Garage lift recommendations

[Obioban]

so I considered that option. It looks like the posts are pretty heavy and may require some type of heavy equipment to lift.

can you comment on that?

I used my dad’s tractor and a pulley system we jury rigged to get the posts up for our old 2 post.

4 post posts are pretty small/light— could do by hand.

[SpaceJockey]

so I considered that option. It looks like the posts are pretty heavy and may require some type of heavy equipment to lift.

can you comment on that?

The ramps (or whatever - the platforms the car sits on) are the heavy part. A buddy and I were able to move them into place using a floor jack and his above average strength. That is the hardest part. Posts are heavy but not impossible. However, I bought my lift from Greg Smith Equipment and had to have a forklift handy to remove it from the truck. Luckily I had a buddy with one.

[02_lsb]

Just DIY the lift install :P

so I considered that option. It looks like the posts are pretty heavy and may require some type of heavy equipment to lift.

can you comment on that?

[Obioban]

Just DIY the lift install :P

[02_lsb]

I haven’t looked into this project in a little while, but I was getting quotes from $4-6k plus the cost of a new vertical garage motor and re-routing the rails to accommodate for additional clearance.

what are you guys paying for 4 post lifts?

[FCD46]

Also height requirements would be ideal.

building a home currently and the builder is limited to 9ft per city permits. I want to see my options but might end up hiring a contractor afterwards to raise the ceiling in the garage. 1 story, so nothing is above it but attic space.

quickjack is a must, lift is the dream if I can make it fit.

Dont need to store a car under, but if you have those heights too I guess shoot them over!

[S3diment]

What are the floor requirements? Does an engineer have to come out?

[Tonggi]

+1 for the Atlas 4 Post. Love mine. Obioban's 4-Post/QuikJack Combo is next level. Got me thinking...

What was cost plus install? I am looking into getting one but first need to get a car to park underneath it

[SpaceJockey]

+1 for the Atlas 4 Post. Love mine. Obioban's 4-Post/QuikJack Combo is next level. Got me thinking...

[Obioban]

Taking the e36 for a spin is no brief task

[Toby22]

Damn you guys making me jealous. My underbody would be showroom mint if I had a garage/lift like these would make working on the car so fun

[F1Dryvr]

What if u wanted to pull the engine, or engien and trans, drop the rear subframe...would the 4 post put up any barriers to that?

[TexaZ3]

I contemplated this for a long time, eventually went with a 4-post due to ability to store the car under, and not having to worry about suspension hanging. The only thing you can't do on a 4-post is some suspension work, but with a setup like Ians' - there is no limit. I loved my Atlas HD8000 so much, I bought second one.

[foolio]

I have a two post and a scissor lift. Will likely add a 4-post this year. They all have their advantages. I have the scissor because my garage was not high enough before I moved. Then I got the two post as my garage/shop now has plenty of height. Would like to round it out with a 4-post due to the advantages it has to offer not the least of which will be storage of my track car in the winter.

[Obioban]

From a pure maintenance standpoint, I think its difficult to argue with the maximum underside access a 2 post provides. If you need the car settled on suspension for setup, or want to store a car underneath, then I can appreciate the 4 post option. I have a 2 post and have never used a 4 post, so take that for what its worth, but I would make the same decision all day long.

The Atlas BP8000 is suited for low ceiling garages (if that's an issue) and the jack pads are 3 1/2" minimum height. All of those mattered to me so that's why I selected it.

From a maintenance standpoint, most of it is easier with a 4 post. You just drive on and lift the car-- no careful positioning of the car and/or arms, or jacking the car to fit the arms under (if you're lowered).

The only maintenance I can think of that was easier on my 2 post than my 4 post was brake stuff. Even then, sticking the quick jack in isn't particularly more work than positioning the arms used to be.

Other than that, 4 post is easier for maintenance. Fluid changes are way easier, cooling system stuff is easier, and most suspension stuff needs preload-- so also easier.

what brand lift is it? Can you share the cost, installed?

It's a "Direct Lift", but I don't necessarily recommend it-- came with the house.