Used 2-post lift, help me decide...

[70pcuda]

I am looking to purchase a used 2-post lift and have these models to choose from. Help me decide which would be best for me and why? My vehicles that I would use it for:

Rotary – 2-post model# SPOA 84, 7,000 pound (turned columns, asymmetrical ?)
Western – 2-post model# WL-07A, 7,000 pound (turned columns, asymmetrical ?)
Forward – 2-post model# 9000C, 9,000 pound (straight columns, symmetrical ?)

The rotary and Western are Circa 1987, and the Forward is a little newer.

My vehicles:
1970 Plymouth Cuda
1972 Plymouth Scamp
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 QC short bed 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi auto (curb weight 6085lb)
2005 Dodge grand Caravan (curb weight ????lb)
The biggest vehicle I might work on would be an 04 Ram 3500 QC long bed 5.9 Cummins 4x4 single rear wheel (curb weight 7141lb ??). (If I couldn’t lift this truck, oh well.)

What does everyone think? Also, what is a good used price for these lifts?

Thanks.

 

[EXTREME]

I love my Rotary Asymmetrical!

 

[garage-ist]

i think you are f*cking awesome for having the resources and the garage ceiling to get yourself a lift. i would open a business fixing cars if i didn't spend half of my time trying to position jacks and stands and then (most time consuming) myself under a car so i can extend my arms to where they need to be and the other half squeezing back out when i realized i grabbed the wrong size wrench or need a different extension. kudos to you and good luck.. l wish i could help you a little more making your decision

 

[70pcuda]

I don't have a garage to fit the lift yet, but it's in the works, and the wife said go for it, so...... I can't passup the oportunity. anyoneelse?

 

[HolisticPerformance]

I'll say that the racks we have at work are rated for 7K lbs, and for cars and light trucks, very few issues. However, I tried lifting an extended cab K3500 with a Duramax/Allison, and it wouldn't do it, nor will it lift an H2. I would also consider the width of the unit, as wide track vehicles will not fit in some 7k lifts.

 

[tsumetai-kokoro]

asymmetric- best way so you can open the doors. that diesel dodge may be just about the max for it. EXTREME, i believe your car is backwards

 

[70pcuda]

Thanks. I'll check the widths of each unit and compare. I just don't know if the asymmetric design is more important than the added lifting capacity. Typically, the turned column lifts are not as wide, so a wider symmetric lift may be better all around and not too hard for opening the doors.

I agree, I thought that car was on the lift backwards, but I wasn't positive.

 

[70pcuda]

Man this board moves fast. Anyone else have any input on this?

Thanks.

 

[rcleaver]

A 4 post lift offers greater flexibility. You don't have to worry if the floor is strong enough, you don't have to mount it permanently, you can put it on casters if you want, and some are adjustable for width. The additional cost is not much.

 

[70pcuda]

Thanks for the input, but it didn't help with my situation.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Personally I wouldn't jump just yet. There are three auto dealership auctions this month around here and they all have lifts in the 7 to 10K range. Be patient and a newer one will come along as with a lift from 1987 might have considerable wear.

 

[70pcuda]

Anyone know what wear items should be looked at on a used 2-post lift?

Thanks