Garage Lifts

yellow325ix · 12-19-2010, 09:27 AM

Guys,

I am looking for a lift for one of my stalls. I want to store my E30 and Datsun in the same spot. Need it both for storage and under carriage access to work on them both. I will be driving in and out so it needs to be practical and provide plenty of clearance. I have seen the pictures in the ultimate garage build threads but they don't discuss 2 post vs 4 post benefits.

What have you done, what works the best?

Thanks,
Tim

rsxstock · 12-19-2010, 09:46 AM

0:28

seems like 4 is safer but for either one you'll need a good foundation

yellow325ix · 12-19-2010, 09:49 AM

Yeah, that's ugly. 4 post seems better for sure. The backyard buddy offerings do not even have to be bolted to the floor.

Anyone have experience with them?

rsxstock · 12-19-2010, 10:07 AM

i see a lot of ppl using them. they seem very safe based on the wide column base

Starfire Auto · 12-19-2010, 04:06 PM

4 post doesnt let you work on the brakes/suspension/bushings. you would need to get another jack to lift the wheels. It does let you work under the car for oil changes/trans work/exhaust work.

2 post...yeah ive seen them fail but i would think its RARE. You have to get a 2 post professionally installed, you dont need an install on a 4 post

I use a mid rise lift at my shop. I dont spend a lot of time under it and it was only $500 (used, $2500 new). Pro: its easy, quick and simple 110v. Con: hard to access transmission and only goes about 4' high. Pic:

Coldintake · 12-19-2010, 04:28 PM

I would imagine you need substantial clearance on either side for a 2/4 post. I don't know if you have a 3 car garage and you want to use the middle one or something smaller?

Whatever you do, take your time, do your research and get some pros to do the job. I can't imagine anything more dangerous at home than a falling car.

yellow325ix · 12-19-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sync Wireless

2 post...yeah ive seen them fail but i would think its RARE. You have to get a 2 post professionally installed, you dont need an install on a 4 post

Are 2 posts really designed for long term storage of a vehicle? Seems like they are made for working on a car but not holding one in the air for months at a time. What do you think?

TrickTizzle · 12-19-2010, 05:05 PM

2 post.
You can't work on suspension with a 4 post.

Raymond42262 · 12-19-2010, 06:19 PM

Can you imagine the phone call to the owner of the van ?
Good afternoon Mr. Smith, uhhhhhhhhh, we had a little problem with your van today....
It is not going to be ready when we promised this afternoon.
Allow me to explain why, better yet.....I'll let you speak to my supervisor.

yellow325ix · 12-19-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickTizzle

2 post.
You can't work on suspension with a 4 post.

Same question, can you use a 2 post for long term vehicle storage. From what I have read, nobody says no but nobody says that you can do it.

Thoughts?

TrickTizzle · 12-19-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow325ix

Same question, can you use a 2 post for long term vehicle storage. From what I have read, nobody says no but nobody says that you can do it.

Thoughts?

I don't see why not. The lift locks when its up.

grkm3 · 12-19-2010, 07:16 PM

^^ this. As long as it's sitting on the locks I dont see a problem. Now, what happens if you store it for the Winter and when you go to lower it in the Spring the hydraulics are messed up? Like if one of the pistons was leaking.

TrickTizzle · 12-19-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grkm3

^^ this. As long as it's sitting on the locks I dont see a problem. Now, what happens if you store it for the Winter and when you go to lower it in the Spring the hydraulics are messed up? Like if one of the pistons was leaking.

When the lift is locked its not really relying on hydraullics.

And also I read one of the guys said 4 post is safer, despite what you may think, 2post are much safer and have a higher load rating.

yellow325ix · 05-11-2012, 08:03 PM

Finally breaking ground on Tues, turning my 3 stall into a five stall...now I will have plenty of room for a lift.

Any new thoughts on the best way to go?

00stephen · 05-11-2012, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow325ix

Finally breaking ground on Tues, turning my 3 stall into a five stall...now I will have plenty of room for a lift.

Any new thoughts on the best way to go?

Sounds like a four post for storage and non-suspension work, with a midlift tucked away for anything else.

yellow325ix · 05-11-2012, 08:37 PM

I think that one is all that I will do

Lexie330ci · 05-11-2012, 09:43 PM

check costco.com

Dibaltic · 05-12-2012, 12:39 AM

my dad has a 2 post lift in his garage. every winter we store a car on it for 3-4 months straight. never have had a problem doing this

E46330iguy · 05-12-2012, 12:43 AM

You can work on suspension with a 4 poster, Most of them have rails with 2 air powered jacks one in the front and one in the pack so you can lift the wheels off the ground, Most tire change places use them and the work fine and also have locking systems

ANREC330 · 05-12-2012, 12:58 AM

2 post will be fine. Only way I see a 2 post failing is by leaving a full sized truck or suv on it for long periods at a time.

