Question for the guys with a 4 post lift

At this moment, I do not need my lift for the extra storage (yet), so I park my least driven car underneath it. I'm really glad I have it: not just for my convenience, but I've had many friends come over to use it. If I had to do it over again, then I wouldn't hesitate to install one.

 

Randy...you did not answer the question we all have. Is it easy to drive a car with long/low overhangs on and off? What do you have to add to reduce the approach angle?

 

Make sure the lift you buy has long detachable ramps. Mine are 3ft long and low cars go up with no problem. Good for storage, not great for mechanical work. For that I have a 2-post commercial ( my head is worth more than the lift)

 

The approach ramps are plenty long for low clearance cars, plus if need be one can place a thin shim underneath the ramp approach lip to decrease the incline angle. Four posts work well for maintenance, but necessitate buying bridge jacks to lift the vehicle up off the lift ramps. I've never found the lift to be a hinderance to parking on it or under it, one does have to remember the long first step getting out of the car while on the lift though.

 

+1
same thing here. None of my cars is lowered, but I would imagine shimming the lip would decrease the angle, thus facilitating rolling the car onto it. My ramps stay connected all the time. As far as car maintenance goes, the sturdy bridge is a low cost and must have accessory to any 4 post lifts. Once the front or rear is lifted with a jack supported by the bridge, it is easy to slide and put two jack stands resting on the main rolling surfaces. What I like on 4 post lifts is the solid sensation of the car resting on 4 columns. After lifting and listening for the safety arms click in place, I lower the lift a little and it is nice to see the lift grabbing solidly, so I have peace of mind the car is secure and I am safe to work underneath it. I am not so sure I would feel as safe under a 2 post lift. Don't own one, so I can't really provide an opinion on a 2 post lift, but I trust 4 tires resting on parallel beams better than the car resting on 4 round spots. These 4 spots are not as wide and spaced apart as the 4 tires are. I am not saying 2 post lifts are unsafe...I just prefer 4 posts. Cheers

 

I have 3ft aluminum ramps, which are really easier to move. I have not driven my California up onto my lift, however I've driven my lowered 545i, my Superformance Cobra, and my '67 E-type onto my lift without any problems at all.

 

You may be on to something

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8N6yuWzk8[/ame]

 

Have had a 4 post lift for quite some time and have never had an issue with clearance. I would also agree that this could be solved with adaptation of the ramps.

I don't do much wheel or suspension work on my cars due to the need for cross braces and jacks. I view 4 post lifts more for storage which they are very good at.

 

What I like of my 4 post lift is that just drive on and off easily. No need to set extendable arms. The two ramps are large enough you can use your floor jack and jackstands as if you were on the floor and then lift the car to your desired height. There is no post in your way when you need to open the door.

 

I have a bendpak 4 post sitting on one inch plates that wide enough and goes up far enough to clear the doors of my Diablo parking underneath. The rams are the long aluminum ones and can be lift attached to the lift while raised or removed.

 

A 430 should be no problem. I back my cars on my lifts and none of them have a problem. The F50 does need the nose raised beforehand and it doesn't touch.

To test, borrow a ramp and slide it under the nose until it touches the tire. If nothing touches then you are good.

 

I simply put a piece of 2x10, cut about 3 feet long, under each ramp to decrease the angle.

 

I have a bendpak four post lift-have 48" aluminum ramps and buily additonal ramp extensions out of wood. Its all part of the process which i enjoy.

 

I just bought a lift with 41/2" high rails and only 2' ramps. I was concerned about needing longer ones to get the esprit and /or 348 on, but they work just fine. Very close to hitting, but they don't.

As for everyday use, sure it takes a little more time than just driving in the garage and closing the door, but once you get used to the routine, its not a big deal.