2003 - Four Post Garage Lift | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
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2003 - Four Post Garage Lift

  • Thread starter Thread starter PAJTOPLESS
  • Start date Start date
PAJTOPLESS

PAJTOPLESS

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Thunderbird Year
2003
We're looking at buying a 4-post garage lift mostly for storage but some service work. Does anyone have experience with these or a recommendation? They seem to all be made in China and quite similar. Thanks for any input!

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You can spend a small fortune for a high end lift (e.g. Backyard Buddy, etc) and its overkill for the average hobbyist. I bought my Chiwaneseium lift (called a ProLift) and the same lifts are rebranded and resold by many vendors. They work fine and I've had mine for 9 years now. All of these lower end models follow a similar design, like this:

You will want to make sure you have sufficient garage ceiling height for the lift and trust me, get the aluminum drive on ramps, the default steel ramps will break your back. Spend the money for METAL drip trays (as shown below) brake fluid, etc can eat through plastic versions and ruin whatever is below.

Finally, you can do EVERYTHING (nearly) on a 4 post lift that you do with a 2 post lift. Including rebuilding entire rear end suspensions. Message or post here if you need more info.IMG_0481.jpgIMG_0482.jpgDSCF0297.JPG
 
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Thank you so much.

It looks like they are all pretty much the same. So, best value definitely makes sense.

Thanks for the tip on the aluminum ramps.

We're in our 60s and not as strong as we used to be.
 
I should have added that if you have a low ceiling you could conceivably have to relocate your garage door opener motor. On my one car garage I just moved it to the side (as shown in the second picture), on a larger door you may need a Jackshaft wall mount opener or the like.
 
While researching, 99% looked like they were made in China. ($4,000 - $7,000 range.)
Found one USA made but $12,000.

Anyone find other USA made but more reasonable on price?
 
I have been using a Quality Lift (Q4P07) assembled in Louisville KY for the last 12 years. It lifts up to 7,000 lbs and runs off of 110 VAC so it did not need special wiring. It came with ramps and drip trays. The lift handles the big birds without problems. I have only had this in places with high ceilings so I can't speak on how this will work with lower ceilings or rafters.

You will still have to jack a vehicle up to work on suspension/wheels/tires but that is minor inconvenience when looking at the expense and trouble of having a two post lift mounted in a garage or shop.

20240926_085943.jpg20240926_090044.jpg
 
Two post lifts usually (always?) have to be secured to the concrete garage slab., where as most DIY 4 posters just sit on the slab and include "casters" so you can move it without much effort. Also a tall ceiling is optimal although the ceiling in my prior post is just 10'4" - but Corvettes are low slung cars.

With a taller ceiling you have to be careful NOT to raise a car too high as well. In this case the owner raised the car so high that the cable stays at the top of the pillar nailed the fender. I have several indicators for stool height stand up height, etc..IMG_0007.JPG

Make some kind of indicator of the locations where the ramp can safely rest without damage to the car 1
63 Maurauder Lift Damage.jpg
 
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