So it looks like I may finally have the money (about $3k) to put a lift in my garage/workshop. I have plenty of space (and about 14' in height) along with a 6" slab, so that part should be ok. It will only be used for maintenance, not storage, so I'm thinking a 2 post is probably preferable. I have to do some major work on my 69's suspension, as well as oil changes and things on my daily drivers. I think a 9000lb should be good. I have a Silverado 2500, but that is listed at 6100lbs. dry weight. I can't imagine getting anything too much heavier. I have both 110V and 220V power available

My questions:
So, given my $3k-ish installed budget, whats a good brand? From everything I've seen, Bendpak is the gold standard, but out of my budget.
Anyone know somebody in the Austin or San Antonio area who sells and installs (I actually live in Lockhart)?
Overhead or floorplate?
Anything wrong with my assumptions above or anything I'm forgetting?

Thanks,
Simon

 

Rookie suggestion: It seems a 2-post would allow each wheel to hang down for suspension work to be done easier. A four post would have all 4 wheels sitting on the lift. I live too far away to advise you on a good dealer-installer.

 

While I haven't owned a lift I have used a few and if buying it would be a 2-Post hands down for me anyway. I like the access it provides for under car work, one I used the most was a Rotary. At your budget I think you need to identify what's the best Made in China lift.

Garage Journal is a great website for that type of information.

 

Thanks DG. I'm much more of a rookie than you are, I've seen your build thread!
That was my thought about a 2 post as well. Do you have any experience with any particular brands? I see different brands on Amazon, Greg Smith Equipment, JMC, Worth, etc. I'm not really sure what to look for even.

Thanks,
Simon

 

Thanks! Unfortunately I think so too. Is rotary a brand or a style?

Thanks,
Simon

 

I'm also looking at lifts and with a $3K budget you are locked in to Chinese made lifts. With that said, that does not mean they are unsafe. Next you'll need to decide if you want a ALI certified lift (means the lift has been tested and meets the standard). ALI lifts will cost more, it just depends o your priority and risk aversion.

Most of the cheaper lifts are all the same lifts built in the same factory just with different company stickers. If you want ALI certified, I'd recommend Direct or Atlas, non ALI certified, go with the cheapest you can find.

 

FYI, a 4Post has jack trays and bridge jack to turn a 4 post lift into a 2 post for suspension work.

 

I'm shopping as well. I currently have a QuickLift so I'm kind of leaning towards a four post. I like the ability to move it around and if I need the wheels/suspension to hang I can use the QL.

 

Rotary and Mohawk are top tier made in the USA lifts that are in the $10,000+ range,

Bend-Pak, Direct Lift, Atlas are quality Chinese made lifts.

 

Anybody know how hard it is to install one correctly? I may be able to get a bit better one if I install it myself. I'm mechanically inclined, but I'm a bit worried about installing something that holds several tons above my head.

 

Lots of videos on youtube, looks fairly simple to do in a few couple hours w/ and engine lift. If you/have someone pick it up at terminal, they will knock $350 or so off the price. Many stated they had someone pick it up and installed for you for $500.

 

I have a Bend Pac four post. Ten years ago it was over $3K. Don't discount getting a four post lift. I use an triple air bag jack on my lift for suspension and brake work. The air bag jack is small and cost about $120 delivered and is easily stored. As others have mentioned, check with Gregg Smith for pricing on lifts from different manufactures. If you go with a four post, get aluminum ramps instead of the steel ones. Your back will thank you. Lastly, get a 220 volt motor. Jerry

 

By watching a video it seems an engine hoist is not much help.

If I installed a 2 post lift in my garage I would add a 6" by 6" by 8' oak beam across the attic joists directly over the location of the beams for additional support and safety with eye-bolts thru the oak beam to hold an electric hoist where needed (left side/right side/center)
-then attach an temporary electric hoist to the oak beam eye bolts and raise the metal beams into position for anchoring into the concrete.....
then use the hoist to lift/install the top crossmember.

 

Greg Smith Equipment (Atlas) in Arlington and Best Buy Auto Equipment (dealer for a dozen or so makes of lifts) in Alvarado (20 Miles South of Ft. Worth) are the two big suppliers in Texas. I know Best Buy will set you up with an installer and I imagine Greg Smith will too. I installed mine myself and called their support line with a couple of questions on the chinglish instructions. The installer/tech I spoke to was extremely helpful and went on to pass along a few tips that I didn't ask about. I asked the installer if the lift I bought was a POS, and he said no, they are all pretty much made by one or two manufacturers and they just have different labels/motors/bell/whistles. I'm sure he could have installed it in less than 1/4 the time it took me. It took me a half day just to unload it by myself with the tractor, pallet forks and straps, and inventory all the parts. I rented a car hauler and they loaded it on the trailer for me and saved $350 (-$50 for the trailer +gas).

Direct and Atlas have both ALI and non-ALI Certified lifts. ALI doesn't inspect each individual lift, they certify the design and process. I have a non-ALI Chinese-made 9,000 lb 4-post, extra long, extra wide, and don't hesitate for a second getting under it. I think you'll find that most of the failure stories come down to incorrect installation or use of the lift. The quality of the welds and really every component seemed top-notch to me. I spent a lot of time making sure that the ramps were level, the columns were plumb and square, and the latches all engaged simultaneously. I would definitely overbuy, and get a 9,000 lift if you are lifting a 6,000 lb truck. You'll want some safety factor in there.

I bought a 4-post because I had storage needs, I have a Quick Jack for wheel work on the 68 although the jack tray that it came with is quite substantial. The wide lift has enough room that I could comfortably replace the mid-ship and rear fuel tanks and all chassis fuel lines on an '74 F-350, if that is any gauge. For me, the secure feeling of a four post and storage needs outweighed the inconvenience of less room for under vehicle access and wheel work. Your needs and values may be different. I don't think there is a wrong answer as long as you know what is important to you.

 

When I looked into putting a 2 post lift in my garage, the first hurdle was to cut out a bunch of slab and re-pour with high PSI concrete.

Here are some specs from Bendpak.

https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/co...-requirements/

 

To many problems with a four post, get a quick lift and bolt it together and forget it. Look into it is half the money you want to spend and you need just a buddy or your old lady to erect it!

 

Once upon a time (10ish + years ago) there was a CF or GJ member who had 20 used Mohawk A-7 lifts that were pull outs from a closed dealership. He was selling them for $2,000 EA and at the time didn't have anyplace to put or store one. Called him a couple years later to see if he had any left and he sold the last one a week prior. That's the closest I ever came to owning a Mohawk.

 

Zealot, also check the usual For Sale sites there is nothing wrong with a used lift if it's been taken care of and not abused. Here in Alabama you would be amazed at how many you see mounted outside open air style next to a shop, they are pretty robust for the most part.

 

Call Worthequipment.com/ Local 817 473-7266 / are located 3 hours North of you outside Dallas.
Look at Advantage Lifts as they are ALI certified.

Fyi, https://www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-car-lifts/


https://www.naautoequipment.com/TP9K...t-p/tp9kaf.htm

https://www.naautoequipment.com/Universalift-2-7-000-lb-capacity-2-Post-Portab-p/u-2-c-7000-2-post-car-lift.htm

 

I spoke to Worth and Best Buy Automotive yesterday.

Atlas lifts are currently on backorder.

Worth has a sale going right now and are 100% American made along with a $1000 guarantee to be the lowest cost American made lift in the country.