View Full Version : Lifts
ThickCobra
09-12-2017, 08:22 AM
I have finished my build, not yet painted, and have now decided to purchase a lift. Go figure. I know what you're thinking...great timing. Anyway, I have read previous posts on the topic and found them to be very informative. I have a friend with the Bendpak lift and one with a BackYardBuddy (BYB). Both are great lifts and will work for my needs. I have ruled out the 2 post as I'm not comfortable storing a car with wheels at full droop, lack of a drip pan, etc..
My request for ideas pertain to comparison of the two brands with comparable size and features. I am find pricing differences not to be significant. But, I don't see much discussion on the forum about BYB. And at Best Buy Automotive Equipment. Com, there is a comparison of the two but conducted by Bendpak. Not what I would call an unbiased comparison. Nevertheless, it is informative.
Looking for thoughts on the two or at least the BYB?
Jay
I should add, that available space and height is not an issue. . However, I do not intend to purchase 2 lifts.
GoDadGo
09-12-2017, 09:02 AM
Jay,
I don't have a lift YET, but here is where I've been drooling ever since I ordered my car:
https://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/4-Post-Lifts-s/290.htm
Best Buy may give you some good numbers to compare prices.
Steve
michael everson
09-12-2017, 09:30 AM
They are all basically the same. I have 3 of the Chinese lifts that everyone warns you about. All work flawlessly and are about 10 years old. I highly recommend the aluminum ramps if you can get them. The steel ones get heavy after a while.
Mike
PeteH
09-12-2017, 09:34 AM
Jay,
I have a single post parking lift from Best Buy Equipment. Knowing it is made in China, I was somewhat skeptical. When I received it, I was quite pleased with design and construction. I was a welder by trade in my young years, so critical of fabrication, and I was pleased with what I saw. It has worked well over the last three years, and their service was great. The US made version from American custom lift was just way too expensive for my taste to justify for a parking space.
I know of two people with four post lifts by Backyard Buddy, made in Ohio by the way. I helped disassemble, move, and reassemble one of the older models, it was straightforward and relatively easy to setup, even without instructions. Both are happy with them. Had a four post or two post fit in my garage, I would have bought a Backyard Buddy. All brands intruded too far into my "wife's side" due to a closet wall protruding into the garage, and the four posts would have been cumbersome to walk around. No one would consider making a narrower version, although I know it has been done.
edwardb
09-12-2017, 10:12 AM
If you haven't already, check the garagejournal.com forum. Tons of bandwidth there on lifts, companies, installations, etc. I'm in the process of taking delivery and installing a new Bendpak 2-post. Once I decided the model I wanted, at last for Bendpak, all the prices were within a few dollars of each other.
Gumball
09-12-2017, 10:18 AM
Jay - I had much the same experience and results when doing my comparison shopping. What did it for me is watching episode after episode of Jay Leno's Garage and noticing that, although he can have anything he wants in his shop, all of his lifts are Bendpak.
ThickCobra
09-12-2017, 11:37 AM
If you haven't already, check the garagejournal.com forum. Tons of bandwidth there on lifts, companies, installations, etc. I'm in the process of taking delivery and installing a new Bendpak 2-post. Once I decided the model I wanted, at last for Bendpak, all the prices were within a few dollars of each other.
Do you plan to store one of your cars on the lift over the winter months, and if so, do you have any concerns with your suspension at full droop? And, as I don't know whether 2 post units have drip trays, what about having a car protected below?
ThickCobra
09-12-2017, 12:10 PM
Chris,
Std lift heights seem to be 74 1/2". Does this height work for you. They offer 86 1/2.
David Hodgkins
09-12-2017, 12:54 PM
Nothing but raves here for my BendPak.
I have the 9K lift for my excursion. Lifting the cobra and using the 4.5k scissor lift with it seems like child's play. Just the way I like it. Over built for it's normal duty cycle, capable of handling every vehicle I have.
