just taking the ceiling joists out on the lift side and putting up a "knee wall" so stuff don't fall thru the hole I'd be creating in the ceiling otherwise... if I had another foot maybe foot and a half.. it would be so much better I 'd probably go 2 or 2-1/2 feet though to make sure I had enough room I have a 30X36 with a 6/12 gable roof, all stick built doors on the 30' wide end, with the gable in the 36' direction... as it is now its sure better than jackstands, I can sit on a "mechanics' stool" instead of laying on my back as is, some cars I can get up enough to stand under most I can't as it is now...
I can do oil changes with a telescoping oil drain though which beats a drain pan anyday.

Not meant as a thread jack, just sharing my experiences with a low ceiling to give the OP a real world "what it's like" with low ceilings

Oh and 2 post vs 4... If I was just using it as a way to gain additional parking a 4 post may be OK, but being I work off of my lift there would be no way a 4 post would have suited my needs but that's "me".

 

[A29]

According to a ceiling height calculator I found on line, my ceiling is 1/2 inch too short to get to the next to the top safety latch. Ideas?


The 2nd mouse gets the cheese

 

[RAYJAY]

According to a ceiling height calculator I found on line, my ceiling is 1/2 inch too short to get to the next to the top safety latch. Ideas?


The 2nd mouse gets the cheese

where did you find the calculator at???

 

[fredybender]

A few pics of my set-up;
By laws maxed out wall height at 9'6"
But I decided to vault my ceileing bringing the clearance to 10'6"
I also had the garage door tracks custom made to follow the vaulted roof pitch:

 

[volaredon]

According to a ceiling height calculator I found on line, my ceiling is 1/2 inch too short to get to the next to the top safety latch. Ideas?


The 2nd mouse gets the cheese

that depends the vehicle you have on the lift I can lift my 78 Fury or my son's girlfriend's 01 Grand Prix, higher than I an my Durango or my Wrangler. The ceiling hasn't moved.

 

[RonB]

Flanders; when you enter your garage,is your vehicle parralel to roof trusses or perpendicular? If in line with the trusses there are more choices to help with your problem.Please pm me if you would.

 

[Flanders]

thanks all for the posts and pictures!

RonB -- my vehicles are parallel with my roof trusses. I have all sorts of pre-engineered trusses though, so I'm not about to hack them up and I'd need more architect drawings and engineering stamps to get 'er done.

After reading the posts on here, I'll be going with the MaxJax. I've been converted and realize that for my purposes, a 2-post that gets the car 4' high will be more than adequate.

 

[demoderbydave]

I bought my Maxjax pretty much right after it was released and have NEVER regretted it. It works great and up until recently there was nothing available that would do what it can do (portabilty etc.)

I have had countless vehicles on it of every description and it has made EVERY job MUCH easier. WELL worth what it costs.

Buy one and you will love it.

 

[PetesPonies]

I don't have pics, but I had a garage with trusses set at 8' high. They were 40' trusses. I put a two post lift in and was able to get full height. I had to cut away some of the truss and I boxed it in, 1/2" plywood on both sides of the truss. There never was a problem, even with over 40 inches of snow on the roof. Full height I had . . so you can do what you want easily.

 

[JonnFX]

I have a low ceiling (10') and limited floor space, so I went with a mid height scissors lift, since I don't really have room for a four or two post lift.

I love it.

It is open between the platforms which gives me access to drive line, exhaust, etc.
Plenty of room for removal of engine, ******, diff, etc.
There is nothing in the way around the perimeter of the vehicle.
It can be moved, but it is heavy.
It is very stable.
Can be used as a bench when a vehicle is not on it.
I am going to install quick connect fittings, so I can loose the hoses and hydraulic pump, when not in use.
It is painted blue, which fits my shop decor.

 

[Falcon67]

that depends the vehicle you have on the lift I can lift my 78 Fury or my son's girlfriend's 01 Grand Prix, higher than I an my Durango or my Wrangler. The ceiling hasn't moved.

X2 on "how high". I could get the 70 Mustang to the top of a Max Jax lift range with maybe 1/2" to spare. My Falcon is 8" taller than the Mustang and they both run the same size tires.

I used to be a 4 post thinking type, but the more I let it sit in the brain the more I come around to 2 post. If I got a what-a-deal on a 2 post, I'd just remove a couple of ceiling panels and stick the sucker up through to the attic, then cut the panels to fit around the posts. I can easily see where one post out in the bay area would be a lot less of an issue than a 4 poster sitting in a space. Also, I've taken a liking to backing one car/trailer combo in the shop rather than unload between races. Lazy...why yes, yes, I am. Could continue to do that with a 2 post, but not with a 4.

 

[tstaude]

I have a low ceiling (10') and limited floor space, so I went with a mid height scissors lift, since I don't really have room for a four or two post lift.

I love it.

It is open between the platforms which gives me access to drive line, exhaust, etc.
Plenty of room for removal of engine, ******, diff, etc.
There is nothing in the way around the perimeter of the vehicle.
It can be moved, but it is heavy.
It is very stable.
Can be used as a bench when a vehicle is not on it.
I am going to install quick connect fittings, so I can loose the hoses and hydraulic pump, when not in use.
It is painted blue, which fits my shop decor.

This is the lift I have been looking at, what size is your garage?
Do you park over it when not in use?

 

[JonnFX]

Actually, it is in my shop which is 24' x 40', but I only have one bay, due to the shop equipment (I had to stop buying equipment, due to lack of space, ha ha.).

My car is lowered from stock, so I use some 2x10 ramp pieces with clip rails (so they stay put), at both ends. I use a hanging guide to center me when driving on.

So, to answer your question, "no", but you definitely could.

If I had posts in the way, I would cuss them all the time. I would love to have a full height 2 or 4 post lift for a second one, if I had the room.