Impulse buy, got a KwikLift

[Katfish]

Saw this pop up CL.  I have plans in the future to do an OD tranny swap.
And eventually a modern Hemi transplant.  Kwik lifts go for $1500 plus shipping new.
Guy was asking $600 and I got it for $500 delivered.  Even though it comes apart, the pieces are large and super heavy.

I like the concept, drive the car up the ramps and then jack up the assembly and swing down the support legs.
Fully up, the bottom of the wheels are 20" off the ground.

[73Chally]

That's very cool, but it seems like they could come up with a better way to jack it up after the car is on the ramp.  Did those 2x4's come with the kit? 

Are there any concerns with leaving it parked on the ramp at an angle, or can you drop the front legs so it sits level in the lowered position?

I've been looking at these, too, and these are some thoughts that have crossed my mind before.

[Finoke]

I've been hawking craigslist for a local lift too! You lucky dawg 

[Got JOB]

I had a  KwikLift for several years before I got my 4-post and used it very often. Changed the tranny in my 74 twice no problem. A lot safer than jackstands. Did you get the center bridge with it? That was a good price, I sold mine for $800 four years ago.

[brads70]

Nice! 

[Rare_T_A]

What is it made from? It looks like wood on my moniter. Looks like it would be great to work under. The height sounds like a great bit of work could be done under it.

[Katfish]

Yeah, 1 thing leads to another, my little jack is not up for the job.  Time to upgrade.
I had to jack it up a little at a time, put jack stands under the lift rail, and 2x4........................and repeat 5 times.
Need a jack with 18-20" lift height.

I was lucky and got the center bridge, this thing is ALL steel and pretty heavy.

I'm thinking I'll remove the front stands and just park on the rails laying flat.

As far as parking leaving it on the incline, I'm thinking about using a chock, and drilling a hole in the rail to run a bolt through a 4x4 to hold it in place.
Might be over-kill, any thought?

[HP_Cuda]

Good deal on it but I'd go straight for the lift as I'm tall and it's becoming a pain to keep getting up and down under the car.

[73Chally]

As far as parking leaving it on the incline, I'm thinking about using a chock, and drilling a hole in the rail to run a bolt through a 4x4 to hold it in place.
Might be over-kill, any thought?

On the incline, I was actually thinking about the gas and oil pooling at the back of the tank and pan, and if that might cause any problems on start up.

[69ChargerRT]

got a kwiklift in my garage.  its been fantastic.  done so many jobs that I hadn't realized I would with that thing.  definitely something every car guy should have.

[Katfish]

So give me some tips

Do you leave it assembled?
Or lay flat when not using?

How do you remove rails from front stands?
I'm thinking about using jack to lift off the front stands, then might be easier to disassemble on the ground?

[mjb765]

Reviving this thread.....anything new on the Kwiklift?? How are you liking it? Thinking about buying one for my garage.....

May need to pull the trans on my 70 Cuda

[Katfish]

Wow, blast from the past.
It was definitely a great buy for me.  I would suggest looking for a used one to cut down the cost.  Many people get rid of them after a few uses.
I love it, taken apart it stores nicely inside my garage against the wall.
It made doing the 518 swap a breeze, can't imagine using jack stands.  This thing gets the car nice and high off the ground.

[mjb765]

Wow, blast from the past.
It was definitely a great buy for me.  I would suggest looking for a used one to cut down the cost.  Many people get rid of them after a few uses.
I love it, taken apart it stores nicely inside my garage against the wall.
It made doing the 518 swap a breeze, can't imagine using jack stands.  This thing gets the car nice and high off the ground.

So pulling the 4 speed from my Cuda should be no problem?  Do any suspension work with it?? Do you like the center bridge?

[Katfish]

Pulling a 4spd would be a piece of cake.  I used the center bridge to jack/support the back of the engine when the Tranny was out.
As mentioned, any work under the car is easier, plenty of room to move when the car is so high.
Much better and safer than multiple jack stands or concrete blocks.