Those who know me know that I enjoy doing my own wrenching. I am getting tired of using jackstands though, and I think it is time to buy a lift. Height isn't an issue; I have 12' ceilings in my shop.

I am pretty sure I want a 2-post Assymetrical lift, but I am open to suggestions.

Any thoughts on the 4-post "drive-on" type lifts? Those seem to be quick and easy, but anytime you have to do suspension work, it would seem that you have to break out the jack stands again.

Also, what brands are good? BendPak? Rotary? what about the lesser expensive ones? any help from you shop owners would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

I don't know much about whats out there but as far as 2 post vs. 4 post, I would say 2 post hands down.

 

Andrew, rotary and BendPak both make excellent lifts, however for the DIY guy at home it might be a little overkill granted you'll be spending $6,000 or more + installation on a new lift. So depending on what kind of work you will be mainly doing will dictate whether you should purchase a drive-on or 2 / 4 post lift. I'd recommend a single 2 post lift with low profile arms so you can get around cars with bodykits.

There is an Australian lift manufacturer that is floating around EBAY that has really good feedback and a very fair price on their lift.

 

Harborfreight sells lifts for pretty reasonable prices; both drive on and two post designs. No idea on the quality, though.

 

I have been using the Rotary lifts for several years here in SD, very reliable from what I can tell. Oh and they are the only ones I was able to use when my car was really dropped and had the INGS side skirts on it.

 

http://www.bendpak.com/cart_product_...=215&cat_id=46

I have that exact same one. I have a 14' ceiling and I can still go under (walk) of a pickup/small gmc/chevy van.

I ordered it to my house and my dad and I installed it that night (3hrs).

Simple install with almost simple/everyday tools.

 

Also the Rotary lifts allow you to fully open your doors when it the car is on it.Thsi is great for doing wiring and other stuff like that since you can lift up the car a little, open the door all the way and be comfortable while you do your work.

 

2 post for working,4 post for storage.4 post center jacks double the cost and you will not have room for an engine hoist in the front.

 

Yeah..... We're getting a lift! Uhhhhhh I mean your getting a lift!

JET

 

Get a two-post, that way you can drop the motor/trans right out the bottom in a couple of hours or less if needed .

 

there is a sweet Rotary lift on the KA forum for sale. used once, retails for 6500, selling for 3500, all power, air hookups. it very nice.

 

On the 2-posters, are there any disadvantages to going with an asymmetical lift? I like that you can open the doors on an asymmetrical lift.

thanks for all the replies!

 

 

Little high for your application, but this is the lift we've been using at our club shop location and have had good results so far. They have a low ceiling version as well.

http://www.americanautomotiveequipme...ts-p/tp09a.htm

 

I need to measure the ceilign height at my warehouse/shop. I am guesstimating that it is 12' ceiling heights. I noticed that several lifts have are right around 12' max height.