finn
Well-known member
The best accessory for a two post lift if you’re somehow stuck with one is one of those 2” thick kneeling pads. TSC generally has the best price.
Your knees will love it.
Would I regret a 4 post lift?
- Thread starter kmacht
- Start date
Your knees will love it.
dave*99
Well-known member
Sound up for this one.
Skyman
Well-known member
Yes it is. It's a '70. We love it and have done a ton of mods, Super fun car.
I do not, even slightly, resemble an enthusiast of Ford products, but this is just awesome. Congratulations to you for building such a nice machine. I would enjoy seeing it in person.
dave*99
Well-known member
I would also enjoy seeing a well running Mustang 2 and Maverick. I had to maintain each for family members back in the day. Let’s just say those examples were not well running.
TerryH
Well-known member
larry4406
Well-known member
I too when I first saw them, thought what the hell are these! They look cool as hell and awesomely built!
I finally figured out the Mustang II but the Maverick had me stumped for some time.
I am a Mopar guy but would gladly own these!
TerryH
Well-known member
Thank you. You're in good company with not recognizing the Maverick. Practically every show or wherever we are someone asks what it is or calls it a Camaro or a Nova. Also, our other vehicles are all Mopars. Wife has a R/T Hemi Charger. Mine is a Hemi Laramie Sport and we pull our trailers with a '17 Cummins dually.
dave*99
Well-known member
I can’t see the hood but I think the Grabber hood was popular back in the day.Yes it is. It's a '70. We love it and have done a ton of mods, Super fun car.
TerryH
Well-known member
They made a lot more Grabber hoods than they did Grabbers. Ours is in that category. Beqan like as the plainest of the plain 6 cyl, 3 on the tree. But it does have an aftermarket Dynacorn Grabber hood now.
It's just like any other tool, ones better for a specific job than the other. I purchased a 2 post years ago and love it. I have done a ton of mechanical work with it and cant imagine not having it now. However my project truck has some work that needs to be done at ride height. Its lowered and the thought of crawling around on the ground to work on it has stalled progress. Plus gaining some space to park underneath it is appealing. So I am in the process of buying a 4 post to put in the other work bay. If you would have asked me 10 years ago about a 4 post I would have said no way.
partsguy5768
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2024
- Messages
- 347
Both have their place...I have 1 one 4 post and 2 two posts lifts. You can guess why I have 2 of the two post lifts and 1 four post lifts......
Cairo94507
Well-known member
Any lift is better than no lift. I have had a 4-post and 2 mid-rise scissor lifts, all BendPak. The 4-post was best for added parking/storage of a car. The size of the 4-post can be problematic, depending upon your garage. I had a 3-car with a 10'5" ceiling and it worked for me. In later garages, I installed mid-rise scissor lifts and sunk them into the floor, so they were flush with floor when down - no trip hazards, etc. For me, that is the sweet spot for my needs. I ran the hydraulic and air line in the floor with mechanicals in a bottom cabinet (out of site and stay nice and clean) and installed the control panel on a tall cabinet abutting the work bench. Clean and easy to use without having anything else in the way on the floor. The lift goes up about 44", allows me full access under the cars and is rated at 6K pounds. We have had most Porsche models on it as well as Audi SQ5, Honda Ridgeline, and a few other makes with no issues. In my current garage we have a 12'6" ceiling, 6-7" 4300 PSI concrete and the garage is 44"x36".
kngelv
Well-known member
Quick questions / Poll to those that own a 4 post or are considering buying a 4 post.
Are you mostly interested in it’s overall size for it fitting in your garage or shop?
If you are using it for double parking, what’s underneath? Car or Truck?
The reason I ask is that the majority of parking lifts typically are around 96” max between the posts for parking underneath and the drive under clearance is low. Basically it limits most full size SUV and trucks from parking underneath. But the overall width and length works better for smaller garages or people that just own or work on cars.
Just looking for an idea if most of the 4 posts sold are the smaller parking lifts?
Are you mostly interested in it’s overall size for it fitting in your garage or shop?
If you are using it for double parking, what’s underneath? Car or Truck?
The reason I ask is that the majority of parking lifts typically are around 96” max between the posts for parking underneath and the drive under clearance is low. Basically it limits most full size SUV and trucks from parking underneath. But the overall width and length works better for smaller garages or people that just own or work on cars.
Just looking for an idea if most of the 4 posts sold are the smaller parking lifts?
I have not. I teally like the idea of a 4 post as I think it will be safer to use when working along and since its not bolted down I can move it to the other garage bay or outside if needed. I also think it would be great for oil changes, exhaust work and a host of other things.
Whats holding me back is the fixed width of the runners. I have a few farm tractors that it would be nice to get on a lift to work on but not all will fit with the fixed runner width. I also have a classic vw beetle andoccasionally drop the engine ro work on it (4 bolts and it comes right out). I'm not sure how well a 4 post will work as you need to jack up the rear of the beete to slide the engine out. A 2 post would let me lift the whole car and leave the engine on the ground. There was a post early on for a maxjack alternatine. Im leaning that way but still not sure. I think the maxjack would be perfect but the 5k pricetag seems excessive
Can you tell me which 4 post you are looking at?
finn
Well-known member
One of my four post lifts is an 8k Advantage XLT. I wanted the taller lift so I could easily walk under it. It has a 1936 Ford long term project on top, and nothing on the bottom in the summer. I store a 95 Mustang beneath in the winter when we’re gone for the season, and my SxS also intrudes into the space.
