Garage Lift Questions?

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Looking to purchase a lift for my GTS and of course did a board search. Seems all references were for owners of 4 post lifts, which I assume were primarily purchased to solve storage issues.

In my case, I prefer the best lift for servicing the car, rather than storage, so it appears a 2 post lift would preferable.

Does anyone have any experience with 2 posts and/or an opinion of two vs four?

Thanks...</FONT f>

 

[-RUNNR]

I would think that a 4 post would still be better. More stable. Most have trays which are removable/slidable to make access a non-issue.

 

[1TONY1]

A two post is the best for mechanic work. How do I know? Because if you go to most dealerships/garages they will have one four post for six two post lifts (approx). Takes a little more time to get it set but after you do it a few times it takes two minutes compared to just driving up on a four post. A lot less stuff in the way when doing mechanic work on a two post. The one I have is the most common around here for professionals, it is a 9000lb Challenger two post lift. Whatever you get DO NOT SKIMP on it.....you will be glad when you are standing under something like a dually.

 

[Bad_Byte]

What about the sissor type like at Wheeltronic ?

Anyone have any experience, thoughts or input about this type? I for one would certainly appreciate it.

 

[Mopar Steve]

Backyard buddy sells a 4 post lift. After much homework, it is the best 4 post lift. The 2 post does have benefits, but if storage is ever an issue, go with a 4 post.

Cars were never designed to be stored with the wheels hanging and suspension extended for long periods of time.

The Backyard buddy offers a rolling platform and air powered lift to get the wheels off the deck if needed.

The "arms" on a 2 post lift will often not fit under the Viper unless the car is first driven up on wood blocks.

4 post rests on the floor, no "foundation" work needs to be done like on a 2 post.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for the comments.

I actually stopped by Challenger yesterday on my way back from VOI (they're in Louisville, KY) and was impressed. They had already begun Viper-izing a set of lifting arms (to assure that they fit under a Viper and had the correct pads) and had asked a local dealer for a Viper to verify the compatibility, so my arrival was timely.

While I liked what I saw and am leaning torwards a Challenger two post, I did want as many opinions as possible before I committed.

Thanks....

p.s. One more - How much did anyone pay in order to raise the garage door track to the ceiling?

</FONT f>

 

[1TONY1]

Viper arms...hmmmmm...nice. I have the same problem with a Porsche, race car and Viper. I just mark the floor where the blocks go. Ron, did you get pics of the arms or can you describe them? As far as storage, I have always heard that for long term storage people put cars on stands to keep weight off the suspension and tires. I don't know which is correct.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Though it wasn't my intent quite yet, I have discussed the possibility of a VCA discount with Challenger and they are quite receptive. I'll have more details soon, but wanted to see if anyone had any other insight before I closed the deal.

Their web site is: Challenger Lifts </FONT f>

The arm modification is being completed this week and will try to get a picture then. Probably not very exciting to look at, and it will not impede using the lift for any other type car or truck (up to 9,000 lbs capacity), but will enable a Viper to be lifted without running up on wood planks. An interesting feature of the Challenger is that the lift is both symmetrical and asymmetrical, i.e. you can safely lift front heavy cars and trucks and evenly weighted vehicles like the Viper while still being able to open the doors.

As a side note, these lifts are made in Louisville, USA. They had several competitive "off shore" lifts in for testing and one that had recently lifted it's rated capacity had bent lift arms.

The Viper-ized 2 poster they now offer is adjustable both for height and width. Don't know the low side (but will check) but a normal full height install is 12 foot.

More to come...

 

[Geoff Green]

I have a Mohawk 2 post asymetrical lift and love it. Make sure that it is hydraulic on both sides so you don't have to worry about the cable stretching. Mohawk is the Cadillac of lifts.

 

[SteveMat]

Does anyone have an answer if it is OK to store a car (Viper or other) on a 2 post lift? Does it hurt the suspension and is a 2 post stable enough to hold a car for an extended amount of time?

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">From what I understand, stable enough, yes. Good for tires, yes. Good for suspension, no.

Perhaps someone could elaborate....</FONT f>

 

[SmokinV10]

Dont most 2 posts require almost 13' of ceiling height? The posts are usually EXTREMELY tall. Also, I dont see how a two post could easily slide under a lowered viper (even with viperized lowered pads). A 4 post would be easy for a lowered viper drive on top of and height would not be an issue