:)
jcrumpley
09-12-2017, 01:47 PM
I have a bendpack 9k that I ordered to run on 110 instead of 220. I also have the casters that let you move it around the garage or even outside if you door is high enough. I store a car on it all the time. It has nice drip trays. It will lift a suburban if you need to and I have many times. It has been rock solid. I've had mine for about two years. I also ordered mine in black. Don't forget about the cost of delivery and installation. While you could save that money by picking it up at a freight terminal and assembling it yourself, the cost to have someone do it was fairly minimal. Something like 800 bucks to have it delivered and assembled, if I remember correctly. The air locks are a really nice safety feature too.
If you lift it without a car on it, you certainly can make it wiggle around if you push on it. With a car on it, it is very solid. Backyard Buddy acts like that is an issue, when it isn't.
boBQuincy
09-12-2017, 02:25 PM
I have two four-post lifts in the garage, both from AutoLifters (out of business). Backyard Buddy lifts appear similar in design and construction, enough so some of the parts may even interchange. I have had one lift for about 17 years, the other for about 13 years, both work perfectly. They are used mainly for storage, occasionally for maintenance. I would not be without one, they are a great tool!
Assembly is not difficult, after doing it a few times I could probably put one together in about 4 hours (and will get my chance to try it next time we move).
BendPak here for last 10 plus years with zero problems. I started with the 9,000 lb four-post lift and purchased the caster kit. I could roll it outside the shop and lift my vehicles to clean the salt off them in the winter -- very handy! When I bought a new F550 (12,000 lb curb weight) I sold the 9,000 lb lift and bought a 14,000 lb rated four-post to replace it. It lifts everything but my backhoe (can't get it through the shop door anyway). The four-post lifts are the most versatile and you don't have to anchor them to the floor. I use mine as a work bench, a saw hose, a stacker, and an overhead crane. I just can't imagine a world without a lift.
Gumball
09-12-2017, 03:25 PM
Chris,
Std lift heights seem to be 74 1/2". Does this height work for you. They offer 86 1/2.
Jay - No problem with storage below the car or working height. In fact, I can raise mine high enough so that I can't even reach the bottom of the car. As for storage height, I always have a car underneath for winter and have had no problems - but a truck on the lower level may be a bit challenging if that would ever be a possibility. That said, just put the tallest vehicle on the top.
wareaglescott
09-12-2017, 04:44 PM
I have the bendpak HD9-XL. Goes extra high and is wide enough that I park my 4 door F150 under it no problem. I did end up getting the longer aluminum ramps, pneumatic jack, drip trays, and caster kit to move it around. Everything has been great and I am very satisfied.
ThickCobra
09-12-2017, 05:05 PM
I have the bendpak HD9-XL. Goes extra high and is wide enough that I park my 4 door F150 under it no problem. I did end up getting the longer aluminum ramps, pneumatic jack, drip trays, and caster kit to move it around. Everything has been great and I am very satisfied.
Is the HD9-XL all of 224" in length? They sell ones that are 174" and 200" in length. My Corvette, Cobra and SUV will fit length wise in the 174" unit as I believe covering only the wheel base is important. I am missing something that I should consider?
japollon
09-12-2017, 05:19 PM
I am going to second Mike and Pete's comments regarding the lifts made in China. I purchased the one I have now at SEMA about 6 or 7 years ago and it works flawlessly. Previous to that, in our last home with a larger shop, I had a BendPak. Also a terrific lift but honestly there is little difference between that and what I have now in my opinion. All a matter of preference I guess. I have run the gambit on ramps from steel to aluminum. However, the ones I like the best and am using now are from Race Ramps. I'm not exactly sure what they are made of but they are light as a feather and tough as nails. I also purchased the ramps at SEMA several years ago and they have held up very well.
wareaglescott
09-12-2017, 07:31 PM
Is the HD9-XL all of 224" in length? They sell ones that are 174" and 200" in length. My Corvette, Cobra and SUV will fit length wise in the 174" unit as I believe covering only the wheel base is important. I am missing something that I should consider?
