2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

[Bill W.]

Okay people, I need some advise. I am in the market for a lift, I have read most of the posts in the arcives about advantages and disadvantages of the 2 types. I know two post will give me greater access to work on the bottom side, and that four post is better for storage but restricts access.

What is your opinion of using a two post for storage? Will extended storage (one year) harm suspension bushings? Fire away and thanks for any advise! Bill

[John H.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Bill -

I wouldn't recommend a 2-post lift for long-term storage; it won't do your suspension bushings any favors, and it won't accommodate drip pans if you plan to park another car underneath the stored car.

[Donald B.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Another issue, I'm sure already discussed, is movability. Most 4 post lifts have wheels as an option. I have not used it often but it was nice when I had to have the garage door replaced. With a two post you have too decide EXACTLY where it is going to be and pretty much have to "live with it".

Best of luck.

[James W.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Bill,

I have a Stinger brand, 4 post that I use to store my Corvettes and Buick Grand National on/under and love it! I built jack bridges for mine so that I can take the wheels off to do suspension work. I haven't ran into a situation that I would have rather had a 2 post, and I can role it out side to do cleaning/pressure washing. Send me your email address and I'll send you some pictures. Go to www.stingerlifts.com, they advertise in the Driveline Magazine.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Robert Wingerter]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

I have a two post - BECAUSE my Neighbor has a 4 post. Each one does something different. I LOVE my two post, because I'm working on it and the access I have is unparralled compared to the 4 post. I don't like working on the cars with the 4 post.
HOWEVER... when working on custom suspension setup, setting front end alignments, and of course 2-car storage, the 4 post is the only way to go. AND a 4 post lift is MUCH better than no lift!!

Since I do nearly all my work myself and rarely do a streetrod (custom suspensions setup), I choose the 2 post and love it (I have 3 cars). Next year I plan to add a 4 post -- 95% to increase capacity of car storage and 5% for times I'm setting up a new suspension on a street rod.

In the end, you may not have a choice. Two-post lifts require good concrete (thickness and PSI) and if this is going into a residence, most do not meet spec. I constructed my garage with a two-post lift in mind. Hope this helps!

[Robert Wingerter]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Follow-up: You can check out my garage here on moving day (last month). Its my Camaro site, but will be adding the Corvette to the web soon.

http://home.comcast.net/~rlwing

[Bill W.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Thanks for the info. I built my house with the idea in mind to install a 2 post lift because a car is so much more accessable on one. I never thought I would purchase another car and need storage space. Now the car of my dreams is available and I must choose between ease of maintenance vs. storage. I think for several reasons, "storage" is going to win over "maintenance". Bill

[Michael S.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Do a search of the archives. This subject has been discussed MANY TIMES!!!!

[Robert Wingerter]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

You'll be very happy with the 4 post - "ease of work" is relative because a 4 post still kicks the poop out of working on the floor and jack stands! Don't pass on the car of your dreams!!

[Doug F.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

hi, then there is those of us who dont have to room or ceiling height for a 2 or 4 post and go with a quick lift,, i love mine,, of course im not the mechanic as lots of you's out there so this does what i need for me,, has a bridge for tire removel etc,,,the pic shows the rear end of the lift down as you can see,, to each his own i say,,, later, doug

[Mac Peppers]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

i'll throw this out there because i haven't seen it mentiioned before. my manitowac 2-post lift offers an accessory that makes it a drive on. it's two ramps that attach to the arms. i don't have it but i guess it would be good for storage or alignment work and give you the best of both worlds.
mac

[Terry Schimmel]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Anyone have experience with Eagle 4 post lifts?

[John D.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

I have an Eagle 2 post, it works great. Another chapter member has an eagle 4 post only thing I didn't like is he had to bolt it to the floor.

[J M.]

Re: 2 Post vs. 4 Post lift

Anybody have experience with Bend-Pak as sold by Garage Equipment Supply? I've been looking at one of their 4 posts and they seem to be well made and priced right.