Carmine ; thanks for this post ; I've been telling my spouse I'd like to buy a hoist or two-post lift for years now , but being retired , I've got to think ahead a little more . Your gasser is so tall , you'll need to extend your roof a bit . My wife will be watching this thread , so buy the good ones boys . It's time I quit crawling around working upside down too . Bob

 

I have an Eagle TPO 9A two post it is great, however you NEED one of each.
They both have advantages depending on the job.

 

I absolutely agree, I have two each in the garage and they have very different advantagesbowtie-trifive

 

wish i had one. here is a we site. www.asedeals.com

 

me too :tu

 

My friend has a 4 post one that I have used, it sure makes working under a car nice.

 

American Equip.

I have an American Equipment two post. 11,000 lb. rated. 12' lift.
Love it.
I chose 2 post as they take up a much smaller area are are very stable, although I also use 4 under hoist stands as recommended.
See attached photo.

http://www.trifive.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=46582&stc=1&d=1322612591

Good luck!!!

 

I have a 4 post and I agree you nearly need a both. I made some modifications so I can lift the wheels as well as thats probably one of the main things you want to do with a hoist is removing whhels. If a friend already has one I would suggest buying the other so you could share.

 

2 Post 8,000lb Ben Pearson, wouldnt trade it for anything! by far the best tool i have ever owned!

 

I have a 10,000 lb Bend Pak with asymmetrical arms in the wide frame version. I worked years without one and now wonder how I got along without it. I gave it a workout when I rebuilt my truck 6 years ago and now am using it for the 57. Great for removing the body I also use it when I am doing body work as I can raise the car so I do not have to bend over. It is the ultimate tool for the shop as far as I am concerned. Be carefull of the import ones. When I bought mine I shopped on line and found a deal on mine that included free shipping. I pain about the same price as some dealers wanted for a import and I would have had to pay shipping. Shop around, there are deals out there. Also watch for am auto service center going out of business.
Carl, that link you posted is where I bought mine. As he states on his web site nobody beats his prices. He is also offering free shipping on the Bend Pak.
This is the lift I have.

XPR10ACX 10,000 lb.
Clearfloor Asymmetric
Wide
Tom

 

I have a pit. 30" wide by 12 ft. long. When not in use I keep 2 X 12 southern pine planks over it in grooves so that it's flush with the floor. Safe to walk on and leaves a normal parking space when not in use. I like it!

 

2 Post from Complete Hydraulics in Franklin, IN. Advantages are you can work on just about anything since the wheels and suspension hang. Disadvantage I suppose is parking between the two posts and not having a lot of room to open doors, etc. But I'm glad I got a 2 post.

 

Bought a Backyard Buddy 4-post in 1999 and never looked back. I wished I had done it a little sooner, as the last place I had dealt with on a clutch replacement on my Corvette had done a lousy job. The $250 I could have saved on the labor would have paid for 9% of the hoist. I plunged into all sorts of mechanical jobs that I never would have considered on my back with a car up on blocks (has anyone removed/re-installed a Corvette IRS on a creeper? No thanks!). I love my 4-post and have had it up with a car on it/under it for storage also. Whether 2 or 4-post, you will love it.

Rich

 

purchased my two post lift from American Automotive Equipment

Do you have a 2 post or 4 post? Advantages /disadvantages to each style? Where did you buy yours at? Thank you, Carmine.

Carmine, I purchased my two post lift from American Automotive Equipment at this link. 1-800-637-2884 http://www.americanautomotiveequipment.com/UnitedProducts-TP9A-Two-Post-Lift-p/tp9a.htm

The AmericanProducts Model TP9A is designed with it's unique arm configuration, the TP9A will function as a symmetric or an asymmetric lift. Plus, mounting hardware and truck adapters are free!
Specifications
• Capacity 9000 lb
• Lifting speed 45 seconds
• Power pack 220v
• Lifting height 72" - 82"
• Width Overall 134"
• Width between posts 110"
• Height overall 111"

Mine was delivered and I installed it myself two years ago for under $2,000, and just like a computer or cell phone, I don't know how I lived without it. Best of Luck with whatever you decide !!! BDR...