I am not sure what the actual length is. The specs are on the Bendpak website. I measured it out when I was ordering and determined that is what I needed to get my F150 to park under it. The XL also goes higher which is mainly what I needed. My truck is the crew cab version and can fit under it and the ramps are also long enough that I can get the truck on the ramps and lift it.
edwardb
09-12-2017, 08:03 PM
Do you plan to store one of your cars on the lift over the winter months, and if so, do you have any concerns with your suspension at full droop? And, as I don't know whether 2 post units have drip trays, what about having a car protected below?
No, I have no plans or need to use the 2-post for long term storage. It will be mainly used for build projects, maintenance, etc. Not all will agree because some use a 4-post for build projects. But in my experience I like the more wide open access with the 2-post. A 4-post is clearly the choice where storage is the main goal.
BTW, my new Bendpak XPR-10S-LP will be in my garage this Friday. After looking at tons of brands and models, chose this one because it has dual width capability including a narrower layout that saves a little space in my garage, has low profile arms, clear floor (crossover is on the top of the columns), plus good feedback regarding Bendpak in general. This full height lift will replace the much shorter Danmar MaxJax I had in my last garage. Now sold. Anyone want to come over and help be stand up some really heavy towers? :o
frankeeski
09-12-2017, 10:00 PM
I am going to second Mike and Pete's comments regarding the lifts made in China. I purchased the one I have now at SEMA about 6 or 7 years ago and it works flawlessly. Previous to that, in our last home with a larger shop, I had a BendPak. Also a terrific lift but honestly there is little difference between that and what I have now in my opinion. All a matter of preference I guess. I have run the gambit on ramps from steel to aluminum. However, the ones I like the best and am using now are from Race Ramps. I'm not exactly sure what they are made of but they are light as a feather and tough as nails. I also purchased the ramps at SEMA several years ago and they have held up very well.
Have to agree. Have friends with the more expensive lifts but the Direct Lift 8K I have now takes care of all of my shop needs. I do have the jack bridge and the bridge jack so as far as access goes, I can get to where ever I need. Oh and I spent a whole lot less since I got the lift second hand.
Toy4me
09-13-2017, 07:35 AM
I had a 2 post Direct Lift in my old house. It was great and worked very well for 5 years. I had my Corvette up there over the winters and never found the hanging suspension to be an issue. Fast forward to now after divorce and purchasing a Cobra and moving into a different house. This garage was slightly smaller but it came with a much better wife. So the 2 post would not fit very well so I sold it and right away purchased a Direct Lift 4 post lift. This is what I built the Cobra on. I have to say the 2 poster is better for working on the car but I do enjoy some of the benefits of the 4 post. If I had it my way I would have 2 lifts but that is not possible currently. I have a friend who has 2 Bend Pak lifts and both his and mine and good lifts I would not hesitate with either one. Sine I have a Greg Smith Equipment and hour from me I picked up both lifts and installed the myself. Pretty easy to setup. The 2 post columns are heavy for 1 person as are the 4 post ramps. With dollys and an engine crane all was done by me.
DaveS53
09-13-2017, 09:16 AM
I also have direct lift products - one 2-post lift for my shop and a 4-post in my garage. Both work great. I chose them partly because I wanted them delivered and installed at my home and there is a dealer in Denver that could do that. Delivery and installation was only about $600 back in 2013, but the price went up quite a bit when I got the 4 post a couple of years later. It's probably a 3 hour round trip to my home from Denver and they bring a fork lift with them to eliminate the back breaking work. I have 9' tall garage doors, so they assembled the lift on the driveway, then rolled it into the garage, with the roller kit attached.
The 2-post lift was indispensable when it came to building my car. I don't have access to several helpers to lift a body that's quite a bit heavier than anything from FFR. I had the body on and off a lot of times. With a lift, the body can be picked up and left up in the air, while work is done on the chassis, saving shop space. I used the 2-post to lift the engine and transmission into the frame and hold it in place while I built motor mounts. Now it's used for maintenance.
mcmustang
09-13-2017, 03:31 PM
I vote for the Bendpak.
