Storing a Car on a Two Post lift?

[Danimal16]

I am considering a two post or four post lift for storing a car. I am asking for thoughts, opinions and observations to help guide my decision. Thanks in advance.

[Norm K]

I went with a four post lift and a bridge jack. I can drive right on and off, store cars as if they're sitting on the ground and the bridge jack makes working on suspension components a relative breeze.

A couple of things I also like: 1) the runway allows for a convenient place to lay tools and parts while working and, 2) the lift came with a set of casters that raises all four corners, making it quite mobile.

And for twenty bucks, I ran a set of LEDs all the way around the runway. Turn `em on and they illuminate the entire underside of the car - only rarely do I require an additional light source.

_

[stevej37]

With my 4 post..I use it for storage all winter. But when spring comes, it's used as a normal spot.
Just a small bump up and that's it. With a 2 post...don't you have to move the arms each time?

[stevej37]

I've moved mine around the same way....but with the SC on it! (it was only raised about a foot off the floor)

[cabmandone]

4 post for storage. I read somewhere you don't want to leave the suspension decompressed for extended periods of time.

[stevej37]

This is exactly the one I have now.
I don't know why he thinks he needs to use a 4X4...those legs aren't going to crumple.

[speeder]

You can use either type, we store cars on lifts all the time. Here’s one that has been up on an old hydraulic lift for years at my friend’s shop. The drivetrain being out makes it light, of course.

If it was a 2-post with locking safety prawls, I’d definitely use them.

[1990C4S]

I have stored my cab on a two post for at least six months of the year since 2010....zero suspension issues.

[Geronimo]

I have been thinking about a single offset lift as both a storage and maintenance tool.

[Doug E]

I looked into both a 2 and 4 post but decided to go with the 4. Scheduled to be installed next Thursday.

[beran earms]

The guy in the Direct Lift video is most definitely one who would wear suspenders AND a belt when he's older.

[stevej37]

^^^ Yeah..if he can't trust a leg of a 4 post...he prob should never buy a 1 or 2 post lift.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Been doing a ton of research on lifts and have come to the conclusion a 2 post and 4 post have different limits to their use

What size is your garage?

A 4 post is less intrusive to garage space, with a sliding jacking beam wheel off work is easy, better for long term parking as the car is supported on it's tyres

A 2 post lift gives more working access ie full under car, easy to do a body off chassis lift or body off engine/drivetrain lift but not as good for long term parking

[s_morrison57]

I would take the wheels off for long term storage if your concerned about the hanging suspension. I used to do that with cars on the scissor lift for the winter months. The scissor lift has just been sold, I bought a place with a 4 post lift, there's an 18'x20' concrete pad in the back and the plan is for a high ceiling shop there, I'll get another scissor lift for that spot after the build. I don't get the new garage till Sept 1 and will start a thread with pic's then, its the nicest garage that I've ever had, oh ya, there's a house that comes with it too.

[billybek]

There is a big thread on the garage journal about wheel adaptors for a two post lift but I can't seem to find it this morning.
Same idea from Grassroots. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/wheel-platforms-for-2-post-lift/89288/page1/

[fastfredracing]

Been doing it for 25 years, I cant say I have ever seen an issue created from the suspension hanging on most vehicles .
I personally think a two post lift with arms is superior in most ways with the exception of long term storage of cars, and ease of getting on and off the lift

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by billybek

There is a big thread on the garage journal about wheel adaptors for a two post lift but I can't seem to find it this morning.
Same idea from Grassroots. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/wheel-platforms-for-2-post-lift/89288/page1/

Interesting solution to the problem.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by s_morrison57

I would take the wheels off for long term storage if your concerned about the hanging suspension. I used to do that with cars on the scissor lift for the winter months. The scissor lift has just been sold, I bought a place with a 4 post lift, there's an 18'x20' concrete pad in the back and the plan is for a high ceiling shop there, I'll get another scissor lift for that spot after the build. I don't get the new garage till Sept 1 and will start a thread with pic's then, its the nicest garage that I've ever had, oh ya, there's a house that comes with it too.

your tires don't care if they are hanging free.. so taking them off, why, they are better left hanging..
taking wheels off won't fix that the suspension hangs in a non standard position and that's the main issue
your shocks that are supposed to be inside the seal
are now outside the seal.. exposed.

And that might cause them to form some small spots that when you start using em again, your shocks might leak

One solution would be to put straps or something on the wheels.. so the suspension can't hang and stays compresssed when you lift the car