You should get a lift.

[rattle_snake]

If you 'like to enjoy' working on cars/trucks and you don't have a lift, you should do whatever needed to get one. Especially if you are 'old' and don't like the results of getting up off the ground 37 times for what should be a simple task.

I just installed a 2 post lift and did a few jobs on it. The difference is truly remarkable, as one would expect. I compare it to upgrading one's shop with the capability of air tools. Before you had them, you got by. But after you get them they change how and what you can do. No going back.

Nowhere to install one? Move, it's just a mortgage, and you need more garage space anyhow.

Gone are the days of taking 7 wrenches and 5 sockets down under to find you need a different extension. Or the frustration of knowing you have a needle nose somewhere underneath the car but it is actually embedded in you leg from laying on it, only discoverable once you get up to get something else.

Instead you can just take a few steps and get whatever tool or beverage you need to continue the job.

So do yourself a favor and move the lift up in priorities, it's only money and your going to spend it anyway (perhaps on booze, broads and/or smokes).

(disclaimer: If you already have a lift this may seem obvious and a waste of a thread. If financial manager isn't in agreement, consider suggesting polygamy and getting a very rich 2nd wife.)

 

[Dubbydoo]

yup I almost got to the point of not liking to work on stuff cause I would have to lay under the car and crawl around bought a 4 post lift and it was one of if not the best tool I bought

 

[RallyRoad]

I couldn't agree more. After years of having a 4 post lift, I've finally made the decision to add a 2 post hoist. Suspension and brakes, etc are so much easier with a 2-post.

 

[Dubbydoo]

I wish where my shop is had decent concrete to trust a 2 post I like the fact the 4 post is free standing and doesnt have to be bolted down

 

[Majordisorder]

Wife gave me one on my 60th bd. In two years, it has more than paid for itself on our family vehicles, and very much paid for itself in working on cars for resale.

 

[ItsNemo]

I wish where my shop is had decent concrete to trust a 2 post I like the fact the 4 post is free standing and doesnt have to be bolted down

Do new pads for a lift...little jack hammering, digging, and pour new concrete. Shouldn't cost much.

 

[aka Larry]

I agree 100%.

I lot of my friends would have a lift already if they had the (vertical) space in their existing garages. I realize there are low rise lift options (MaxJax), but IMO if I couldn't stand under a vehicle, it wouldn't be worth it to me.

If you have the space, 2-post lifts are very affordable these days.

 

[egnorant]

Lifts are cool! I have always been mechanical and worked on cars. Thought I was doing it right! Even at 16 when I was digging a trench so I could bench press a transmission in my Mustang. Well, then I got a mid rise lift and my world changed. Still had some crawling and rolling around on the floor for some things but it was a massive leap. Still use it a lot for tire stuff, brakes, sometimes just to lift the car so I work under the hood without needing to bend over so much.

Then I got the 2 post! Oil changes?...no problem! Dropping gas tanks, exhaust work, swap a rear end??!! Planning some work went from "Gotta get up early Saturday" to "How long till dinner"!

Did I mention...Lifts are COOL!

Bruce

 

[bdbecker]

I think the same could be said for motorcycle lifts as well. My buddy had one and boy did it make everything that much easier. I've been saving and watching CL for a good used Handy Lift, hopefully I can make it happen before winter hits.

 

[TMcCay]

^^^ Absolutely love my motorcycle lift! I couldn't afford the Handy Lift with the attachments, but really would have preferred the K&L lift, it is a lot more versatile. I bought the air over hydraulic one from New Hampshire lifts and haven't looked back! I did build a new ramp that is a little longer than the ramp with the chopper extension and will make a couple of mods this winter to it for my preference.
I would have liked a 2 post when I built my shop but I didn't want what I considered wasted space with the permanent post in place. Now with the Max Jacks I am hoping to get one next year! I even have the wife's blessing after a few bills get paid off!

 

[merc66rkm]

I have just under 11' of clearance in my garage. I would love to get a Max Jack or similar. Fingers crossed!

 

[Dubbydoo]

BEST 2300$ I spent https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1934968_10153870334553833_1932952845577923621_n.jpg?oh=d5d4647c48f9920374621dcd1fde4bd4&oe=589BF13E
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11223488_10153604598703833_3353206525648766775_n.jpg?oh=0c65c9538ed5a69174f3019495fe19c0&oe=58A0D25E
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10451678_10153229776763833_7163286887958423542_n.jpg?oh=b56442ca151a25fcb21670c222f77840&oe=589BE847

 

[mmb617]

I'm not getting any younger and really started to dread that crawling around under a car. So about 5 years ago I added a bay onto my garage since the old garage wasn't high enough for a lift.

The lift is far and away the best tool I've ever bought. I'm so spoiled now I ***** about having to bend down to set the arms.