Mark Eaton
09-13-2017, 10:56 PM
I have an Atlas 9000lb 2-post overhead lift. It is bolted to the floor and therefore non mobile. It easily lifts my 8500 lb Dodge Ram. It is my first lift and I love it.
ckrueger
09-14-2017, 07:50 AM
I have the Backyard Buddy 4 post and the Bendpak 2 post asymmetrical. Both have worked great and would recommend either.
CraigS
09-15-2017, 07:18 AM
25 years as a BMW and Lexus tech, I can't imagine buying a 4 post lift. We always had one w/ all the bells and whistles used as an alignment rack. Once in a while we would need space to do a quick oil change or brake job and have to use the alignment rack. It was like being banished to hell compared to our normal 2 post asymmetricals. The work can get done but banging yourself on the edges of those ramps is no fun. And when you use the flip down lift to raise the car, then that thing is in the way. I have also helped a few friends w/ 4 posts doing suspension work and it was NO fun.
Craig, valuable insight from your experience. However, I have a different POV from my experience.
A BendPak four-post lift is nothing like the old cumbersome alignment racks I used when making my living as an auto technician. After working with two-posts lifts when I was a Ford mechanic I learned to hate positioning the arms under the car. Then there were the lowered cars that you had to use a floor jack to get them high enough to swing the arms under them. And don't dare get in a hurry and leave the arms under the car when backing out of your bay. The in-floor two cylinder lifts for the big trucks were also a pain to position but at least you had lots of clear space and didn't have to worry about moving them before backing out.
Personal preference will probably dictate which type of lift one spends his hard earned money on. After spending the last decade with a four post lift, the only reason I'd get a two-post lift is if I had a Corvette that you had to lift the body off the drivetrain to remove it. My four-post lift has as much room to work under them as a two-post and in some cases, more as there are no arms to get in my way when working on the frame rails. On a four-post lift one ramp is movable so you can make the width wider or narrower as needed. If you don't anchor it to the floor and get a caster kit you can move it around the shop or even outside to use it. It's as easy to use as driving up the ramps and setting the parking brake. No bending over to position lift arms that sometimes are too thick to get them under lower vehicles anyway.
For those considering a lift -- chose wisely as it will likely be with you a long time. Or if you have the space, get one of each (and if you do I'm betting' you'll spend more time with the four-post than the two-post).
ThickCobra
09-15-2017, 02:57 PM
Fantastic information, insight and preferences shared by all. Though space is not an issue, the budget is. I will sort through it all and choose wisely.
Again, many thanks to all of you...gotta luv this forum.
Jay
edwardb
09-15-2017, 06:50 PM
Picked up my new Bendpak XPR-10S-LP 2-post at the freight terminal today. All 1700+ pounds. SE to the rescue again! I was able to take the skid apart in the trailer and pick out the pieces one at a time using my shop crane and some creativity. Will definitely need to get some help to stand up the columns though. The low profile arms I mentioned before are just over 4 inches high. Won't take much to get them to fit under the frame. Also visible is my new garage heater. Need all this done for the Coupe delivery in November.
The 2-post vs. 4-post discussion is ongoing. Everyone has their own experience and opinion. I've worked extensively under each and strongly prefer the 2-post for builds, which is the main use for this one.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/IMG_1526_zps5kl0z5q0.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/IMG_1526_zps5kl0z5q0.jpg.html)
ThickCobra
09-16-2017, 06:21 PM
Picked up my new Bendpak XPR-10S-LP 2-post at the freight terminal today. All 1700+ pounds. SE to the rescue again! I was able to take the skid apart in the trailer and pick out the pieces one at a time using my shop crane and some creativity. Will definitely need to get some help to stand up the columns though. The low profile arms I mentioned before are just over 4 inches high. Won't take much to get them to fit under the frame. Also visible is my new garage heater. Need all this done for the Coupe delivery in November.
