2 post or 4 post vehicle lift ideas

[4570Man]

I have a 4 post and and I honestly probably wouldn’t bother even getting one again if I couldn’t get a 2 post. The 4 post is too restricting having to leave the wheels on the vehicle. Haven’t the ramp trays along with the lift post in the way doesn’t help either. A 4 post is no help for trying to remove the bed or cab from a vehicle. A 4 post could potentially be good for changing oil but I find it easier and faster to just drive on some ramps instead of messing with the lift.

 

[ericm979]

With that second design you can only get one vehicle in the building, and that will be on the lift. Which is more difficult to park on than just a bare space of floor, but you can park on it.

If you're only going to be working on one vehicle at a time then that's ok. But I think most people end up parking running vehicles or long term projects in their shops. And for that I'd want more than one vehicle door.

With a 40' wide gable end you can fit three vehicles side by side including a 12' wide lift in one bay and still have room to work on them. Or you can put doors in the long side. I'd put in three bay doors either way. Even if you only plan to use one bay for the lift and one second non lift bay for now. But put them all on one side, if the space around the building works for that. Then you can pave or gravel a space on that side for pulling in and out and the inevitable outside parking.

BTW the forums on garagejournal have a lot of shop build threads if you want ideas.

 

[Rockbadchild]

With that second design you can only get one vehicle in the building, and that will be on the lift. Which is more difficult to park on than just a bare space of floor, but you can park on it.

If you're only going to be working on one vehicle at a time then that's ok. But I think most people end up parking running vehicles or long term projects in their shops. And for that I'd want more than one vehicle door.

With a 40' wide gable end you can fit three vehicles side by side including a 12' wide lift in one bay and still have room to work on them. Or you can put doors in the long side. I'd put in three bay doors either way. Even if you only plan to use one bay for the lift and one second non lift bay for now. But put them all on one side, if the space around the building works for that. Then you can pave or gravel a space on that side for pulling in and out and the inevitable outside parking.

BTW the forums on garagejournal have a lot of shop build threads if you want ideas.

he has a door on the other end

 

[repete]

I also have four chains that I use with my two post to lift my rider mowers. Makes sharpening and cleaning under the deck a breeze.

Someone also mentioned lifting a tractor. I lift neither the 30 HP Kubota or the larger IH. It is nice to be able to lift one axle at a time though.

 

[cj7]

First neither one is perfect for all tasks. Think about what tasks you wish do to the vehicle or tractor or whatever you want on the lift. Then base your purchase from there.

As for the concrete thickness. .. each lift manufacture should have the requirement in their installation manual. Look them up online.

I own a 2 post challenger 9000lb lift. I would not go with a 4 post as my main lift for what I do. I find this 2 post very universal and handy.

I have a 350 crew cab long bed weighs in around 8000lbs and it has no problem picking it up. Invest in extension pads for the lift arms and a pair of support stands for each end of the truck. I only need to use the extra support stand when pulling the transmisson or other heavy work. No need for light work like an oil change etc.


I have jeeps also. Old ones to new. Have done done complete restoration and rebuilds. 2 post was the way to go.

As mentioned.... I can remove and install a cap or truck beds etc using my 2 post to help.


One thing I do wish would fit is my 10k flat bed trailer. Trailer is too wide to fit between the arms and post. So wheel work on it I have to break out a floor jack. Or lift with my loader.


Yes getting in and out of the truck is tight but doable. Can always put it in neutral then push into place. (Sometimes)


Be sure to leave yourself space so you can move around the largest longest item it will lift.

I have mine a 12ft ceiling. 10 ft roll up door. I can have the door up and still walk under the truck.

I did major frame repair on a TJ. Repaired the frame with one of those frame repair kit that run from just behind the front wheel to over top the rear axle. I had lots of access with the two post lift to weld standing up.


Lots of good comments here. Both lifts have pros and cons. Enjoy your new garage!!

 

[USMC43]

I have a 4 post and and I honestly probably wouldn’t bother even getting one again if I couldn’t get a 2 post. The 4 post is too restricting having to leave the wheels on the vehicle. Haven’t the ramp trays along with the lift post in the way doesn’t help either. A 4 post is no help for trying to remove the bed or cab from a vehicle. A 4 post could potentially be good for changing oil but I find it easier and faster to just drive on some ramps instead of messing with the lift.

4 post easily takes off a bed or cab

Here's pics of pulling a truck cab off with a 4 Post lift..

 

[4570Man]

4 post easily takes off a bed or cab

Here's pics of pulling a truck cab off with a 4 Post lift..

You couldn’t lift the cab high enough on a full size truck to do that. Pulling straps down the side isn’t very good either for a non beater vehicle. I suppose you could pull most beds like that.

 

[USMC43]

You couldn’t lift the cab high enough on a full size truck to do that. Pulling straps down the side isn’t very good either for a non beater vehicle. I suppose you could pull most beds like that.

There are different height lifts. Normal sized lift aways worked for us except lifted trucks.

For a cab or even bed we would normally put a pair of square tubing under and use the straps to the square tubing so it didn’t press against the sides

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Have a 2-post in the garage and a cheapy 4-post outside (by choice).

I use the 4-post about five to one. It's just so much quicker and easier for most things - oil changes and such.

Setting the arms on the 2-post just right (after consulting the book for the lifting points for specific vehicles) is time consuming.

If I could only have one, I'd probably keep the 4-post.

 

[deserteagle71]

I have several vehicles and I rotate the tires on each religiously. No problem with a 2-post lift. With a 4-post lift the vehicle is still sitting on its tires.....