Let's talk lifts

[junkman300SD]

I just built a 30x40 shop with 14' walls. I "could" use jacks and jack stands but I'm not. Several jobs would be much easier on a lift. I'm thinking 2 post because of the smaller foot print. Space is filling up fast.

There is an 85 Mercedes 300TD and a 79 VW convertible + the 86 Carrera when I'm not driving it. Waiting in the wings are an 85 Mercedes 300SD, 1978 Datsun 280Z and my 00 long bed Dodge Cummins.

The truck needs a clutch and the TD, VW & Z all need body work underneath even if it's only cleaning up and doing rust prevention.

It's important that the 911 and truck fit easily. The truck is 20' long and heavy so I'm thinking 10,000 lb capacity. The 911 has it's own quirks as far as lifting goes and I haven't had it long enough to figure the details.

Less expensive is better but note that I don't want to deal with aggravating missing features to save a few dollars. This building is already over budget but really does the job. A few more dollars 1 way or the other won't matter.

Thoughts.

[Tad240]

I’d agree. 10k 2 post minimum for the Cummins and that size should serve you well for all the others in your stable. And congrats on your new shop. Will be great with a lift! Post up some pics.

[pete3799]

I went with a 9,000lb 4 post (Forward brand bought through Napa) that would handle your Dodge no problem.
Added feature is storage underneath. I wanted a 2 post but i have radiant heat in the floor and knowing my luck i'd hit one of the pipes when anchoring it. The 4 post also comes with a set of wheels so it can be easily move around if need be. I haven't tried lifting my F550 diesel dump truck yet (it weighs a whisker over 10,000lbs) but i'm sure it would lift it.

[junkman300SD]

4 post that rolled out of the way would be acceptable. Can you get them where the electrical and plumbing are overhead so the floor stays clear?

[stownsen914]

Sounds like you’re looking for a lift to work on the cars. I have a 4 post Dannmar storage lift. Very happy with it, but it’s useless for working on a car.

I have a scissor lift in my “work” garage to lift the cars. No room for anything bigger in my case. It gets the job done.

[junkman300SD]

Most scissor lifts won't come close to the truck I'd like to be able have a car on the lift and park underneath. Leaving the suspension hanging is one reason I waffle between 2 & 4 post.

Still interested in brands. This won't get commercial use but I only want to buy once.

[Quasimoto]

Originally Posted by stownsen914

. I have a 4 post Dannmar storage lift. Very happy with it, but it’s useless for working on a car.
.

4 post is not ideal, but not useless. I dropped the engine and installed new AC in my 911 with one. I had limited space and needed a storage slot, so the 4 was a better compromise than a 2 which is not very good at storage.

[chrismorse]

Check with your local parts stores about upcoming shop closures. I picked up a clean, solid Rotary for $1000 - absolutely love it.
An Asymetric twin posts makes it a bit easier to get in and out of the car - usually one end of the car is heavier than the other.
Backing up a bit, my garage floor was cracked and test drillins showed only about 3.5 - 4 inches of concrete and i was doubtfull about whether the cocnrete was reinforced with steel, so, used a concrete saw and cut out a 10 x 12 hole and doweled into the old concrete to tie in, then dug a footing, added 2 perimeter bars and a 2x2 grid, with 2x2 additional footings under the future post location. 6 sack mix with fiberglass reinforcement lets me sleep at night.
stole 240v from the hot tub circuit and rigged a block and tackle to raise the posts. Rotary hammered down 12 inches and used 12x3/4 wedge anchors. Scaffolding came in handy.
I was a bit younger then 67-68 and it took a fair amount of beer to get it done.
chris

[Nditiz1]

With a center sliding scissor jack you can do virtually anything on a 4 post that you could do on a 2.

[ChuckleBeast]

I got this 4 post for storage but also used it to pull my engine on an 83. Engine fit right in between without hassle, bought a sliding jack for suspension work.

[Dpmulvan]

Most mechanics would choose a two post for obvious reasons and 30 by 40 is nothing when you add a few cars, tools, a bar and lounge and 4 post lift. You’ll be planning an addition before you know it.
Find a used, older two post built with good thick steel. Auction zip is a good place.

[junkman300SD]

Yes, I see how it fills up. There is shelving across the back that can be configured as 1 stretch 30' long or 2 10' separate lengths.

I built a bench 2'x8' that is currently away from the wall. There is another temporary bench, 3 vehicles and a 3x20' pile of lumber. All are not organized but space gets used quickly.

[76FJ55]

Originally Posted by ChuckleBeast

I got this 4 post for storage but also used it to pull my engine on an 83. Engine fit right in between without hassle, bought a sliding jack for suspension work.

I recently picked up this same lift. overall i think it will work well for me as i need something I can use to stack cars. It will suffice for some maintenance as well, but in my opinion it isn't anywhere close to the functionality of a 2 post for doing actual work on vehicles.

I think 4 post lifts are good especially if you want to routinely drive on and off for parking purposes. the other big advantage is when stacking cars you can install drip trays between the rails to ensure any leaking fluid from the top car as caught and doesn't run the chance of damaging the finish on the car below. As mentioned above, this lift does come with a caster kit, but it is far from easy to roll around my garage has the typical slope to the floor, and it is difficult to get it to go up that slight grade.

If I had the space and didn't need to use it for parking, there is no question in my mind, the 2 post is far superior for actually doing work on.

[pete3799]

Originally Posted by junkman300SD

4 post that rolled out of the way would be acceptable. Can you get them where the electrical and plumbing are overhead so the floor stays clear?

All you need is an extension cord to plug it in... no plumbing to mess with.

[deemsriddle]

I previously had a 2 post lift but now have a 4 post lift that I bought because it was convenient. I love working on it. I like that the 2 rails help keep the engine stabilized when lowering out of my 911. It is tight, but doable. I do not use a floor jack, but use a harbor freight hydraulic table for 911 engine work. The lift table is one of the most valuable tools I own.

[junkman300SD]

I'll lay out a 4 post foot print but think it will take too much space. I have plenty of land and could have kept expanding the shop but any more money and I could have bought a couple of cars that didn't need much work. What would be the fun in that?

[acme911]

Originally Posted by deemsriddle

I previously had a 2 post lift but now have a 4 post lift that I bought because it was convenient. I love working on it. I like that the 2 rails help keep the engine stabilized when lowering out of my 911. It is tight, but doable. I do not use a floor jack, but use a harbor freight hydraulic table for 911 engine work. The lift table is one of the most valuable tools I own.

Have 4 post lift and use the same technique. The lift table is great. Use it to unload heavy items from my truck.

[tdw28210]

^^ This. 4 Post and a lift table for 911 work.

[junkman300SD]

IF it will fit.

[Dpmulvan]