Garage lift recommendations

[Obioban]

4 post isn't fun when doing suspension work, so to anyone who gets a 4 post you MUST get the rolling jack that is generally an optional extra, I use the heck of the rolling jack.

Even better would be a set of quick jacks on top of the 4 post for those times you know it'll have to be off the ground for a while. I've seen Obioban has this setup, looks the best of both worlds although a 2 post is still undeniably easier for certain jobs.

I just use jack stands on my 4 post like when I recently did my reinforcement bar, just always be very careful (slow) when raising/lowering a car on jack stands on a 4 post.
Kind of common sense stuff.

There’s lots of suspension work I only use a 4 post for— anything that requires preload!

[Cubieman]

I still think 2 posts are for working on cars and 4 posts are for storage. Obviously you can store a car on a 2 post and work on a 4 post but for the most part IMO they fit different needs and get the one based off of that.

I agree 100%, my lift was bought for storage mainly and it of course is great for working on vehicle. I want a 2 post but worried about storing a vehicle over the winter on it as you are letting the suspension droop for a long time as well as having all the weight on your jack points, maybe these aren't really valid concerns.

I may get a 2nd lift and that would be a two post IF 4+ month storage on a 2 post isn't as bad of a thing like I am thinking it is.

[George Hill]

I still think 2 posts are for working on cars and 4 posts are for storage. Obviously you can store a car on a 2 post and work on a 4 post but for the most part IMO they fit different needs and get the one based off of that.

[Cubieman]

4 post isn't fun when doing suspension work, so to anyone who gets a 4 post you MUST get the rolling jack that is generally an optional extra, I use the heck of the rolling jack.

Even better would be a set of quick jacks on top of the 4 post for those times you know it'll have to be off the ground for a while. I've seen Obioban has this setup, looks the best of both worlds although a 2 post is still undeniably easier for certain jobs.

I just use jack stands on my 4 post like when I recently did my reinforcement bar, just always be very careful (slow) when raising/lowering a car on jack stands on a 4 post.
Kind of common sense stuff.

[Joy Liu]

4 post lift would be better for general use and durability reasons since it can hold more weight. But you need to find out if it can fit into your garage. you can check this measurements drawings for your reference.

[eacmen]

you know that guy from tictoc that goes up to people in exotic cars and asks them what they do for a living???

we gotta send him to your house

Getting off topic…

Not saying this is the case here, but you would be surprised how many exotic owners are not “one-percenters”

Most exotics you can buy and drive then sell used for break even or even more than what you bought it for. Agreed upon insurance protects you from the downside of an accident.

So the direct cost would be insurance and bank note. Which is effectively a mortgage payment. Drive it for a few years, sell it. Rinse wash repeat.

[TexaZ3]

Thanks. That would give me 9.5 inches clearance between the top car and the garage ceiling.
And a heart attack every time I have to lift the platform to unhook it and lower it... 🤣

I have made tape marks on the post and platform runner to know which height is my max for all my cars. That way you don't have to look all the time. Its tight, but doable.

[Maxima SE]

I have been pretty happy with my 4 post... planning to get a center hydraulic bridge for it this year, for wheels off service

you know that guy from tictoc that goes up to people in exotic cars and asks them what they do for a living???

we gotta send him to your house

[nuc1]

Thanks. That would give me 9.5 inches clearance between the top car and the garage ceiling.
And a heart attack every time I have to lift the platform to unhook it and lower it... 🤣

Nah. A mirror goes a long way. Or some yellow tape to mark the “crush car above here” line. Or if you’re a geek a limit switch to cut power to the lift at a certain height.

Mike

[GS-skiracer]

I had about 2 inches clearance between the Tundra and bottom of the ramps. The lift doesn’t move down when it’s on the locks. The Tundra didn’t get any taller.
May want to shrink your “on the safe side” measurement.

Mike

Thanks. That would give me 9.5 inches clearance between the top car and the garage ceiling.
And a heart attack every time I have to lift the platform to unhook it and lower it... 🤣

[nuc1]

https://ddmgaragedoors.com/index.php

Mike

[Sid_E46]

Anyone have any tips/places to source parts for lifting a garage door. I have had a wall mount garage door opener sitting for 2 years now and haven't found any store with dedicated "garage lifting" parts.

[nuc1]

Okay, guys, help me out with the math here. I'm hoping those of you with a lift might chime in.

I have a 10-2 foot-high ceiling in my garage. I want to install a four-post lift (Rotary Revolution RFP8).
From what I've read online, there are quite a number of people installing lifts with only 10 feet or so of clearance and making it work.

I need to stack up an E36 M3 and an E46 M3 for storage.

Car on top - E36 M3: 52 inches height (lowered).
Ramp height: 4.5 inches.
Car on the bottom - E46 M3: 54 inches height.
Clearance between bottom car and ramps overhead: I figure 6 inches to be on the safe side.
Total: 116.5

That leaves 5.5 inches of clearance between the top car and the ceiling.
I don't see how that can realistically work given the usual 4-inch spacing between the catches and having to go up a bit to release them,
unless you leave 2 inches of clearance between the bottom car and the overhead ramps. Is that feasible?

If someone is making it work with ~10 feet, I'd like to hear how it's possible. Thanks!

I had about 2 inches clearance between the Tundra and bottom of the ramps. The lift doesn’t move down when it’s on the locks. The Tundra didn’t get any taller.
May want to shrink your “on the safe side” measurement.

Mike

[Obioban]

Nice job with the water level. Just curious - have you seen different results with the car rolled into scales vs dropped onto them? I've always understood the car should roll onto the scales, and that lowering from a lifted position artificially loads the suspension and gives wonky numbers.

That’s why I have those vinyl slip plates, and a rock the car bunch… and I do a drive off/on for a final check.

[R717]

Nice job with the water level. Just curious - have you seen different results with the car rolled into scales vs dropped onto them? I've always understood the car should roll onto the scales, and that lowering from a lifted position artificially loads the suspension and gives wonky numbers.