Lift choices - 2 post or 4 post? | FerrariChat

Lift choices - 2 post or 4 post?

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by Alden, Apr 22, 2015.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 25, 2010
    3,601
    Central Florida
    I am looking for a way to store my current Jag and a Mondial in my three car garage, as soon as I find the right Mondial to purchase.

    I am debating installing a two post vs four post lift.

    What are the advantages of one over the other?

    I understand that the 4 post is easier for storage because you simply drive the car onto the lift, where with a two post you have to position the lift arms under the car in order to raise it.

    I also understand that due to the low clearance under our cars, it is sometimes necessary to jack the car to get the arms of a 2 post underneath.

    I was also told that with a 4 post you may have to make accommodations to clear the front lower spoiler when loading and unloading.

    I was told by one manufacturer that the 2 post could be used for reasonable length of time storage and for service work too.

    I like the idea of having a 2 post for service work. They also seem to be priced lower than a similar four post. I am concerned about stability of the two post when used for storing the car for a few weeks between drives and any adverse effects caused by storing the car with the wheels "hanging" unsupported.

    I would like to hear from folks who have installed and used their lifts and see if I can avoid an "if only I had thought this through a bit more" scenario when I am done.
    Alden
     
  2. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    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.
     
  3. Lionworks Auto

    Lionworks Auto Formula 3

    Oct 16, 2013
    1,023
    Worthington OH
    Full Name:
    Ed
    4 posts also allows easier door opening and closing if park another car next or underneath.
     
  4. turbos7903

    turbos7903 F1 Rookie

    Mar 16, 2006
    3,742
    delaware
    Full Name:
    jon walton
    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
     
  5. mikeyr

    mikeyr Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2004
    2,154
    Santa Barbara, CA.
    Full Name:
    Mike Rambour
    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
     
  6. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 10, 2007
    6,758
    Lake Villa IL
    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.
     
  7. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 20, 2003
    16,673
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Full Name:
    Matt F
  8. bzubi

    bzubi Karting

    May 7, 2007
    138
    NOVA
    Full Name:
    Bashar Zubi
    #8 bzubi, Apr 23, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    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.
     
  10. jimrodgers

    jimrodgers Rookie

    Jan 25, 2009
    30
    Ohio
    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.
     
  11. Andrew D.

    Andrew D. F1 Rookie

    Jul 6, 2008
    3,979
    Goodwood Ontario
    Full Name:
    Andrew D.
    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. Andrew D.

    Andrew D. F1 Rookie

    Jul 6, 2008
    3,979
    Goodwood Ontario
    Full Name:
    Andrew D.
    12 feet for a 2post. Otherwise you are working stooped.You will notice it after 30 minutes on a long job.
     
  13. ttn27

    ttn27 Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2010
    1,131
    TX
    Full Name:
    TN
    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?
     
  14. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

    Feb 28, 2005
    4,208
    Full Name:
    chris
    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
     
  15. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 16, 2012
    3,693
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #15 up4speed, Apr 26, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,776
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    4-post all the way.
     
  17. Andrew D.

    Andrew D. F1 Rookie

    Jul 6, 2008
    3,979
    Goodwood Ontario
    Full Name:
    Andrew D.
    Well,its like the endless discussion between 9mm and .45ACP.
     
  18. slapahoe

    slapahoe Rookie

    Oct 9, 2007
    35
    Hi all building a new house and was wondering the optimal ceiling height for a four post lift? 12ft as previously mentioned? Thanks
     
  19. bocaf430

    bocaf430 Formula 3

    Jun 10, 2014
    1,361
    LI, boca raton
    I'm doing 12' in the new house I'm building
     
  20. Gerry328

    Gerry328 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 25, 2006
    2,435
    Home
    Full Name:
    Gerry
    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.
     

Share This Page