The 2-post vs. 4-post discussion is ongoing. Everyone has their own experience and opinion. I've worked extensively under each and strongly prefer the 2-post for builds, which is the main use for this one.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/IMG_1526_zps5kl0z5q0.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/IMG_1526_zps5kl0z5q0.jpg.html)
That looks awesome. Christmas in September!!!!!
KDubU
09-17-2017, 06:50 AM
Don't have a lift but wish I did. I hate having to jack up the roadster and put it on stands every time I want to look underneath or get at something (it happens more than you think it will). I have contemplated a lift as I have the room but I can't decide on 2 vs 4. Every time I read one of these threads, I always come away with "I'll get a 4, no I'll get a 2, no a 4......
For anyone building one of these cars and planning to keep it for a while, some kind of lift would be a godsend.
DaveS53
09-17-2017, 08:20 AM
If you're building a car the 2 post is certainly the best. Also far better for maintenance. Not many will accommodate a low frame like my corvette. I have 2 x 12 boards that I can fasten to the floor to drive over and get the car up high enough. I use my 4 post for oil changes on the corvette.
Storing a car on a 2 post might cause a problem with the body changing shape. The door gaps on my hot rod change when it's on the 2 post.
Dlirium
09-18-2017, 01:41 PM
Jay - I had much the same experience and results when doing my comparison shopping. What did it for me is watching episode after episode of Jay Leno's Garage and noticing that, although he can have anything he wants in his shop, all of his lifts are Bendpak.
I, too have used nothing but Bendpak with great results. They also have a good customer support line if needed. I had to get an extra jack brace custom made to my spec, they did it quickly and professionally.
Any one have the Quickjack, with new garage not much head room?
Race Ratz
09-18-2017, 08:24 PM
Having my garage door changed to high lift now. Going with the HD-7W Bendpak from Mytoolguy in CT.
High lift, narrow track width, only 200" long. Roadster up, wife's car under for winter.
Race Ratz
09-19-2017, 10:35 AM
Difference in performance 110v vrs 220 v? Thanks, Bill
Toy4me
09-19-2017, 10:55 AM
Difference in performance 110v vrs 220 v? Thanks, Bill
The 220 will go up a little faster. Maybe 15 seconds faster from bottom to top. My 2 post was 220 and my 4 post is 110. I really could not tell any difference. I'm not in that much of a rush.
Gumball
09-19-2017, 11:42 AM
Jay,
If you do go with a four post lift, the ramps will pose no problem to your Cobra. Even your C6 should be fine. The runways are about 4 - 5 inches off the ground, but the standard ramps aren't so steep that it's an issue for most streetable cars - even my GT350, which is fairly low has no issues making it up the ramps onto the runways...... although I do back it onto the lift instead of going nose-first.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/20170906_192452_zpsr1j4tvka.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/20170906_192452_zpsr1j4tvka.jpg.html)
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/IMG_20170415_172505801_HDR_zpsnzim8znw.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/IMG_20170415_172505801_HDR_zpsnzim8znw.jpg.html)
mcmustang
09-19-2017, 03:40 PM
Just a question for the people who have a 4 post lift: How do you get the car off the wheels to work on brakes/suspension? Do you have to go back to floor jack and jack stands?
Melb-Mike
09-19-2017, 03:57 PM
I have both 2 post and 4 post lifts. With the 4 post lift, you can use the jack plate to lift the car up to get the wheels off the ground and the use jack stands to support the car. It's a bit of a pain but very do-able. I use Greg Smith lifts as well as one Bendpak. All are good, all will give you years of reliable service, and all are indispensable once you have it.
The two post lift is much better for brakes, wheel bearings, suspension, etc. also, I like the portable scissor Jack lifts that allow you to move the work outside your garage or shop area.
myjones
09-19-2017, 03:59 PM
Just a question for the people who have a 4 post lift: How do you get the car off the wheels to work on brakes/suspension? Do you have to go back to floor jack and jack stands?
