4-Post

[entropy]

At the point in life where crawling around on the concrete is just not cutting it.
Looking at putting in a 4-post lift about the only thing is I will specify the taller lifting height & weight capacity. I'll want to be able to jack the rig up and change a tire or replace a complete axle so, some of the accessories will pad the bill
What else?

It is looking like I will need about $5k to start with...

E

[TheBandit]

Out of curiosity why a 4 post instead of a 2 post?

[entropy]

I'll grant that generally the 2 post is more versatile, but the slab has a flaw in the pour and has a crack in it in exactly the place where the 2 post would sit.
The existing slab would have to be cut out excavated and re-poured.
The 4 post eliminates all that cost, giving the 4-post the advantage.

[TheBandit]

That's too bad. I wonder if you could just cut, dig and pour new footings where the posts are and if that would be worth the added expense? When I think about what I would use a lift for (1) I almost always have the wheels/tires off for access to suspension or breaks and (2) I don't want the ramps blocking access under the rocker areas. I think a 4 post is a good option for vehicle storage, exhaust, and R&R transmissions, but otherwise I dunno.

[R.DesJardin]

I think a 4 post is a way to go, it seems I spend too much time with the door open doing things and a 2 post would be a pain. A 2 post is for pulling trans, not sure what other real advantage it has, I guess changing tires. Not sure the last time I did that though. I guess changing axles it would be easy to roll them out, but a 4 post with the jack carriage would let you do the same thing. An ongoing battle of my mind.

[entropy]

Originally Posted by R.DesJardin

I think a 4 post is a way to go, it seems I spend too much time with the door open doing things and a 2 post would be a pain. A 2 post is for pulling trans, not sure what other real advantage it has, I guess changing tires. Not sure the last time I did that though. I guess changing axles it would be easy to roll them out, but a 4 post with the jack carriage would let you do the same thing. An ongoing battle of my mind.

Good point on the doors!
& I'll feel better storing a rig up on the 4-post.

E

[entropy]

price varies big-time...

[R.DesJardin]

Originally Posted by entropy

Good point on the doors!
& I'll feel better storing a rig up on the 4-post.

E

And storing a second something under it when needed.

[entropy]

Originally Posted by R.DesJardin

And storing a second something under it when needed.

10-4

[stock93]

Having worked on both professionally, there's no way I'd have a 4 post as my only lift unless I just wanted it for vehicle storage and oil changes. It's ideal to have both but in a home shop that's just not practical.

[entropy]

Originally Posted by stock93

Having worked on both professionally, there's no way I'd have a 4 post as my only lift unless I just wanted it for vehicle storage and oil changes. It's ideal to have both but in a home shop that's just not practical.

My favorite shops have both.

The price of a lift with accessories is about the same 2 or 4-post.
That makes the 2 post about $2k more...
Still worth it for a semi-hobby shop?

E

[TheBandit]

Is that $2k the cost to cut a section, dig and pour footings for the 2 post?

I was thinking you could do something like this:

[entropy]

Originally Posted by TheBandit

Is that $2k the cost to cut a section, dig and pour footings for the 2 post?

the vid is close in concept, not in size.
Minimum 8" thick can't rely on existing slab at all so the slab is considerable larger, and thicker. Original slab has proven to fracture under stress and the 2-Post will bring the stress...

$2k was the minimum cost if the least materials required I gather that it has to be seismically stable too............. sheesh
The lift requirement is anchor bolts that are 6" long the concrete guy recommends 8" thick slab...

I'm learning

E

[CarterKraft]

I have a 2 post (symmetrical I think) that was free so give that some bias...

Everything I lift I am scared to shit it's going to fall off and smash me. Estimating the CG is very hard for me.

Working inside the cab while on the lift blows, really bad.

Aligning pads to hit the correct spots on a frame sucks and can require all kinds of adapters to reach some of the truck frame lift points. My lift may be particularly sucky at this. My FIL challenger lift was not as bad.

[entropy]

Originally Posted by CarterKraft

Everything I lift I am scared to shit it's going to fall off and smash me. Estimating the CG is very hard for me.

This!
I really do not like being under a 2-post.
Seen a car dropped one time years ago, made a lasting impression... on the car!
Scared the crap out of everyone in the building.

E

[TheBandit]

4 post lift is safer except for all the head concussions. Bridge jacks have to go pretty high for a lifted 4x4 though. 2 posts tend to be very versatile and have lots more access everywhere. CG estimation is less of a concern if you get a well-rated lift. Personally I just don't see a 4 post being nearly as useful or versatile as a 2 post. Just depends on how you want to use it. Pretty sure if it was me I would do what it takes to get a 2 post but I don't have the luxury of making this choice. I have a 3 car garage with an 8 ft ceiling. I'm going to have to dig a pit to get standing space under my car.

[stock93]

Ill put it this way, if I wanted to do suspension, brake, and axle work, I'd spend $2k more in a heartbeat if that's what it took to work on a 2 post. This is one of those cry once situations. I'd refer to the lift manufacturers info on concrete requirements. My 10k lb two post requires 4" of concrete.

[entropy]

Valuable input from ya'all I value all of the feed back!!
I'll take another run at this 2 post idea in a couple weeks after I get time to do some more research.
This has to be an out of pocket event and my pockets are fairly empty.
I'll keep the thread as I get closer to doing anything.
I'm getting a Gantry Crane delivered I hope this Saturday and I need to see how that is going to work in the space.

E

[R.DesJardin]

I've even been considering one of this style. Scissors Lift

[entropy]

The problem with a sight unseen Gantry Crane is they sometimes exceed your expectations... Great piece of equipment & 4 now just too big... Dagnubit!