 

[Dubbydoo]

http://www.autoequipmentdepot.com/residential-storage-lifts/sunco-fp8k-ds.html
http://www.autoequipmentdepot.com/4-post-lift-accessories/xh-projack35.html

service from them was good I called got some discounts and reasonable shipping also arrived pretty quick. Quality of the lift and sliding jack is pretty good no real complaints. One recommendation is get the sliding jack you wont regret it

 

[Forever Fixin]

Agreed, best money I've every spent. Wouldn't be without one now. In my opinion, I think the money is better spent on the lift than an expensive tool box. Knowing what I know now, skimp on the welder, don't buy the 15th ratchet, maybe a little less air compressor. It really does take the frustration out of many of these jobs.

 

[rattle_snake]

I have just under 11' of clearance in my garage. I would love to get a Max Jack or similar. Fingers crossed!

You can use a baseplate style lift with 11' ceiling.

I'm not getting any younger and really started to dread that crawling around under a car. So about 5 years ago I added a bay onto my garage since the old garage wasn't high enough for a lift.

The lift is far and away the best tool I've ever bought. I'm so spoiled now I ***** about having to bend down to set the arms.

Haha yes spoiled is a good description of how nice a lift is.

The downside to a lift, is that you notice all the other stuff wrong with your vehicle while it's up. I should grease that, exhaust is loose, bolt missing, bald tires, leaking fluid, shot bushing, ect.

My lift operator isn't particularly useful, but she doesn't lick my face while I'm under the car anymore.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Agree! Having a two post lift has allowed me to do the job correctly and without a sore back. And as said before... Pour new footings (not expensive) and you'll never look back.



Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Karl's Garage]

Wish I had the $ for one!

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

BEST 2300$ I spent https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1934968_10153870334553833_1932952845577923621_n.jpg?oh=d5d4647c48f9920374621dcd1fde4bd4&oe=589BF13E
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11223488_10153604598703833_3353206525648766775_n.jpg?oh=0c65c9538ed5a69174f3019495fe19c0&oe=58A0D25E
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10451678_10153229776763833_7163286887958423542_n.jpg?oh=b56442ca151a25fcb21670c222f77840&oe=589BE847

How do you like the 4 post with the adapter (name?) to lift the wheels up? I think that would be a great compromise to make the lift more useful for me since it would be nice to be able to store a car up on the lift as well. Plus a 4 post is nice to just drive up for quick oil changes etc...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bczygan]

Hell, I'd just like to be in the driveway instead of the street...

Being inside with a lift would mean I died and went to heaven....And I know that would never happen.

Bill

 

[landlord30]

Wish I had the $ for one!

Look for a place that offers free financing. I got 12 months no interest when I bought my 4 post.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I have a 4 post in the plans but I have to finance a wedding next October for my last daughter so maybe in 2018? Laying on the ground is easy.... its the getting up that *****, esp to go look for that 1 special tool that you can never find.

 

[sberry]

I should have bought one 15 years before I did, was always waiting for one to fall in my lap and at times that's really not the right thing to do. Sorry thing is that I know this.

 

[Fishplate]

Ha! I'm going to be a contrarian.

I've got the ceiling for a lift, but I don't have the square footage. I'd rather not spend all my time dodging around the posts that would constantly be in my way for the 80% of the time I don't have a car up in the air.

Instead, I've got all the time in the world to finish a project. If I get tired of rolling around on the creeper, I take a break and sit on the porch with a beer. When I'm ready, I go back to rolling.

If I had more than 500 square feet, I would change my mind. But that's all I've got, so I make do.

(And I'm too smart to take on more debt these days.)
(And yes, I don't have all the time in the world. but I know how I want to spend what I've got.)

 

[Mitch1963]

I just put a used 9k Mohawk in a couple months ago and have changed the oil in all of my kids cars plus my wifes...5 total. Brake job on my sons car....brakes on my moms car...Dixie chopper up for blade sharpening and deck clean out...I know I am forgetting something...Oh ya ...light bulb changes in two Malibu's that require removal of the front bumper cover. Man I love my lift. Also, oil change in my EZ Go golf cart!

 

[ScottsGT]

A lift is my dream purchase. Unfortunately, it won't fit in my low ceiling garage which is my bedroom floor above. So no getting around it other than moving. That being said, me and the wife keep looking at lake property after our daughter finishes her senior year in HS this year.
I keep driving the wife crazy when she point out a nice lake house and I point out no garage or one with low ceilings.

 

[ms fowler]

Rattle Snake. I spoke almost EXACTLY those words a few weeks ago. I was reinstalling a rear fuel tank on my F250, and lost some tools that ended up under me, or in my clothes.
A lift is HIGH on the priority list. I've made the changes to the roof system. I need to get the drywall on the ceiling, and insulate, and THEN the lift. I have debated the 2 post versus 4 post for over a year. Currently, I am leaning to a 2 post. Concrete is good, over 5 inches thick and 4300 PSI ( according to a Swiss Hammer test). Hopefully the lift will be installed before the end of the year.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

Ha! I'm going to be a contrarian.

