Best lift?

[the_engineers]

My wife and I have been talking about buying a lift.  My question is whether to buy a 2-post or a 4-post.

I see advantages to both.  I figure if I buy a 4-post, I'll have to add a jack so that I can do suspension work.

If I buy a 2-post, I guess I'll have to figure out something for the times when I'd like to flex the suspension (welding frame connectors, etc.)

Any thoughts or advice?

[72cudamaan]

Well, dont the 4 post lifts come with a rolling trolley lift that runs on the rails?

[the_engineers]

Not all of them do, but that would be a definite "must" if I got a 4-post.

[tactransman]

4 post is great for lower ceiling garages.

[matt63]

I've got a Bendpak HD9 4 post w/sliding bridge jack (pneumatic).  So far it's been great.  I do suggest putting a lot of thought into how you will use it and how it will work in your garage.  Some of the differences between 4 post lifts include width, locking mechanisms, voltage, rate of lift, etc.  Mine is pretty wide which is great for driving in and out of but takes up 10 feet of garage width.  2 Post lifts are recommended for maintenance but not so much for storage.  They can't be easily moved like 4 post lifts because they are anchored.  If you are in and out a lot it becomes a pain to position the arms.  The 4 posters are a little more foolproof.  The trickiest part is letting the car down.  Check out www.garagejournal.com for lots of lift threads. 

[tactransman]

I've got a Bendpak HD9 4 post w/sliding bridge jack (pneumatic).  So far it's been great.  I do suggest putting a lot of thought into how you will use it and how it will work in your garage.  Some of the differences between 4 post lifts include width, locking mechanisms, voltage, rate of lift, etc.  Mine is pretty wide which is great for driving in and out of but takes up 10 feet of garage width.  2 Post lifts are recommended for maintenance but not so much for storage.  They can't be easily moved like 4 post lifts because they are anchored.  If you are in and out a lot it becomes a pain to position the arms.  The 4 posters are a little more foolproof.  The trickiest part is letting the car down.  Check out www.garagejournal.com for lots of lift threads.