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Starting the plans for my shop build which will include a car lift. The shop will appox be 40 x 60 with a 10' wall. I know many here have both 2 and 4 posts, which is preferred and why? TIA, Charles
I personally went 2-post since I work on all my vehicles. If I was just wanting more storage then I would of gone 4 post.
You can also get a 4 post with front or rear jacks so you can still work on suspension but I still feel that is tougher then just using a 2-post.
I noticed you said 10" tall which is still pretty short. My Forward 10k lift needed 12.2" ft clearance (I went with 13" before the roof structure) but I wanted to be able to fully stand since I'm 6'2.
Yep over-head doors were extra with my metal building (shop). Need 2 feet above the door opening for a roll-up door to fit. Make sure slab is 6"+ thick especially with a 2-post.
Agree with the others. If it's a shop where you're constantly working on cars then 2 post is best. If storage then 4 post. However I will say that 4 post could be a good hybrid. My dad has had a 4 post for about 20 years. It's been used a ton, both to store cars and work on them. Right now the C5 is currently on the 4 post with the entire suspension torn apart getting new bushings. Yes it takes a bit more effort to get it all jacked up on the 4 post but it definitely can be done. Also the 4 post is moveable which I'm my dad's case is very valuable. Just my $.02
Thanks. 10' wall however rafter roof so no flat ceiling. Staying up late I have decided a 4 post is best for me. I like the storage ability under it, from what I can see my set of QJ's fit on the runways perfectly for doing suspension and wheel work. The fact I can move a 4 post around was the selling point vs a 2 post.
Thanks. 10' wall however rafter roof so no flat ceiling. Staying up late I have decided a 4 post is best for me. I like the storage ability under it, from what I can see my set of QJ's fit on the runways perfectly for doing suspension and wheel work. The fact I can move a 4 post around was the selling point vs a 2 post.
I don't like 2-post lifts because they are very difficult to lift some vehicles, like GM trucks that have a stepped frame. Plus, 2-post lifts are not safe in areas that have earthquakes. I would have never thought I'd say that living in Virginia, but we've had several in the last several years.
I have a 4-post lift, for working on all of my vehicles. AND I have the air-operated rolling center jacks so I can lift the vehicle to remove wheels/tires, axles, brakes, etc. etc.
I'm in the same debate. I'm also thinking 4 posts and QJs to have best of both.
I only have 9'6 ceilings. There are a few baseplate 2 posts that will fit in my garage, but I question the concrete slab depth too... so 4 post is probably what I will also do.
Yes, dummy me didn't realize a 4 post could be moved. Like mentioned that fact was the deal clincher for me. Now I just have to build the shop to put it in first.
It's easier to make a four post work when doing repairs and maintenance than it is to make a two post work for storage. Plus, I've seen way too many failed 2-post lift videos on You Tube.
Yes, dummy me didn't realize a 4 post could be moved. Like mentioned that fact was the deal clincher for me. Now I just have to build the shop to put it in first.
I have a four post, I moved it but I found that once I decided where it worked best I bolted it down. Made me nervous "swaying" when pulling on the vehicle at height. Just saying, I don't think they get moved a lot once purchased.
If you go with a 4 post, get a set of two sliding or rolling lift jacks; they are not cheap but they will allow you to lift the car off the lift so you can do brakes, exhaust, etc. A 2 post is definitely better for working under the car but I have been able to do whatever I need underneath with the 4 post and the lift jacks.
CD, here’s a video about setting up a four post (with the sliding lifts) in a shop about the size you’re describing. I’ve watched this guy use the lift and how the sliders are used on his projects.
My neighbor had this installed on his new garage, he called them "sidewinders".
Thanks for all the input fellas. It won't be for a bit but I think a shop build thread would be good, that way I can pick other peoples brains here on how they set theirs up.
My neighbor had this installed on his new garage, he called them "sidewinders".
Thanks for all the input fellas. It won't be for a bit but I think a shop build thread would be good, that way I can pick other peoples brains here on how they set theirs up.
I have these jackshaft garage door lifts installed on both my garages; they work great and are used when you need to lift the door tracks to gain more space overhead.
I've got a Liftmaster jackshaft opener on my 10X10 roll-up door. Hasn't missed a beat in over 10 years. If you go with a metal building, the range of the opener remote is kinda of limited. I gotta be within abt 30 ft of the door to open it. Think they also make one with a batt to open door when power is out.
Lifts. 2 post vs 4 post