The second is an 11k Advantage that’s wide enough to fit my old Super Duty cc Dually, which I have since sold. It currently has a 70 Roadrunner on top and a 5.0 Fox Mustang beneath. I can reverse that during the cruising season, or move them to the garage near the house and park the truck and Maverick outside
I bought both of the four post lifts when I sold a property next door to my house and thus lost a 24x32 garage I was using for storage. Buying two lifts at once was a significant cash outflow, but was by far cheaper than adding brick and mortar for more space.
In retrospect, except for my desire to be able to walk and work on other projects in the space under the lift, a four post with a smaller footprint probably would have sufficed. The desire for high lift overrides that, though.
I also like the fact I can move the lifts around. My two post lift in the other part of the shop has a Chevy short bed pickup on it, and there’s a rotisserie next to it with another long term project, an early Mustang.
I’m seriously considering getting another smaller four post so I can put a couple of the old runners / cruisers in the garage near the house and move one of the projects in waiting to the shop.
Realistically I won’t ever finish any of my projects, but I enjoy pecking away at them. When I get bored I just move to another one.
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I think the Bendpack, and a few others have adjustable runners if that's what you need. I personally don't do rear engine VWs or Porsche's, but a quick search will find people who have those and have dropped their engines.
I had an older MaxJack at my last house, I still have it and have been currently deciding whether to sell it or keep it. I'm currently leasing space where I have a couple of Forward EF9 4 post lifts, one I use for storage, the other for maintenance. I just hit 68, and I have both back and knee issues, so the 4 post fits my needs better.
Remember, whether you go with ANY 2 post lift, you have to have the required thickness and strength of concrete to support it. 4 post lifts are more forgiving as far as concrete.
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Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
My 4 post is an Advantage 9k XLT. When I don’t have a vehicle on the lift for maintenance/repairs, my ‘28 Model A sits on it, with my Miata either underneath or next to it in my workshop area. I bought the XLT so my F250 could go on it or be parked underneath it. I like that I can raise/lower a vehicle I’m working on during the day, then park another vehicle underneath it at night so I don’t leave a vehicle outside.
I understand peoples’ concerns about the 4 posts being “in the way,” but they don’t seem to be in the way at all to me, since they don’t interfere with opening car doors in the lift bay or adjacent bay. My neighbor was anxious to part with the 2 post that came with their house because the posts didn’t leave enough room to get out of her F150 when parked in that bay.
I understand peoples’ concerns about the 4 posts being “in the way,” but they don’t seem to be in the way at all to me, since they don’t interfere with opening car doors in the lift bay or adjacent bay. My neighbor was anxious to part with the 2 post that came with their house because the posts didn’t leave enough room to get out of her F150 when parked in that bay.
..who primarily just change oil.
racecougar
Well-known member
Don't start that bs again.
Junkman
Well-known member
I don't get under the car to change oil; I use a pump and a tube down the dipstick tube to suction it out. When you get old, you work smarter rather than harder.
I started with a 2-post, now added a 4 poster to the garage a few months ago mainly for storage purposes. Will say it's awfully nice to be able to just drive on and lift. If I'm complaining about setting up a car on the 2-post when I'm 40, I'm sure I'll love it when I'm 60...
Remember you're 5" higher just driving onto the ramps so if your ceiling height allows for full lift height with a vehicle on top, I think with bridge jacks a 4-post is the best of both worlds for most light-duty work.
Remember you're 5" higher just driving onto the ramps so if your ceiling height allows for full lift height with a vehicle on top, I think with bridge jacks a 4-post is the best of both worlds for most light-duty work.
66Caprice
Well-known member
********! I am 62 and I do engine and transmission wheel alignment rear end swaps and a whole lot more on my 4 post.
sailor_lou
Active member
I'm with 66Caprice, I do the same work and I'm 71.
I just turned 68. I do transmissions, suspension work, basically whatever needs to get done on my 4 post.
I still have my MaxJax that I used at my last house, I kept it after I got the 4 post because some folks said the 4 post was limited. I have room and good concrete, so I can install the MaxJax or any other 2 post I want.
So far I haven't run into any issues where a 2 post would be better.
It's your money, your garage. Buy what you want.
Ignore the troll.
I still have my MaxJax that I used at my last house, I kept it after I got the 4 post because some folks said the 4 post was limited. I have room and good concrete, so I can install the MaxJax or any other 2 post I want.
So far I haven't run into any issues where a 2 post would be better.
It's your money, your garage. Buy what you want.
Ignore the troll.
Hilltopmasonry
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 2,166
How do you change the filter?
TerryH
Well-known member
The ladder lock style 4 post lifts especially are marketed under a bunch of diffrent brand names but all look very much the same to me. Ours is a Tuxedo 8k but could have be any of half a dozen or more brands.
