Which Garage Lift..., Engine Swap? Options

[D1A3]

Looking at finally doing a 4 post lift for the garage to make more space. Does anyone know the absolute minimum dimensions needed to drop the engine? One of the lifts I was looking at measures 34 3/8" between the treads. Is that enough? If not, what is the minimum needed to drop the engine?

Would be nice to have a lift that can be used for other maintenance in addition to storage.

Lastly, what options have you looked at and ultimately gone with? Not looking for the cheapest, but definitely not looking for the most expensive either. Maybe $3K or less?

[dcheek]

Unless you don't have the ceiling height (min 10 feet) don't buy the MaxxJax. For a little more money you can't get this:

https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-BP8000

I've had mine for 5 years and it works great. It's the real deal in terms of quality and safety.

Took 2 1/2 hours to install myself with a couple of friends. I only had to hire an electrician to wire in 220.

Dave

[rcarson25]

I have a 4 post lift that I use for storage and auto servicing outside of tire rotation I haven’t really run into too many problems. I fully restored 2 cars, parted out 7 and performed pretty much everything in between. The option that has allowed me to do this would be a channel jack that sits between the rails and can get the front 2 or rear 2 wheels off the ground. Very few times have I needed to have all four wheels off at the same time.

I am not sure on the minimum requirement but I know that I have swapped in a 914 motor on my lift using my tool cart and the lift. Worked beautifully and I will be doing it again soon. I have the Titan 4 post lift with hydraulic channel jack and have had one for 5 years, on my second one because I moved cross country and my buddy ended up with my old lift and still uses it today with no issues.

For those who say 2 post is way easier I would like to ask how? Again, outside of tire rotation I haven’t really had an issue.

Best investment in my shop by far and has saved me tons of time and back pain. I will see about getting measurements in between the rails. I have to travel this weekend so if you don’t hear back on the measurements Monday shoot me a PM to remind me.