4 Post Lift, Your Experiance

[aotte1]

Thinking of buying a four post lift for garage, both short and long bed trucks. Mainly 64 to 72' trucks, both 4 and 2 wheel drive. The max vehicle weight would likely be a one ton single rear wheel truck, about 7000 lbs. Thinking of a "wide" 4 post lift. Any suggestions on what you like, including features that are good. What features are really important to condider? I do have 220 power available for it. Will use it both for rebuilding/restoration and storage. How did you purchase yours.

Thanks,
Les

[Softpatch]

when researching lift's
I choose a Two post and it has served me well.
Lifted many machines with it
Greg Smith.. online BP7000 under $1500 freighted easy set up
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what ever you choose the key is to anchor properly

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[PGSigns]

I got my lift from Eagle in North Carolina. It is a two post and it has worked well. I looked at both two and four post and for the type of work it would see most a two post was a better solution. If the primary use was storage to stack two cars in the same foot print I would have gone 4 post. Most of the work I do is suspension and engine and trans work so the 4 post is not the best solution for me.
Jimmy

[LT1 Burb]

Yeah, 4 is only good for storage unless you buy the expensive hardware, I chose 2 post also.

[vin63]

This will probably be moved to the Shop/Shop Safety forum. I use my 4 post lift for both storage and working on my hot rods (replaced and doubles for my chassis jig/fixture). I got mine through a local retailer. The motor runs on 110v. I've built and restored a couple of hot rods, as well as completing lots of service on my 4-post lift without the need for special hardware. The advantage for me is that I need flexibility with floor space, and being able to roll the lift around is a big plus for me.

For long bed trucks, double check the wheel base against the runner length of the model you're looking at, so you don't have to get extensions. My buddy recently did not do this and ended up with this predicament:

[68JOHNDEERE]

Greg Smith--9000 lb. capacity, it was about $1800 with delivery to WI.

My hoist is about 3 inches from the ceiling of my shed. I taped a paint stir stick pointing up at the ceiling, made a mark on the ceiling so when I am lifting vehicles I can see if they are somewhat centered on the lift to relieve some of the strain on the anchor bolts.Best investment ever!

[bowtieguy79]

Originally Posted by 68JOHNDEERE

Greg Smith--9000 lb. capacity, it was about $1800 with delivery to WI.

I also went with a 4 post atlas from Greg Smith. I have yet to bolt mine down to the floor. It came with casters that will allow you to move it around. I am very happy with it! Spring for the hand jacks that roll between the runners, a trans jack, and a oil catch can. You won't be sorry! i went with the 9k extra tall extra wide.

[AcampoDave]

This is good info. I have been looking at a 4post Bend-Pak flyer on my bullitin board for a while now.

[TJ's Chevy]

I would also go with a 2 post. We have one at the fire station and I've put my 64 on it several times for under carriage work. Nice thing about the two post is the Room.

[GMDad]

I also went with a 4 post. Didn't want to be on my hands and knees trying to get the arms of a 2 post lined up under the vehicle. Rolling bridges are a very good option but I never bought them with mine. I made up a couple of wooden cross rails and a platform where I can use my floor jack underneath. Mine ended up fairly close to the garage doors so am really glad I bought the aluminum ramps as they are usually taken off when the vehicle is loaded. Believe mine is 92" wide which is the narrow of the two as I also own MGs and they will fit on but my son's 2008 Chev Silverado mirrors won't fit between the posts. Would need the 96" wide hoist. Should have done it years ago.

[lobuck64]

I also went with a Atlas 4 post from greg smith eguip best addition to my shop perfect for doing body work used it to do several tranny swaps break jobs I anchored mine

[cg285]

2 post is much more versatile. probably do more wheel work than anything else. i have a 24k 4 post for bigger vehicles and the 2 post for all else. 2 post gets used the most

[Bigdav160]

Thinking of buying a four post lift for garage, both short and long bed trucks.

The only time I'll use a 4 post is for alignment duties so I won't tell you what to buy.

Just make sure your garage has lots of space. A 4 post lift takes up considerable more real estate than a 2 post.

[yote1234]

I bought a 12,000 lb 4 post from American over 20 years ago. very pleased. for brake jobs I slid a 2'x6" channel iron across the ramps and jack up the frame. again very happy...

[aotte1]

Thanks, everybody for your information.

Is Bendpac 9 series only one, that the runways side wider or closer. On wide it has 44" opening in middle. is this helpful vs say 37"s.

Any knowledge on quality of Bendpac 9 that is certified.

thanks,
Les