I made two jack bridges for mine that will slide anywhere from end to end. I often use them for a tool shelf or to lay a drop light on.
They are good for holding the drain pan for an oil change too.
With the bridge in place under a crossmember or axle I use a bottle jack then place two jack stands, that let's you take the wheels off and the
drive ramps make a handy place for brake parts, tools, drain pans etc. while the wheels are off.
HTH
DB
Toy4me
09-19-2017, 04:11 PM
Just a question for the people who have a 4 post lift: How do you get the car off the wheels to work on brakes/suspension? Do you have to go back to floor jack and jack stands?
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/2-Bag-Air-Jack-New
I picked one of these up a couple of years ago. Mine is not quite as fancy but the price was around 200 bucks. I use this with a bridge across the lift and I can use it on the side deck of the lift also to lift one side of the car. Much easier than a floor jack up high. I also have a small bottle jack I seldom use. As for stands I use a couple of 6X6 blocks and on one side I have a 2X6 screwed to it for more lift. For the cobra I have a long 6X6 that goes from side to side on the lift and i just rest the round tubes on it. The car is very secure and you can really roust on the suspension without any fear of it falling.
ThickCobra
09-19-2017, 04:32 PM
Jay,
If you do go with a four post lift, the ramps will pose no problem to your Cobra. Even your C6 should be fine. The runways are about 4 - 5 inches off the ground, but the standard ramps aren't so steep that it's an issue for most streetable cars - even my GT350, which is fairly low has no issues making it up the ramps onto the runways...... although I do back it onto the lift instead of going nose-first.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/20170906_192452_zpsr1j4tvka.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/20170906_192452_zpsr1j4tvka.jpg.html)
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/IMG_20170415_172505801_HDR_zpsnzim8znw.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/IMG_20170415_172505801_HDR_zpsnzim8znw.jpg.html)
Chris,
That is good to know. I certainly don't want to mess with wood blocks each time I set the car on the lift. The front airfoil on my 2010 Grand Sport is under 5 " (a little lower than normal but needed to be done to accommodate the supercharger and all that went with it) so well see.
Nice pick of the Shelby.
Jay
ThickCobra
09-19-2017, 04:35 PM
Chris,
BTW, I purchased a vacuum gauge today to work on the carburetor. Went old school but certainly envy you Coyote and Ls3 guys.
Jay
Mark Eaton
09-19-2017, 05:53 PM
Here is my lift, if the photo uploads. It is awesome.73862
flynntuna
09-19-2017, 07:58 PM
Here's a curve ball, Mohawk lifts has an adapter for there two post lifts to lift the cars by the tires.
http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/
This way a two post lift can be used as a four post, for storage or whatever.
Gumball
09-20-2017, 05:52 AM
Just a question for the people who have a 4 post lift: How do you get the car off the wheels to work on brakes/suspension? Do you have to go back to floor jack and jack stands?
I also have a jack bridge - it's a heavy metal span that slides the full length of the opening between the runways - and I use a low profile scissor jack and jack stands to get the car off its wheels. To make it easy, I use my cordless impact to raise and lower the scissor jack.
Like others here, I fabricated a jack bridge and use bottle jacks. There are commercial bridge jacks out there that look like they would work well if you're not into fabricating your own. I wanted a lighter system that could easily be removed and stored when not in use so I built one.
mcmustang
09-21-2017, 11:21 AM
Here's a curve ball, Mohawk lifts has an adapter for there two post lifts to lift the cars by the tires.
http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/
This way a two post lift can be used as a four post, for storage or whatever.
Oh, I bet those would work on any 2 post lift.
mcmustang
09-21-2017, 11:28 AM
http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/wp-content/blogs.dir/3/files/options-light-duty-2-post-options/speedlane_0a.jpg
And then there's this. Drive-on plates for a two post lift.
flynntuna
09-21-2017, 11:57 AM
Thing is I'm pretty sure they say on there site those drive-on plates leave the wheels hanging, and they're just to speed the time taken to get the car in the air.
