2~Post Car Lift VS 4~Post Lift

[dadsbee]

I even covered for an fore and aft movement cause by uneven loading it you look!

 

[747mopar]

I even covered for an fore and aft movement cause by uneven loading it you look!

In my case I have a top crossbar so all I have to do is trap it. I'll likely mount box tubing to the ceiling then just weld a couple downward pieces to trap the top bar without having to attach it.

 

[wldgtx]

I believe the OP has the answer he was looking for however I will weight in on this. I went back and forth quite a bit when shopping for a lift. The pros and cons can make a person crazy, then shopping for features, convenience, etc... Anyway, I bought a 4 post for the convenience of stacking cars.

I also picked up the jacks to jack the car up once on the lift to have the ease of brakes, etc. The biggest complaint I have with the 4 post is the lack of access to the underside for certain situations. I have only had the issue once and I was able to work around it.

The only other detail that may be a factor is cost. When I was shopping there was a large gap in costs between the different lifts.

 

[Deanfitz27]

I love my 2 post. I bought it for my diesel trucks as it's a 12 000 lbs. But it comes in handy for my roadrunner

 

[Budnicks]

I didn't see it covered
sorry if it's redundant...

Ceiling height is a big issue with most 2 post lifts
to get the car/truck etc. up over 70" head clearance
Like my Dakota is 72" at the top of the roof, not the biggest rig
(now most cars are quite a bit shorter, but that really limits the usage of the lift)
by any stretch & be able to raise it 70" {sort of industry std.}
+ the cars/trucks roof height, to be under it 'sort of comfortably'
not have to act like the hunch back of Notre Dame
{I'm 6'2" that's 74" & shrinking, if you're short no big deal}
that is 142"s min. in my case to 146"s of overall height,
almost 12 foot (2" shy) to 12' 2" @ a min. (12' +) in the clear
not taking in account, for any upper bracings, that some lifts do have
then you need that much more room/ceiling clearances

with no obstructions above it, like roll up or the garage doors,
garage door openers, ceiling fans, ceiling lights, heaters, hose/cord reals etc.

now if you're just doing wheels & tires or brakes etc.
not standing underneath it much
the restricted lift height is an OK deal

you in many or most cases, for full lift capabilities,
you need a 12 foot or higher ceilings

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disclaimer; edited & added a few *** for the Douchebag A-hole Loser
'Know it all expert' responding below,
that never gives any help to anyone ever here, just insults & critiques
*** Or for those that don't know any better or can't use basic logic or read instructions
JUST for the garage hobbyist, reg. cars not a 10,000# commercial operation...

the thicker floor is for weight load too,
'it's a lot of weight in a small contact area'
it's not just to keep it from tipping over,
'not much for the lags or anchors to bolt to/hold on to'
even if you have it supported by the roof
maybe if it's (roof attachment points) has 'load bearing'
that could help some too, as far as weight goes

especially in earthquake country, like NorCal or SoCal....

*** IMO 3.5"-4" really isn't enough concrete for a 2 post lift

other than the height of the lift issues
they do make some shorter physical lift heights
for the 2 posters too

some food for thought

*** I do know a couple guys
who got 1/2" steel plates/beveled edges, so not a trip hazard
on the outside of the lifts feet, almost flush with the inside
about (IIRC) 3' 6" x 3' 6" (42" sq. maybe 4' sq.)
2 plates anchored directly to the concrete floor, with lead redheads on corners
& then attached (hole drilled & threaded in the steel plates),
or install studs (or countersunk bolts from the bottom side, before they are anchored)
& the lift secured to the steel plates,
it helps disperse the weight over a much larger area/larger foot print
the thinner 3.5" - 4" concrete, can/will hold up much better
*** not necessarily recommended

but so far so good, sturdy as hell

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My attached garage 20' x 20' little track home garage
is a bit under 11' ceilings (much higher than most home have)
so a 2 post hi-lift is completely ruled out
unless I go with a restricted lift, but why have a lift restricted
Now my rear Carport has 14' ceilings
so it will be where I put a lift eventually...
I will also have 'an in ground 5' deep pit, with grates over it'
on the other side on the carport 'I plan to have an assembly area',
that has a lower ceiling
that I can get under cars too, I plan on having a limited lift
4 poster also, use as a stackable/storage, over that area...

carry on
just my $0.25 cents worth

 

[dadsbee]

I guess 10' 4" ceilings just aren't enough.. I'm 5' 10"

 

[747mopar]

I guess 10' 4" ceilings just aren't enough.. I'm 5' 10"
View attachment 745580

If you don't mind the cables going across the floor, closer to 13' if overhead and I'm 5'8.

