Lift Suggestions

I am considering a lift for my garage. I have a buddy who has the drive on type with ramps where the car sits on its tires. Some of these types of lifts have additional jacks so you can still work while the car is lifted off its suspension. I was thinking that with our side exhausts we may not have clear access to the entire bottom of the car, especially the suspension components. This leaves us with the 4 point arm type of lift option. (The type most all auto shops use) This gives full access to the belly but leaves the suspension dangling. Does anyone know if this does damage to the suspension or shocks if the car is stored between races in the raised position? Referencing brands and models of lifts that you are pleased with would be greatly appreciated.

Uwe,
I've had a two post asymmetric four arm lift for 12 years. I can't remember the brand, but it has been a God send. I found leaving my '69 Mustang up on it for extended periods stressed the shock upper eyelet rubber bushings and they split. They were 30 years old. The race car has no rubber bushings so I can't see how it will hurt it. Units like mine are available for $2000- $2500.

I was able to install it myself (less the electrical) with help from one other. I did rent a fork lift to off load it from my pick up after terminal pick up. Once I got it broken down, the individual parts could be moved by hand. You will need 6 inches of reinforced (rebar) concrete as a base for the posts. Most garages have 4 inches so it might require a little demo and reconstruction of the pad in the area of the posts. You also need 12 feet of overhead clearance. The pump was 220 volts, 30 amp circuit. I used the electric dryer circuit.

The cable actuator for the mechanical lock for the off side carriage never worked properly. That's something to check out with the maker to be sure their system will actually disengage the off side lock from the pump side for lowering. I have to raise it from a stop, move to the off side lock and block it in the unlocked position before I can lower the lift.

Mine has a very low profile floor plate for the hydraulics, equalizer cables and lock cable to the off side rather than an overhead bridge. This reduces the overhead clearance to the 12 feet mentioned above. I believe the overhead bridge type requires an additional 1 to 2 feet of clearance. To get the arms under a low ground clearance car, I have some 2x12 boards I drive it onto. Mine is a 6 ton unit. I've had a 3/4 ton suburban and an extended cab F150 on it without problem.

I like the asymmetric design to keep the posts farther forward in the garage area. I wanted maximum under car access which a two post arm lift gives you. If I need to compress the suspension, I use jack stands and the lift to lower it onto them. I find I rarely have need of that.
Hope this helps,
Mike

Not sure about whether the suspension can be harmed by hanging - I can't imagine it would be but who knows.

As for a lift. Check this out. Supposed to hit the market next month. 4 post lift that will fit in garages with "regular" ceilings. Pretty trick.

http://www.maxjaxusa.com/index.html

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5e5c8euXEw


http://www.maxjaxusa.com/maxjax-lifting-system/image-gallery/maxjax-lift-system.jpg

I have an eagle lift. We store 1 car up and one under it for years. No damage yet. I have a 4" thick slab per the manual. ours cars are VERY light considering the lift will hold more than double our cars plus I got the small lift so it didnt need more concrete and cost more.

2-post lift is the only way to go if your going to work on the cars. I too have to unlock the lower hooks one on each side before lowering but its not that big of a deal. I also have 2x12's tapcon'ed to the floor to drive up on. They sell more expensive lifts with lower clearance but they are much more.

http://www.eagleequip.com/page/EE/PROD/LI-ETP/MTP-9A

$1799 plus shipping. I used a bobcat with front forklift forks to offload the delivery truck and move around into position. It was easy to install.

Lifts are like welders and air compressors. They are really handy and after you have had one for a while you can't live without them. When buying epuipment I try to buy larger than I need because some day you are going to need it to be larger. For example when I got my lift the largest vehicle I had was a Chevy 1500 now I have a 2500. I am glad I bought a 9000lbs lift. One thing to look at when buying a lift is how the pads adjust for different hights. Try to find one that is low car friendly.

David

Thanks fellas, I knew I knew I was asking the right guys, Looks like the 4 point lift has it. Functionality, less space, and no ramps to trip over. Also no negatives in terms of storing the car overhead. Believe it or not my garage floor is 16" thick. Way over-engineered because I live in the hills. The structural engineer definitely did a CYA but I'm not complaining.

Jim, thanks for the link. Looks good but I want to be able to walk under it.

We have a lift from Greg Smith Equipment, it is an 8000 series. We had the lift tow days after we placed the order. We are impressed with the quality/$$$ of this lift. I think they ended up selling it to us for around $1,600.00 think http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Vehicle_2_Post_Lifts_s/37.htm (http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Vehicle_2_Post_Lifts_s/37.htm)

We have a lift from Greg Smith Equipment, it is an 8000 series. We had the lift tow days after we placed the order. We are impressed with the quality/$$$ of this lift. I think they ended up selling it to us for around $1,600.00 think http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Vehicle_2_Post_Lifts_s/37.htm (http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Vehicle_2_Post_Lifts_s/37.htm)

I have a 4 post lift, its a true godsend

Anyone out there try one of these, from Bend Pak?
http://www.asedeals.com/AS7jpg.jpg

Spendy-over 5 Grand. The extra side maneuvering clearance would be helpful in my garage setup. I park offset to the side of my garage door. Eric, on your 4 poster-are you using the optional lifting jacks to do suspension work? I wish I could find a single post, 4 point lift which had a drive-on platform that could be left on the ground when suspension work is necessary. I really don't want to leave my Porsche's suspension dangling long term. Probably can't find all the options I am wishing for.

In my home garage I have a 4 post ramp lift to stack and store 2 sports cars. Not really of much use to work on the cars, but doubles garage space.

At the track garage we installed a 220v 2 post lift and it makes working on the cars much easier especially changing tires etc.

Have several friends with lifts and as far as I can tell all of the $1500-2000 "internet" lifts are about the same (identical) made in China. Some have US made hydraulic pumps and you have to decide 220 or 110v. I think 110v works fine at home. Some have air releases for the interlocks vs. mechanical lever....so make sure you have air source if you pick this one.

Personally I would negotiate a delivered and installled price on a 6000# 2 post as these are heavy and a PIA to put together. I would bet you could get one off the net installed for <$2500 maybe <$2k.

Kevin