Lift choices - 2 post or 4 post?

Definitely go with the 4 post if your primary use is for storage.

You can still do work on it/underneath it if required.

I have used both for a very long time and prefer the 2 post myself as I do a lot of work on cars.

But if I needed to lift some cars up out of the way long term, I would buy a 4 post hoist.

 

4 posts also allows easier door opening and closing if park another car next or underneath.

 

4 post drive on lift with a hydraulic body lift so you can remove the wheels. Best of both worlds. Plus with the help of some friends and the wheels its movable. Jon in Delaware

 

get both

I have had a 4-post for 10+ years now and done lots of work under it, so they can be used for working on the car. I got a 2-post 3 years ago, now the 4-post is strictly a storage lift and the 2-post is for work.

I have also heard the same thing about a 2-post being bad on the suspension for long term storage

 

What kind of ceiling height do you have? Can squeeze a little more out with a 2 post lift as long as the roof of the car underneath fits between the tires of the car above.

(4 post will need to lift the top car up a bit more to clear tire depth and thickness of the lift itself in order to park underneath).

But, if you have the height, 4 post is going to be way easier for storage.

2 post much better for mechanical work, IMO.

 

A little search shows that this has been discussed at length before.

For example:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/443667-lift-two-four-post.html

Matt

 

All the way
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A 4 post with trolley jacks is a good compromise for minor maintenance and primarily storage. If you are doing major service work you want a 2 post. I have a Mohawk A7 and use it to store my car during the winter. In theory this is not great for suspension bushings, but in practice I doubt it matters much and I personally have seen no ill effects.

With a 2 post you need to make sure your concrete is up to snuff. Many manufacturers dance around what is really required, but Mohawk is pretty clear and has good installation details that I would recommend you use if going with a two post. In my case I ended up redoing the garage floor between the two lift posts to make sure everything would be strong enough.

 

I have had a 4 post lift for the past 5 years. I primarily use it for storage however I spend most of the winter cleaning every part of the car including the underside. I have no problems getting on by myself and I have plenty of clearance. I have an '09 F430 Spider and a '12 Turbo S Cabriolet.

 

s I've said before,I have a 2 post and a 4 post. Totally different robots. Use the 2 post for work, can use for storage in winter but watch the drips from the car above. Use the 4 post for storage. Built in drip trays underneath prevent damage to the car below. Only useful for some work in the midline, need extra lifts to work on wheels and brakes.Assymetrical 2 post best-no door dings.

 

12 feet for a 2post. Otherwise you are working stooped.You will notice it after 30 minutes on a long job.

 

Just out of curiosity, are you able to close the close convertible top of the spider without hitting the middle rail bar of the garage door opener?

 

Go for a 4 post hoist......have done 2 engine outs.....soon to do a third.....plus you have storage as well. There is very little you cannot do with a 4 post hoist.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/234071-355-engine-out-4-post-hoist-safe-way-pictures.html?highlight=355+engine+post+hoist

 

Go for a 4 post with 2 rolling jacks. It's great for parking and you could pretty much do any repair.
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4-post all the way.

 

Well,its like the endless discussion between 9mm and .45ACP.

 

Hi all building a new house and was wondering the optimal ceiling height for a four post lift? 12ft as previously mentioned? Thanks

 

I'm doing 12' in the new house I'm building

 

My lift is used primarily for storage, so I went for a single post cantilevered lift. It has been great and no posts in the middle means our 2-car garage has no obstructions.