four post lift vs. two post
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 971
Likes: 2
From: upstate sc
four post lift vs. two post
I was wondering everybodys thoughts are on using a two post vs. a four post lift. I like the idea of the two post as everything will be out in the open but I dont like the idea that I will have to lift the car by its frame everytime I need to work on it. Also has anybody had dealings with autolifters in witchita KS.?
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak MI
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
I don't have room in my garage for either a 2 or 4-post lift, but if I did it would have been a 4-post just because the bulk of the time you are not working on the car and I have been told letting the suspension sit at full-droop for extended periods of time is not good for it. If you are going to store another car underneath it, then 4-post is probably easier. Like I said I don't have the room so I ended up buying a Kwiklift instead. Don't you also have to permanently attach the 2-post to the concrete, where you can actually get casters for a 4-post to move it around?
There was a thread on the forum a couple months ago about one brand to stay away from as it had collapsed, dropping the top car onto the bottom one. I believe someone did a study of what to look for and what to stay away from design-wise. Do a search of the archives.
There was a thread on the forum a couple months ago about one brand to stay away from as it had collapsed, dropping the top car onto the bottom one. I believe someone did a study of what to look for and what to stay away from design-wise. Do a search of the archives.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 0
From: Easton CA
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
I was wondering everybodys thoughts are on using a two post vs. a four post lift. I like the idea of the two post as everything will be out in the open but I dont like the idea that I will have to lift the car by its frame everytime I need to work on it. Also has anybody had dealings with autolifters in witchita KS.?
http://www.autolifters.com/m6.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,202
Likes: 9
From: St. louis, MO
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
Might want to read some post buy 69L71, he had a lift collapse.
Here is one post with what may have caused it: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=271339
Here is where he has some pics posted: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/chris_...c=bc%26.view=t :sad:
Here is one post with what may have caused it: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=271339
Here is where he has some pics posted: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/chris_...c=bc%26.view=t :sad:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 214
From: Charlestown IN
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
I went with a 4 post. I use mine to double park. Also, I can slide a plate or beam front to back on a lip on the inside of each tread or track. Then I can raise any corner or end, and bring the car back down where I can sit in a chair and work on it. Also if someone climbs in or out to work the clutch or something for you, it's a whole lot more stable. Got mine at a school auto shop auction. Bittersweet. I was blessed. :blueangel:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
I've worked with both and two post is much better for WORKING on the car while a four post is better for storage.
On a four post lift you will need supplemental jacks anytime you want to remove a wheel. The ones that attach to the open area in the middle will be pricey and often get in the way when not being used.
A two post lift provides total clearance for a great working area. I too would be a bit uncomfortable leaving my C4 stored for a long period of time on this style. As far as lifting it by the frame, this does not affect the car one bit when done properly.
My experience is two years at a Land Rover dealer working with a four post (reduces stress on the airbag suspension when elevated for long periods of time) and the last several years at Chevrolet with a two post. The worst part of an alignment is trying to work around the bulky four post lift.
How you plan to use it should ultimately be the deciding factor.
On a four post lift you will need supplemental jacks anytime you want to remove a wheel. The ones that attach to the open area in the middle will be pricey and often get in the way when not being used.
A two post lift provides total clearance for a great working area. I too would be a bit uncomfortable leaving my C4 stored for a long period of time on this style. As far as lifting it by the frame, this does not affect the car one bit when done properly.
My experience is two years at a Land Rover dealer working with a four post (reduces stress on the airbag suspension when elevated for long periods of time) and the last several years at Chevrolet with a two post. The worst part of an alignment is trying to work around the bulky four post lift.
How you plan to use it should ultimately be the deciding factor.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,356
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From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
If I could fit a 4 Lift, into my garage, that is what I would use.
I feel its safer than a 2 lift.
But I can't use one anyway.
But I thought I'd give my thoughts.
Good Luck
tony
I feel its safer than a 2 lift.
But I can't use one anyway.
But I thought I'd give my thoughts.
Good Luck
tony
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,496
Likes: 1
From: alaska
Re: four post lift vs. two post (trophystock)
crud all the pics are gone :(
found the lift shots here http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/4postlift.htm
[Modified by mitymek, 8:05 PM 10/3/2003]
found the lift shots here http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/4postlift.htm
[Modified by mitymek, 8:05 PM 10/3/2003]