12-19-2010, 09:27 AM	#1
yellow325ix OEM ///Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CR, IA Posts: 72 My Ride: 325ix, 750i View My Garage	Garage Lifts Guys, I am looking for a lift for one of my stalls. I want to store my E30 and Datsun in the same spot. Need it both for storage and under carriage access to work on them both. I will be driving in and out so it needs to be practical and provide plenty of clearance. I have seen the pictures in the ultimate garage build threads but they don't discuss 2 post vs 4 post benefits. What have you done, what works the best? Thanks, Tim

12-19-2010, 09:46 AM	#2
rsxstock Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 215 My Ride: 2001 325ci View My Garage	0:28 seems like 4 is safer but for either one you'll need a good foundation __________________

12-19-2010, 10:07 AM	#4
rsxstock Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 215 My Ride: 2001 325ci View My Garage	i see a lot of ppl using them. they seem very safe based on the wide column base __________________

12-19-2010, 04:06 PM	#5
Starfire Auto Past Site Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 4 My Ride: W/E I have in stock View My Garage	4 post doesnt let you work on the brakes/suspension/bushings. you would need to get another jack to lift the wheels. It does let you work under the car for oil changes/trans work/exhaust work. 2 post...yeah ive seen them fail but i would think its RARE. You have to get a 2 post professionally installed, you dont need an install on a 4 post I use a mid rise lift at my shop. I dont spend a lot of time under it and it was only $500 (used, $2500 new). Pro: its easy, quick and simple 110v. Con: hard to access transmission and only goes about 4' high. Pic: Last edited by Starfire Auto; 12-19-2010 at 04:10 PM.

12-19-2010, 04:28 PM	#6
Coldintake Registered OG User Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: LA(no more OC) Posts: 601 My Ride: Mid-engine beast View My Garage	I would imagine you need substantial clearance on either side for a 2/4 post. I don't know if you have a 3 car garage and you want to use the middle one or something smaller? Whatever you do, take your time, do your research and get some pros to do the job. I can't imagine anything more dangerous at home than a falling car. __________________

12-19-2010, 09:49 AM	#3
yellow325ix OEM ///Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CR, IA Posts: 72 My Ride: 325ix, 750i View My Garage	Yeah, that's ugly. 4 post seems better for sure. The backyard buddy offerings do not even have to be bolted to the floor. Anyone have experience with them?

12-19-2010, 05:05 PM	#8
TrickTizzle Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Minneapolis/Milwaukee Posts: 2,984 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	2 post. You can't work on suspension with a 4 post. __________________ TC Kline \| BMW Performance \| Active Autowerke .

12-19-2010, 06:19 PM	#9
Raymond42262 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The South Posts: 453 My Ride: Is German View My Garage	Can you imagine the phone call to the owner of the van ? Good afternoon Mr. Smith, uhhhhhhhhh, we had a little problem with your van today.... It is not going to be ready when we promised this afternoon. Allow me to explain why, better yet.....I'll let you speak to my supervisor. __________________ "The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for."....Joseph Addison --------------------

12-19-2010, 07:16 PM	#12
grkm3 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,892 My Ride: Money Pit View My Garage	^^ this. As long as it's sitting on the locks I dont see a problem. Now, what happens if you store it for the Winter and when you go to lower it in the Spring the hydraulics are messed up? Like if one of the pistons was leaking. __________________ 03 Steel Gray M3 - Imola Red Interior - SMGII - Premium - HK Sound Mods: VFE SC Stage 2, SS Ceramic Coated Stepped Headers, S-Pipe, X-Pipe, TMS Subframe Reinforcement, KWV2 Coilovers, TMS Camber Plates, Powerflex RTAB's, Rogue RSM's, ZCP F/R brakes Coming Soon: Open to suggestions Last edited by grkm3; 12-19-2010 at 07:18 PM.

05-11-2012, 08:03 PM	#14
yellow325ix OEM ///Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CR, IA Posts: 72 My Ride: 325ix, 750i View My Garage	Finally breaking ground on Tues, turning my 3 stall into a five stall...now I will have plenty of room for a lift. Any new thoughts on the best way to go?

05-11-2012, 08:37 PM	#16
yellow325ix OEM ///Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CR, IA Posts: 72 My Ride: 325ix, 750i View My Garage	I think that one is all that I will do

05-11-2012, 09:43 PM	#17
Lexie330ci ILCUTAWOOTIE Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 3,266 My Ride: 330ci View My Garage	check costco.com __________________ Need brakes? Bother Anthony Here!

05-12-2012, 12:39 AM	#18
Dibaltic Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Chambersburg, PA Posts: 484 My Ride: 325ci View My Garage	my dad has a 2 post lift in his garage. every winter we store a car on it for 3-4 months straight. never have had a problem doing this

05-12-2012, 12:43 AM	#19
E46330iguy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Canada,SK Posts: 2,392 My Ride: Supercharged 330i View My Garage	You can work on suspension with a 4 poster, Most of them have rails with 2 air powered jacks one in the front and one in the pack so you can lift the wheels off the ground, Most tire change places use them and the work fine and also have locking systems __________________ Winter Authority When Hell freezes over,we'll play Hockey there too Its fundamental to our nature, man must explore. you've Met a terrible fate haven't you ? KONI /Michelin/Stoptec/ Bimmerbrake / MTechII/AA Stage one (for now) Questions about Header wrap? clickHere Supercharger build thread click Here Last edited by E46330iguy; 05-12-2012 at 12:45 AM.

05-12-2012, 12:58 AM	#20
ANREC330 Modded ///Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: CA Posts: 826 My Ride: C6 Vette & M3 View My Garage	2 post will be fine. Only way I see a 2 post failing is by leaving a full sized truck or suv on it for long periods at a time. __________________ Too much for a signature Instagram @ j_cerna

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