I've got the ceiling for a lift, but I don't have the square footage. I'd rather not spend all my time dodging around the posts that would constantly be in my way for the 80% of the time I don't have a car up in the air.

Instead, I've got all the time in the world to finish a project. If I get tired of rolling around on the creeper, I take a break and sit on the porch with a beer. When I'm ready, I go back to rolling.

If I had more than 500 square feet, I would change my mind. But that's all I've got, so I make do.

(And I'm too smart to take on more debt these days.)
(And yes, I don't have all the time in the world. but I know how I want to spend what I've got.)

In-floor scissor lift. Problem solved. I've probably got the space for a two-post but like you, I don't want to be dodging them all day, every day. I'm getting a scissor lift as soon as finances allow.

-Brian

 

[rburke65]

I also bought a used Mohawk ...9,000# 2 post ..... Recently I had the eXmark on it for service ....clean deck, change blades and oil and grease. Also to wax the '65 Impala and the lift made it so much easier to polish the aluminium wheels...having them right at chest height and not having to roll around on the floor.

 

[justanengineer]

If I'm getting under a vehicle sure, a lift is great. For most work where I'm not however a jack and stand or two is usually quicker.

Its only a tool, one of many, each with their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Playwme]

Meh. They're handy but a bit overrated. I'm happy doing most stuff on the floor. Of course, the underside of our cars dont need that much attention.

 

[Jason280]

Meh. They're handy but a bit overrated. I'm happy doing most stuff on the floor. Of course, the underside of our cars dont need that much attention.

I wouldn't call them overrated, but it depends a lot on the vehicle and what needs repairing.

 

[Dubbydoo]

How do you like the 4 post with the adapter (name?) to lift the wheels up? I think that would be a great compromise to make the lift more useful for me since it would be nice to be able to store a car up on the lift as well. Plus a 4 post is nice to just drive up for quick oil changes etc...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

the sliding jack? makes doing brake work easy for sure its a must if you by the lift in my opinion

 

[turfgnome]

How do you like the 4 post with the adapter (name?) to lift the wheels up? I think that would be a great compromise to make the lift more useful for me since it would be nice to be able to store a car up on the lift as well. Plus a 4 post is nice to just drive up for quick oil changes etc...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

the rolling jacks are great, I bought a 4 post lift for my father at the same time I got one, he can not get down to use a 2 post and the rolling jacks can be used when he can line them up. As for me I like the fact the lift doubles as a work bench to store tools while I am working. I even use it as a work bench with nothing on it.

 

[jrkrace]

I have a BendPak 9xw that I should have gotten a long time ago. Frees up a lot of space in the garage and like everyone here, I was tired on being on my back for everything. My Chevelle stays on top and my Duramax is on the bottom. My next toy will be the rolling jack for it...

 

[LX-Markham]

4-post lift was my wife's idea ....it was that, or move.
Double-wide lift allows me to store the toy above, and still park both daily drivers in the garage.

Oh, and bridge-jack is a must for a 4-post if you are doing any work on the car.

 

[sberry]

A lift is really cheap storage space in some places.

 

[Uncle_Charlie]

Hell, I'd just like to be in the driveway instead of the street...

Being inside with a lift would mean I died and went to heaven....And I know that would never happen.

Bill

You and me both...

 

[Heel2toe]

Completely agree. I'm 26 and not married and when I was looking to buy a house one of the requirements was a garage with the ability to put in a lift or space to build my own garage. I purchased my house in September last year did some work to the structure to accommodate a lift and by December I had a 2 post in there.

Im not a mechanic by trade, just enjoy working on my car so I didn't have any experience working under a lift before and I had the same realization as the OP. I know it sounds obvious hence why shops have lifts but man what a game changer. At the end of the day a lift is a tool. Some people will argue its excessive but if they had the means Im sure they would have a lift too.

gone are the days of crawling under my car to realize that I forgot to grab my ratchet or some **** like that and have to crawl back out. I just throw the tools I need on my shop cart and walk under there. Not only that the ability to change the height as youre working makes for easier access to nuts and bolts. Thats something I am still learning as in the past it was jack the car up get it on jack stands and get to work. Now I get the car in the air start working catch myself when Im working in an awkward spot and raise or lower the car accordingly. It has made things so much easier.

It's also allowed me to do certain projects that wouldn't even be possible on jack stands. For example here is a picture of me relocating a pump to my trunk and bending up 5/16 brake line for my hydraulic line. No way I would have been able to pull that off on the ground. With a braided line maybe but not with a hard line.

And to those that say lifts are expensive, I beg to differ. Lifts arent expensive...its the accommodations to said structure and concrete that can be expensive.

Anyway, everyone should get a lift! No excuses!

 

[ronr80]

Not old yet but got a brand new Bend-Pak HD-9 about 10 years ago and love it 4 post it's well paid for with the old vettes that I fix.