Lifts: Storage on a 2 Post?

[imcarthur]

I wanted to tap the brain trust. My son-in-law built the mother of all shops (2400 sq ft - 2 double doors & double depth) on his acreage to the north of me. My plan is to buy a lift for him. That gets me free winter storage & an availabe lift for DIY on the 911.

I have read that a 2 post is better for work & a 4 post is better for storage. That makes sense due to the typical access necessary on a 911.

So . . . other than look, is a car less stable on a 2 post? Would you?

Ian

[nineball]

as long as it is a quality lift i don't think you will have any problems. people like 4 posts for storage because there is no way to knock the car off short of taking the entire lift down. even perfectly balanced there is still a chance to knock a car off a 2 post lift.

[dad911]

It depends on the kind of work you are doing. I've been able to do everything on a 4 post, including engine drops. You just need to be smart about it. I find some work easier on the 4 post, like some suspension and brake work, because you can support the calipers etc. on the deck.

[Nazgul280]

I have a 4-post drive-on lift, and I disassembled and reassembled my 280Z using it when I did the complete resto-mod. Honestly the only hassle was when I had to lift it with a jack using a drop-in metal tray to support the jack (air powered jack). I had to work around the metal tray which was sometimes a pain in the but. Otherwise I think it gives me total access to the undercarriage of the car.

However: This is something to consider if you are going to store and stack two cars using the lift. My 4-post has plastic trays that rest between the two longitudinal tracks that you drive onto, which is GREAT for any car that may have fluid leaks. I've used it to catch fluids while working on brake systems and gear oil changes. It would be a nice feature if you didn't want to worry about dripping oil onto the car below.

Sounds like a great way to spend time with your son-in-law! Have fun and let us know which type of lift you choose.

-Dana

[imcarthur]

I should do an engine drop. My 87 G50 clutch has never had the update. And it would be nice to clean it all too.

Ian

[givory]

Ian,
You can have it both ways: 4 posters are available with sliding jacks that fit between the lengthwise rails, so that you can raise the car on its wheels up to head height, then lift the car off the wheels above the rails.
carlift.ca used to sell this, but that website seems down right now. Around C$3k for the whole package.
Gavin

[Nazgul280]

sliding jacks that fit between the lengthwise rails

yes, that's what I was trying to describe in my description a couple of posts up but couldn't remember what they were called at the time.

Just thought of another thing to consider (and I'm not trying to steer you one way or another):

My 4-post does not need to be, and is not bolted to the floor. I believe all two posts need to be bolted down for obvious reasons, and you will need to meet the specifications of your concrete floor (ie: thickness).

Most quality 4-posts also come with an optional caster set, so you could roll it around the garage if need be. Mine was assembled in the driveway and then wheeled into the garage where it now rests.

[jwetering]

I'm wondering which way to go for a garage I'm planning too.

Storage is the lowest of my priorities though and wheels off maintenance is probably the highest priority.

This makes me lean towards a two post, but then I start thinking that the posts will get in the way of my getting in and out of the car when I daily park it. I also kind of think the two posts in the middle of the room would get in the way more while moving around the shop compared to four posts in the corners.

My shop will be only 300 sq feet though, so different concerns than you have.

Does anyone have any good photos of their setups?

[jonesb930]

From what i understand it is not recommended to store a car on its jack points (as a 2 post would use). A 4 post is the best storage lift.

[Nazgul280]

Pics of my four-post by Superlifts:





(those were just junk wheels for when it was a roller at the paint shop)

[jhelgesen]

I'm super happy with my 2 post lift, see no issues with storage. I considered a 4 post, but the 2 post offer more space available to move around in my garage.





With all the dealerships closing, there are some screamin deals on used lifts out there.

[imcarthur]

We have discussed buying used & probably will if possible. S-I-L is very mechanical. He uses a 9-head mower for cutting the grass that he bought from a golf course in Florida! That's why he needed the big shop - for all his toys. His intention is to eventually have 2 & 4 post lifts.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I love the dual 911s!

Ian

[LM3929]

Jasper, check out Princess Auto, they just advertised a portable two post hoist, that might work for you.

Lorne M.

Sunny South Surrey

[jwetering]

Originally Posted by LM3929

Jasper, check out Princess Auto, they just advertised a portable two post hoist, that might work for you.

Lorne M.

Sunny South Surrey

Thanks Lorne...I have to build the shop in my back yard first though! The installation of a hoist is the easy part.

[LM3929]

Just dig up one of the cans of money you North Van types bury each week.