Can you use a 2 post hoist as a car stacker?
 

Gentlemen,
Like many of us, I have four cars and a three car garage. To solve this storage problem, I'm looking to buy a 4 post hoist but the available space (length mainly) is making it hard to find a small enough 4 poster that will fit.
I'm thinking about a 4 poster because I want to work on my cars, as well as being car "stacker" for my 250SL Pagoda.
I have alway believed (possibly wrongly) that you cannot store a car long term on a 2 post hoist, because suspending the car with its wheels dangling down unsupported will eventually damage the suspension.
Is that correct or is it an urban myth?

Got 3 that way in my shop. No damage yet.

no problem, and the 2 post gives a lot more access for working on the car

+1

Access makes working almost like a desk job. No ramps to drive car up. Just position and lift.

I was paranoid about a two post lift but once I became familiar with the safety features on the arms it was a big ah-ha moment.

Get 2,000 pounds heavier than you think you will need.

I keep a car on my 2 poster and the boat underneath in the winter, no problems and no square tires.

I do this, but use a couple of ramps on the lift, so the car can be driven on and off, and the car isn't stored with the wheels drooped (which I'm not saying would be an issue, but if it's a concern....). Unfortunately I'm away from home and not have a photo, but if you're interested let me know and I'll "post" (hah) some.

I can't picture this... photos would be helpful. Inquiring minds want to know ;-)

I have a 10,000# Radial lift. It latches out about every foot of lift so the weight of the car is not resting on the hydraulic cylinders but on mechanical latches. I have left my car on the lift for over a year while doing repair work on it. No problem. There is no way it would damage the suspension. Damage what?

What about drip pans? On a 4 post, the car below is protected from the inevitable drips by the sliding pans.

Ok, I found this one shot on my phone. Note that the black ramps sticking out behind the 356 aren't attached, just wedged under the rear tire for storage.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1425759986.jpg

Lmft4u...

Licensed marriage and family therapist??

Not exactly, Let Me Fix That 4 U :D:):D

Isn't that kinda the same thing...? ;)

JJ, where did you buy those drive on ramps? I did a lot if searching about 6 months ago and could not find anyone who sold them.




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rpc356,
That is awesome setup you have (and my two favorite cars). That 2-post lift with the ramps would be ideal for my needs. Can you share more information on the manufacturers?

Frank, happy to provide the manufacturer and more photos at the end of the week when I'm back in town.

You're just as speedy as I am when I pretend I'm a mechanic!

If you are going to drive on, why not a 4 post? I don't get it.

OK, that clinched it for me - the best of both worlds. When I ever get a lift that's what I'm gonna do...


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1425782935.jpg