Just look at the TYPE of bridge jack, for example RJ-45, RJ70 etc. The non-branded ones tend to be cheaper and will fit several different lifts.
If you have a question as to what fits what, post here, someone will help you.
kngelv
Well-known member
Personally if I'm standing under a few tons of steel then I would be looking at legit companies like Bendpak, Challenger, Backyard Buddy, Advatage, Wildfire etc. ALI certified is nice too. I legitimately don't understand cutting corners on a lift.
James
racecougar
Well-known member
Yep, most bridge jacks are adjustable to fit varying distances between runways. No need to buy a new lift to get a bridge jack that will fit.
Junkman
Well-known member
I don't, my neighbor comes over and spins the old one off and the new one on. In exchange, I let him use my 4-post lift or my garage whenever he needs it. On the few occasions that he isn't around, I wait till the engine is cold (I only drain when the engine is hot) and then slide under the bumper, unscrew the old filter, and screw the new one on. I have large pieces of cardboard to slide under the car without getting dirty or stuck on the concrete. I let my wife know when I am going to be doing that, and if I don't appear in the kitchen within 30 minutes, she comes out and helps me get up off the ground.
joendoodle
Active member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2017
- Messages
- 42
Why did I decide on 4 vs 2 post
I don't want to lie on the floor
At my age and body shape Once i get down (to set the arms on a 2 post) I have to roll around on the floor like a drunk Manatee trying to get back up, I'm sure you youngsters would laugh at this sight.. Your day is coming,
Are there things easier to do on a 2 post lift ? YES
Can I still do brakes and suspension on a 4 post? Yes but some things are more cumbersome.
Do I use a creeper anymore? NO
Do I use a roll around in a chair under my cars and trucks.. YUP I've been caught doing that.
GOOD LUCK whatever you decide a lift is one of the best (a luxury) tools you'll ever own.
I don't want to lie on the floor
At my age and body shape Once i get down (to set the arms on a 2 post) I have to roll around on the floor like a drunk Manatee trying to get back up, I'm sure you youngsters would laugh at this sight.. Your day is coming,
Are there things easier to do on a 2 post lift ? YES
Can I still do brakes and suspension on a 4 post? Yes but some things are more cumbersome.
Do I use a creeper anymore? NO
Do I use a roll around in a chair under my cars and trucks.. YUP I've been caught doing that.
GOOD LUCK whatever you decide a lift is one of the best (a luxury) tools you'll ever own.
I'm leaning towards a 4 post also. Everything in the shop has to stay movable right how. If I build a new shop that might change.
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
One of the nice features of a 4 post is the ability to move it within the shop and use it as an elevated work platform. I used mine to install HVAC ductwork and lighting fixtures at the ceiling.
kngelv
Well-known member
That is a nice feature. I just used it to lift some tires to put on a wall rack. It was a lot easier than carrying each up a ladder. I have a separate motorcycle lift table but in the interest of space savings I'm looking at making some mounts so I can use the 4-post for that. It also makes a nice build table by throwing some plywood across it.
James
OX1
Well-known member
Late to this "party", but I have an older Rotary 2 post and 4 various capacity/brand 4 posts.
Things hard to do on a 2 post.
1. Align (check for clearance) exhaust systems with full weight on suspension.
2. Tighten suspension links (bushings), also under full load.
3. Alignments
4. Work on 3/4-1 ton 4 door long beds having to use auxiliary jacks on at least one end to be safe, and those
have to be redone/repositioned every time to raise/lower lift.
5. Jack against a solid object in relation to vehicle. IE, new
springs in my 430 MEL 59 Bird. Needed to jack against 4 post runway
to get spring in.
MEL's are practically diesel weight, springs are crazy long,
and you have to start off the lower control arm practically pointing straight down.
(yes, you can lower 2 post down to ground, but that kind of negates the point of a "lift", LOL!)
All that said, you aren't doing this on a 4 post.................
Things hard to do on a 2 post.
1. Align (check for clearance) exhaust systems with full weight on suspension.
2. Tighten suspension links (bushings), also under full load.
3. Alignments
4. Work on 3/4-1 ton 4 door long beds having to use auxiliary jacks on at least one end to be safe, and those
have to be redone/repositioned every time to raise/lower lift.
5. Jack against a solid object in relation to vehicle. IE, new
springs in my 430 MEL 59 Bird. Needed to jack against 4 post runway
to get spring in.
MEL's are practically diesel weight, springs are crazy long,
and you have to start off the lower control arm practically pointing straight down.
(yes, you can lower 2 post down to ground, but that kind of negates the point of a "lift", LOL!)
All that said, you aren't doing this on a 4 post.................
dave*99
Well-known member
My friend did alignments on his 2 post lift. He had some "chairs" and went under the 4 wheels. They allowed the suspension to settle as they had some provision for movement. He would lower the vehicle until it rests on the chairs and then align. I don't have details, but it was a commercial product. Interesting setup.
His facility and projects were not as involved as yours. He was maintaining a 911 track car.