Floorjack->scissors->twopost->fourpost lift...gotta have one of each!

MotoSook · 08:21 PM

Well, not really, but it would be nice.

We all started with a floor jack, right? Then drooled over our buddy's scissors lift. I was fortunate to get a scissors lift, then traded up to a two post and finally got a 4 post with the new place. I'll move the 2 post over soon, but I've been using the 4 post recently. I gotta say, the 4 post is really convenient!

I thought the 2 post was nirvana, and it is if you do a lot of suspension work and engine drops. I love my 2 post, and I'll probably always have one. But the reality is these days I do more oil changes then engine drops. The nice thing about a 4 post is you drive on, do you oil change and 30 minutes later drive off. No messing with jack points or using a floor jack to lift a lowered car up to get the arms under....and I suppose if it was the only lift, I'd be fine with dropping the engine with it.

I recently replaced the rear wheel cylinders on my mom's 4runner on the 4 post using a bottle jack and the cross over piece under the car...no hassle. Only complaint is the ramps get in the way, and I have to duck under to get under the car at certain heights...

So! I owe the 4posters an apology for championing the 2'post too much all these years

My old scissors lift:

The 2 post:

And the 4 post...lifts 6000lbs with ease!

Roby466 · Roby466's Garage

still drooling over my buddy's scissor lift...
Nice shop!!

andyt11 · 01-03-2011, 05:59 AM

So does the 4-post have adjustable track? As in, you can slide one of the rails to suit the width of the vehicle?

If so, which model did you buy? I'm looking fora four post, primarily because I have a storage issue and will be parking beneath it every day, but I also intend to drop the engine on it etc etc...

scoe911 · scoe911's Garage

Souk you don't need two lifts

... sell me the two post(as if i had the funds or space)

MotoSook · 01-03-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt11

So does the 4-post have adjustable track? As in, you can slide one of the rails to suit the width of the vehicle?

If so, which model did you buy? I'm looking fora four post, primarily because I have a storage issue and will be parking beneath it every day, but I also intend to drop the engine on it etc etc...

I don't know the model number, but it's a 12000 lbs BendPak. I'll check for the model number later tonight, but BendPak probably only makes on 12000 lbs model.

The tracks/ramps do slide. The one on the left side slides all the way left to right where it buts up to the other one. The one on the right is limited since there is an airline attached to it. The air line is to pressure pistons that release the safety stops on each post.

For an engine drop from a 911, you'd position the ramps for max span. One of those hydraulic tables would work really well in this case.

Fortunately, (scoe) I don't have to worry about dropping the engine on the 4-post

scoe911 · scoe911's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soukus

Fortunately, (scoe) I don't have to worry about dropping the engine on the 4-post

I hear you...I was just dreamin...

Neel · 01-03-2011, 02:05 PM

I've had access to about all of them over the years, you old guys will remember the single post 'spider' jacks.. To choose one, I'd choose a twin post.. That's what I put in the new shop I built.. Takes up less space also.. My $.02.......

pmason · pmason's Garage

Soukus, See the kart in the background, can we have an indoor track? :-)
I have a 4 post, love it, have a bridge jack and jack tray, currently the car is up on jack stands on the lift as I'm rebuilding the brakes, fronts done, just received the rebuild kits tonight for the rears. Just wished I had heat in the garage.

MotoSook · 01-03-2011, 05:54 PM

Bring your kart over. We'll have a course that runs through the barn

SuperOldSchool · SuperOldSchool's Garage

Are you able to drop both engine and trans together with the scissor lift? Looks like there could be interference with these lifts. I want one but need to confirm this can work before running out and getting one.

Thanks!

MotoSook · 01-05-2011, 08:39 PM

Yep, tranny and engine come out together easily.

SuperOldSchool · SuperOldSchool's Garage

Soukus, what brand is the scissor lift? Thanks!

MotoSook · 01-06-2011, 07:54 PM

The one I had is a Harbor Freight 6000 lbs unit. There are several companies that make a nearly identical lift for approximately $1100. BendPak makes one. Still made in China so not much of am argument to by Bendpak. Google scissors lift and you'll find plenty of options. Or search here and you'll see what other guys have bought.

JmuRiz · JmuRiz's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt11

So does the 4-post have adjustable track? As in, you can slide one of the rails to suit the width of the vehicle?

If so, which model did you buy? I'm looking fora four post, primarily because I have a storage issue and will be parking beneath it every day, but I also intend to drop the engine on it etc etc...

I just got a BendPak HD-9...the standard length (since a 356 and 914 aren't too long) It has the one ramp that can be moved out so you can do an engine drop...that's why I got it! It's also ALI certified, so it's rated for 9000 lbs but has tested WAY more than that w/o failure.

Easy drive on/off parking lift that can be used for engine drops and suspension work when needed....perfect for my needs.

KTL · 01-07-2011, 02:17 PM

Souk's being modest and didn't want to shoot a pic of the whole shop. If he took a pic looking inward from the main entry door, you'd wanna throw eggs at him!

Congrats again my friend. The new mancave is oh so AWESOME. Let me know when you get the alignment rack so we can set up the racecars in no time at all........

MotoSook · 01-07-2011, 04:17 PM

Alignment rack? Nah...I'm welding up something to use with the two post so I can store them out of the way when not in use. I need to space for a tire changer and balancer

(evil thoughts...the wife will kill me if she knew)

Just did another oil change on the 4 post for the niece before she heads back to college. Another point for the 4 post...really, I think the 4 post is a winner for those who might drop the drivetrain once in a blue moon or don't mind using the jack bridge to do brake and suspension work. Although the two post allowed me to park one car under the other, the 4 post wins out since you can just drive up and put plywood across the ramps to keep oil and grease from falling on the car parked underneath.

The bendpak I have is bolted tothe floor and has very robust safety stops. It'd take a strong earthquake to cause concern.