Garage Lift's, educate me please! Options

[Ferg]

Fergwife and I are house shopping right now, and I got the OK for a garage lift for the new place. I'm just starting to do my research and think I want a 2 post lift for ease of working on the car (wheels suspended) But... I'm finding that 4inch base of concrete is a must, and doubt that newer homes around here have that. So I may have to go the 4 post route, My plans and hopes are 3 cars in 2 car garage, and minor 914 work made easier.

Those with lifts (Gint, Jim, ect) have any insight for me on types of lifts, good experiences with certain companys ect.

TIA (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

Ferg.

[Porsche Rescue]

I think the 4 post is best for a home garage, 2 post for a pro shop. Since the lift is used more for storing a "stacked" car, that is the first factor to consider. Very easy to drive in and lift up (my wife even does the drive in part). Also, a 2 post leaves the wheels hanging (not good) and they impede access to the car below. Not so simple with a two-post. I do suspension/brake work on my 4 post frequently.

Ceiling height is critical. I believe 9'6" is minimum. I have 9'5' and it is borderline. You may have to alter ceiling lights, garage door tracks and electric openers but you can stack two Porsches with 9.5 feet. A deeper than normal garage helps too because the door is no longer an issue. Ten or 11 feet of clearance is perfect.
I once had a deep (33') garage with 11 ft. of ceiling clearance and I had two four post lifts side by side. I could get 6 small cars in my 2 car garage, 4 down, 2 up. Sure miss that garage.

Edit:The 17.5 dimension is a concern. I think my lift is 8' wide overall and a two post is likely wider.

This post has been edited by Porsche Rescue: Jun 24 2004, 03:04 PM