 

[steve from staten island]

Consult the lifts manufacturer for mounting specs. Or qualified licensed and insured installers recommended by lift maker. There are reasons why lift makers specify not only minimum concrete thickness but concrete PSI. Some dont have a clue to the advise they have no business handing out.

 

[Budnicks]

Consult the lifts manufacturer for mounting specs. Or qualified licensed and insured installers recommended by lift maker. There are reasons why lift makers specify not only minimum concrete thickness but concrete PSI. Some dont have a clue to the advise they have no business handing out.

Like you... mr. red X m-fer, know nothing
I can read thru the vale insults & your vague attempts
to insult my intelligence, my knowledge...

--------------------------------------------
A lot more in my post than just one little part

I worked at/for 125 automotive dealership
many in states with very strict & stringent requirements
I did quite a few & knew a few installers personally
All mine were properly permitted & inspected by city or county
building dept. too

I know exactly what I'm talking about...

I'm not just spreading BS butt-hurt hatred constantly
like some here (you) always do...

get over yourself

 

[steve from staten island]

I know your the engineer, the guy who installed 1000 kitchens, the guy who built a gun range ( and then was the night manager, I still dont get that) all those dealerships. So heres the thing, your either the smartest guy and should be very wealthy after all you retired early or full of ****.
Now since your so easily offended let me say this. You yourself stated 3 to 4 inches of concrete was not sufficient enough, not even taking into account the mix PSI. Thats about the only thing you were correct about. I dont know what you know or dont know. I suspect your a bull **** artist who tries to make himself out to be more then he really is. But hey thats your thing.
Ive installed many many base plates in concrete and steel and have worked with real iron workers, licensed engineers.
Your advise was wrong.
Suck it up

 

[Budnicks]

I know your the engineer, the guy who installed 1000 kitchens, the guy who built a gun range ( and then was the night manager, I still dont get that) all those dealerships. So heres the thing, your either the smartest guy and should be very wealthy after all you retired early or full of ****.
Now since your so easily offended let me say this. You yourself stated 3 to 4 inches of concrete was not sufficient enough, not even taking into account the mix PSI. Thats about the only thing you were correct about. I dont know what you know or dont know. I suspect your a bull **** artist who tries to make himself out to be more then he really is. But hey thats your thing.
Ive installed many many base plates in concrete and steel and have worked with real iron workers, licensed engineers.
Your advise was wrong.
Suck it up

for a hobbyist in a home garage, lifting his 3500# car
& not lifting 10,000 # rigs
like most all the people on here, it'd be just fine

for commercial use, no I wouldn't even suggest that
I'd make them pour footers, add rebar & pay all the extra costs
& get permits

not have some hack scab like you do any work, ever

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right back at ya', f-n Loooooooooser
we all know you're just another butt-hurt Douchebag
trying to get some kind of revenge by insulting me
& what I've done

 

[steve from staten island]

for a hobbyist in a home garage, lifting his 3500# car
& not lifting 10,000 # rigs
like most all the people on here, it'd be just fine

for commercial use, no I wouldn't even suggest that
I'd make them pour footers, add rebar & pay all the extra costs
& get permits

not have some hack scab like you do any work, ever

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right back at ya', f-n Looser
we all know you're just another butt-hurt Douchebag
trying to get some kind of revenge by insulting me
& what I've done
View attachment 747582

Your still wrong and gave bad advise, now your back tracking and making excuses. Im not insulting you, after all your the expert, you tell us all the time.
Why would I ever want to get revenge on you?

 

[kiwigtx]

 

[YY1]

...and this is why we shouldn't have a politics forum.

 

[moparcrazy]

...and this is why we shouldn't have a politics forum.

lol why, where all grown Men, we all talk **** its part of life, at the end of the day its the cars That bring us all together, its imposable to always agree, and that's Ok ! Talk ****, fight, have a beer enjoy our cars... that's it, as simple as that.