Either way there a great option. They are more expensive, but they are built to last under commercial use. And it's American made.
Gumball
09-25-2017, 08:25 AM
Jay - what did you end up with???? Pics of lift installed????
ThickCobra
09-25-2017, 09:50 AM
After careful concideration, input from forum members and feedback from others, I chose to purchase a Direct Lift 4 post std height system. This unit meets all of my needs allowing me to easily service my cobra and store both the cobra and corvette when not needed. It will handle 8000 lbs and fits perfect in my workshop. I also purchased the sliding hydraulic jack for lifting the front or rear wheels for service.
It was a difficult decision but I made it.
Gumball
09-25-2017, 10:29 AM
Sounds like a great addition to your workshop - you'll wonder how you lived without one for so long!!!
ThickCobra
09-25-2017, 11:16 AM
Sounds like a great addition to your workshop - you'll wonder how you lived without one for so long!!!
I can now see the underside. Wow!! Now to hunt down that pesky oil leak.
Second Gumball's comments. Once you have a lift you'll never go back. And the older you get the more you'll find them a must have item.
LukasM
02-05-2021, 08:47 AM
Like others here, I fabricated a jack bridge and use bottle jacks. There are commercial bridge jacks out there that look like they would work well if you're not into fabricating your own. I wanted a lighter system that could easily be removed and stored when not in use so I built one.
Hi NAZ and everybody elsel,
Since we just got a Nussbaum double scissor lift and will get a 4 post soon as well, I will need to fabricate some bridges to work with narrow frame rails of the cobra.
Can you post some pictures of your design for inspiration?
Thanks!
Lukas
142039
Here it is this morning as I'm getting ready to modify it into a jack stand for my latest project. I made this thing out of steel left over from other projects and it's designed to flip one way for low clearance and the other to gain some height. The backbone is made from 48" .250"x2"x4" tubing.
142049
UPDATE: it's now a jack stand. Repurposed an old roll bar and made it slip into sockets for a new modular tool. Now I can blow apart the front end on my new toy and modify the front suspension while working at a comfortable height instead of rolling around the shop floor on a creeper. A few beers and a few hours of unsupervised shop time and I can now start a project I've been putting off cuz I didn't want to work laying on my back.
Once you have a lift, you never want to work on your back again.
johnnybgoode
02-05-2021, 10:45 AM
I have the same 8000 Direct Lift and it works/fits great in my smaller garage.
ggunter
02-05-2021, 03:31 PM
Lots of good info here and both 2 post and 4 post have their place and advantages. For those of you here with Cobras and two post lifts are there any low profile lifts out there that,1. go under the car without lifting on blocks or 2by's , and 2. The main support arms don't hit the side pipes. My 45 year old Rotary lift does this pretty well but she is starting to leak in one of the cylinders. I bought seal kits but if that doesn't fix it I'll need to get a new one. These short wheel base cars are not easy to put on a two post without the arms hitting somewhere or having to move the car back and forth to get the arms under it. Any one whose lift accomplishes this please let me know.
On my Bendpak low profile arms, I still have to raise the car a bit in the front. For the rear, I can get the pad between the pipe and the rear tire without any raising of the car. As far as keeping off the pipes, the pads can be raised or lowered about 3-4 inches so that they contact the frame well before the arms touch the pipes.
David Hodgkins
02-05-2021, 04:47 PM
Just a quick note regarding Bendpak 4 post list. They sell a scissor jack accessory for jacking up the car off the rails. It ties into the pneumatic air system and has a 4500 lifting capability:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=50804&d=1455809316
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=50490&d=1455085490
They can roll to any position on the ramps and are super-sturdy...
:)
David, these bridge jacks are very handy. I thought about buying one with my first lift but they are a pain to remove and store. Most won't need to, but I move my ramps in and out to accommodate everything from my ATVs to my Class-5 truck. I even fabricated an pneumatic actuator system on my first lift to change the width for the different vehicles I service on it. But for those that never adjust the width, these jacks are to way to go.