 

I've got a 4 post and it's great, mine is essntially used to store one of the other cars on but when you need to work on the cars it's been great!! I highly recommend you get a good quality one, remember it's you under the car should something go wrong!! It will be some of the best money you have ever spent!

 

2 post here,
kinda like big Daddy Rats :congrats:

 

I do not have one, but plan on buying the MaxJax - it is one that you can set up and use when you need it, then store it away. My shop area is 22' wide X 24 deep with a 12' ceiling built for a normal lift, but I like the idea of being able to put it away. It does not lift the car real high, but you can get a chair on wheels and work underneath - I kinda like anything with a chair:sign0020:

 

I have that on my short list, probably a four post lift to be used for storage and space saving. Will probably have wheels on it to be able to move around if needed.

 

just bought a Worth Equipment 9K 2 post lift, american made and nice quality.
I went 2 post to raise and lower body of frame of car by myself. Just completed sons CTS-V motor removal to facilitate other maintenance. All these cars since the late 90s are made to remove eng/trans/fnt sus from underneath as a module
Good Luck
BobH

 

The first question re. which lift to buy is what's your shop like, giant with unlimited ceiling height, or standard low clearance? My home shop is low, not enough vertical height to get the car very high.

So my two poster lift is outside but it's Calif so zero snow but still can get lots of rain. The two post type is the most usable for just about everything you need, where the ramp unit is fine for trans and driveline work but to pull a wheel you now need to jack up the car after you lift the car.

A buddy also has a ramp unit that's portable, has wheels on all four corners he can roll it outside if needed.

Also I had to pour a concrete slab 6" thick, re-bar and the strongest 'mix' you can get.

 

My 2 post sucks for setting pinion angles and other suspension work. Additionally as you get older bending over to set lift arms is no fun when all you want to do is change oil. Both styles have advantages.

My lift company specified at least 4 inches of 3000 psi concrete with wire.

 

Some great ideas and comments. Definitely alot of food for thought. Thank you everyone very much, Carmine.

 

I have a 4 post but like others said I want to get a two post also someday, having two is the way to go

 

My wife bought me a Rotary 4 post lift about 6 or 7 years ago. I love it. She ordered it at Goodguys DelMar after looking at the other lifts, this one just seemed the strongest. The next year she bought the attachment that runs in the inside tracks that has an airbag and I can raise the front or rear of the car to work on brakes or suspension. I live in So AZ, and mine is outside. If the weather is inclement (not usually), I'll find something to do in the shop. I had a 12 x 24 slab poured for my lift. I mounted a couple of spotlights on the side wall of the shop, but haven't used them.......I'm usually done by dark. (Did I mention how much I love my wife, and love taking her to car shows?). My wife also went to DelMar one year and bought me a body twirler for my 47. (Did I mention how much I love my wife and love taking her to car shows?)

 

Lift

I have a 4 post lift, Backyard Buddy, they are spendy but the quality is great and I feel good working under it. I also have the hydraulic jack option so I can raise the wheels either front or back off the ramps. So for doing brakes or bearings,etc you can lower the ramp to work bench height , pull up a chair, and use the ramp as a work bench. I would not be with out it, makes working on the old cars really fun.

 

Carmine, when I was a lot younger it was just so easy to jack the car up and slide under, do what you had to and slide out. Now I hate even thinking of doing anything under the car. My bones start to ache and I get sharp pains in my lower back. Boy I am getting old real quick. If only I had the money I would be looking at a 4 post hoist to stop all my whining. :sign0020::anim_25::flag6:

 

Just picked a brand new 11k lb lift up this weekend. Three days later, I'm selling it. I've wanted one for years but right now is not the time for me to own one. I don't have a shop and my garage only has 10ft ceilings. College is draining my time and resources so I decided to sell it. Didn't even have it a day before someone wanted to buy it. I'll buy one after college when I have the cash and space. I will miss the one I just traded for
Josh

 

I've had 2 lifts in my lifetime, both 4 post models.

Bought my first one 15+ years ago when I lived in Maryland. It was a Superior brand 4 poster. When I retired and sold that house, the lift stayed there.

Moved to Florida, and bought a Direct brand lift.

The 2 are virtually identical in construction. The only difference is the color.

LOVE them.

I would suggest getting aluminum ramps and ~3 drip trays if you purchase one.

Chuck