[pvas540]

I'm considering buying a car lift for storage and leaning toward a 4 post. Some have said a 2 post might be fine, but I like the 4 post and was looking for any feedback.

Thanks

[Efthreeoh]

I have a 2-Post Rotary that I use for working on cars. I occasionally use it for storage to pack my vehicles in my garage in very severe bad weather, but it is just for a day or two. You can leave a car on a two post lift as long as you want; the instructions do not advise against it (at least not Rotary) and it won't hurt the lift. However the suspension of the car will be free hanging, which I'd assume is probably not good for shocks and bushings (good for tires though ).

I have two friends that have 4-post lifts they primarily use for storage and occasional auto work. 4-posters take up more room in the garage, but do allow for indefinite storage without harm to the car's suspension. 4-Post lifts are just as good for driveline service as a two-post lift, but are more difficult for suspension and brake work; but better than on jackstands on the floor though. Most 4-post lifts I've seen have capacity for using hydraulic jacks to lift the car off its wheels and set it on jackstands while it is on the lift for the purpose of wheel and suspension work.

Bottom line is if your primary purpose is storage, go for the 4-post lift it is better for the car.

[roadkillrob]

Like above, the 4 post is better for continued storage, but takes up more room in the garage and makes the bottom of the car far less accessible. The 2 post takes up very little room and is better if your primary focus is working on the car.

[Dark_Knight_335]

I guess the bigger question here is why would anybody want to store their car up on the lift (unless of course there's enough clearance to get a car underneath.)

[MalcolmV8]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

I guess the bigger question here is why would anybody want to store their car up on the lift (unless of course there's enough clearance to get a car underneath.)

That's usually always the case. Lift one up and drive a second under it.

[dynamicscorp]

As others have stated, it depends completely on what your doing with it. I have a four post, and now wish I had gone the two post route, as it is much easier to work on the undercarriage.

If you do go four post, get one that has the option to run a scissor jack along the inside to lift the car off its wheels, it gets rid of some of the disadvantages of the four post...

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

I guess the bigger question here is why would anybody want to store their car up on the lift (unless of course there's enough clearance to get a car underneath.)

4-post lifts are designed exactly for storage of two vehicles in the same space.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Ah ok, I would have thought so, otherwise what would the advantage be?

When I look for my next digs, I definitely want to get a garage and ultimately a lift.

[dynamicscorp]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Ah ok, I would have thought so, otherwise what would the advantage be?

When I look for my next digs, I definitely want to get a garage and ultimately a lift.

No real advantage other than storage. More stability maybe, but not a lot, I FEEL safer underneath a 4 post, but I doubt it actually is. You also need air for a lot of 4 posts to actuate the lift locks, which could be a pain for some.

[pvas540]

Thanks guys. I asked because I purchased a 3500 sq ft warehouse I'm converting into a residence/loft. Living space approx 2500 sq ft and garage 1000 sq ft. Ceiling are 12' and 14' at opposite ends allowing for high storage. I own several BMW's, Porsche, Tacoma, R1 and a trailer. That being said I'll stack a vehicle on top and one below the car lift. The 4 post sounds like the best solution and allows suspension not to be hanging. Question answered and feedback appreciated!! Maybe later I'll add a second lift.

[Bavarian Tech]

I prefer the traditional two most as my favorite ;-)

[stashtrey]

I would be in heaven with a 2 post lift at home. Good lord.

[MalcolmV8]

What's an average 2 post cost? Unfortunately only my 3rd garage where I keep my truck is tall enough for one. Would have been great if I could put on in the main shop. I would have gotten one years ago.

[Myrder]

I have a 4 post at home. Did the clutch swap with it. Makes a world of difference

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by stashtrey

I would be in heaven with a 2 post lift at home. Good lord.

That's going to be my first house mod...when I get a home :P

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by MalcolmV8

What's an average 2 post cost? Unfortunately only my 3rd garage where I keep my truck is tall enough for one. Would have been great if I could put on in the main shop. I would have gotten one years ago.

I paid $3,500 installed for my Rotary 9 years ago. I don't think they've increased much in price. Northern tool has pricing for Bend Pack and Rotary (last I checked). My advice is find the local commercial auto tool supplier in your area and have them sell it to you and install it.

I'm not sure about Bend Pack, but Rotary has a 2-post lift sized for 9-foot ceilings. Most 2-post lifts need 12-foot ceiling height.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by pvas540

Thanks guys. I asked because I purchased a 3500 sq ft warehouse I'm converting into a residence/loft. Living space approx 2500 sq ft and garage 1000 sq ft. Ceiling are 12' and 14' at opposite ends allowing for high storage. I own several BMW's, Porsche, Tacoma, R1 and a trailer. That being said I'll stack a vehicle on top and one below the car lift. The 4 post sounds like the best solution and allows suspension not to be hanging. Question answered and feedback appreciated!! Maybe later I'll add a second lift.

1,000 sq. ft. is more than enough for a 4-post and a 2-post

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by stashtrey

I would be in heaven with a 2 post lift at home. Good lord.

Now you are getting the picture

[ChipB]

An option for those with limited space and ceiling height who just need a lift for occasional work is a portable 2-post lift: the Max Jax: http://maxjaxusa.com/

[crzylildude]

https://www.google.com/search?q=port...+lift&tbm=shop