2-Post or 4-Post Lift

2-Post or 4-Post Lift

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Discussion

gyroplane

Original Poster:

42 posts

179 months

Friday 26th June 2009
quotequote all
Which is better for building/maintaining an Ultima, a 2-Post or 4-Post lift? Any particular considerations in regards to lifting/lift points, or anything else I should consider? (I was going to go 2-post, but the Elise has to have the rear pan removed to access the lift points, which has me leaning towards the 4-post, but I am currently paralyzed with indecision, so all comments from those who have used either/both with an Ultima would help greatly in breaking my deadlock)
Thanks,
-Sky

gyroplane

Original Poster:

42 posts

179 months

Saturday 27th June 2009
quotequote all
It's funny you mention the MaxJax, as that is exactly the 2-post that I would get if I went that direction. (I have 2 8-ft tall bays in the back, and 2 12-foot tall bays in the front, but don't want to permanently mount a post in the middle of the front bays. The MaxJax would allow me to install it in the back bays to be out of the way, but move it to the front if I had something with a taller roof, or wanted more room to work.) Downside is, it would not be an overhead lift, but I am ok with that. I was ready to sink some anchors in preparation...then realized that to get to the aft lift points on a Lotus Elise, you have to remove the rear pan. (Was planning on paying for the lift by saving $300 per Elise oil change. Removing the rear pan before you lift it seemed to counter some of the convenience of having a lift.) That got me back to thinking 4-post, but now I just don't know. Storage is a bonus for the 4-post, but not something I really need. You can get jack support bars that mount between the ramps that allow you to lift the car off its wheels while on the 4-post for wheel work. You can also do suspension work with the wheels at ride height on a 4-post that you cannot do on a 2-post. Casters make a 4-post mobile so it can be pushed to the back of my garage when not needed for overhead lifting. Just wasn't sure if there was anything about a 4-post that was particularly undesireable as it relates to an Ultima, as that is one of the next toys after the garage is done (and really, is the reason for expanding the garage in the first place).
-Sky