Two post or four post lift?

[challengerx]

So it looks like I will finally be able to pour the floor in my barn and install a lift. Just wondering what others have and the advantages and disadvantages of a two or four post lift. If I go four post I will have to get a jack tray as I want to be able to take wheels off with the vehicle in the air. Two post is permanent and a four can be moved around. Need opinions please and thanks.

[JS27N0B]

My money as a tech and shop manager, two post allows easier repair of all vehicle systems.

[jordan]

I have a two post lift.  Asymmetrical so you can open the car doors.  Make sure you have enough over head height.  Position it far enough from a wall so that you have room to position a engine hoist and can pull it away without it interfering with the car or limiting movement by hitting the wall.  If I have to do it over again, I would get the overhead cable version so you dont have to drive over the cable cover.  I had my chance, but didnt think it mattered.  It does.  I got the cheap version out of Eagle Lifts.  Well worth the money.  You will have it forever.   

[CudamanTom]

I would get the overhead cable version so you dont have to drive over the cable cover.  I had my chance, but didnt think it mattered.  It does.

Can you explain why driving over the cable cover matters? I'm looking around as well.

[Aussie Challenger]

Having used both in a workshop environment I definitely would go with the 2 poster and have the cables over the top. You can maneuver a transmission jack around under a car easily without that hump on the ground. A 4 poster tends to have the bed/ramps in the way even when you install a scissor lift in the bed, they also take up more room.
On a 2 poster you can install lights into the 2 uprights as well giving more lighting than from a 4 poster with lights.

[74 challenge]

I guess i'm the only one on the 4 post band wagon.

For me I know that everytime the car gets driven on the lift it's there right and not going to fall off. I have used it in a 2 car storage situation. I'm not a shop tech or expert just a hobbist.

[72cudamaan]

For working on cars, the twin asymmetrical is the better way to go. But as  said, a drive on 4 post sure
is nice for basic maintenance and/or storage.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

For working on cars, the twin asymmetrical is the better way to go. But as  said, a drive on 4 post sure
is nice for basic maintenance and/or storage.

  I guess it really depends what you mostly plan on using it for... 

[Super Blue 72]

Can you explain why driving over the cable cover matters? I'm looking around as well.

I agree with Aussie Challenger.  Moving around a tranny jack or wheeled parts cart is much easier if the hump isn't there.  Also if the car is not running then you have to push the car over the hump.  Servicing the chain may be easier though as far as lubing since it's low.  If you wash the floor a lot then you'll have to blow out the channel for the chain if water gets in.

Never worked with an overhead but would imagine you have to be careful how tall a vehicle you are working with.

[CudamanTom]

I'm debating on a 2 post or 4 post.
They both have their pros and cons.
But in the end, I'm thinking of the storage part once the work is done.
And having two barracudas, storing one over the other would gain me some space in the shop.

[CudamanTom]

I agree with Aussie Challenger.  Moving around a tranny jack or wheeled parts cart is much easier if the hump isn't there.  Also if the car is not running then you have to push the car over the hump.  Servicing the chain may be easier though as far as lubing since it's low.  If you wash the floor a lot then you'll have to blow out the channel for the chain if water gets in.

Never worked with an overhead but would imagine you have to be careful how tall a vehicle you are working with.

Good points there.

[Killer_Mopar]

I went through this question when buying my lift...I ended up going with a 2-post w/ overhead cabling and haven't regretted it one bit.

Assuming you have the floor to support it, 2-post hands down. Think about the typical work you do on a vehicle and how much of it requires working with the wheels removed, something that is easily done on a 2-post. If you're worried about stability, pick up a couple jacks from harbor freight. To me, the only advantages a 4 post offers is ease of car storage and quicker oil changes.

[Got JOB]

I love my 4-post and it works for everything I need to do, but my main purpose was for storage.

[ColoMopar]

I also remember making this decision, TWICE! I really thought I wanted a two post lift for all of the reasons mentioned above but in the end it had to be the four post for me. Mainly because I will use it much more for storage in the long run than for maintenance & repair. I did not want to let the suspension hang down on  my cars for long term storage. An added bonus is in the winter time when there is a car being stored up there the tracks make a great out of the way shelf for other items to be stored on between the wheels of the car. If asked about brand I would recommend Bendpak. I would not trust some of the less expensive Chinese made lifts.

[HP_Cuda]

Good vid of a 2 post with cables:

How to Install a Vehicle Lift (Part 2)