I am thinking of putting in a hoist. I have a large enough Garage, 15' to the bottom of the truss but wanted to here from truck guys with experience before making a decision as to four post or two.

http://www.alltoolcanada.com/rotary-...tial-4post.htm

http://www.babco.ca/Automotive-Equip...BendPak-XPR-10

 

It all depends on the weight your planning on lifting. If it's just your truck and nothing heavier than the 2 post system would work. But with a 2 post lift system just remember to not get crazy and try to lift something any heavier than your truck (trucks ain't cat, they don't land on their feet unharmed). If it were up to me and I had the room in my garage I'd go with the 4 post lift system, because we all know once you have a lift in your garage, your friends also have a lift system in YOUR garage.

 

My truck is 8000 lb,21' bumper to bumper and I am leaning toward a 10000 lb four post but...with now real experience I would like to hear what people think.

 

I would go with a 2 post...Then you could work on everything under your truck..The only issue with a 4 post,is your limited if you want to do any suspension work...or removing a rear end...The two post wouldn't have these limits..

But remember one thing about a two post and the weight your lifting....Make sure you have a very solid foundation for the two post...The cement has to be of good quality and also thick enough...If the cement pad is only 4 inchs thick,I don't know if I would risk a two post...Unless you re-pour that section,where the posts sit, to a least 6 inch of good quality cement..

With a 4 post...Being the weight is spread over 4 posts...Having it sit on 4 inch cement will be ok..They even have portable 4 posts that you could wheel around the shop...

 

I've used both systems. The last time I had my MC in the air was with a 2 post system. It felt pretty sturdy, but if I had my way all the time, I would use a 4 post. With a 2 post, if you dont check the balance before getting more than about 6 - 12 inches off the ground and you take her all the up, you could lose a vehicle pretty quickly. For trucks, I prefer a 4 post. If my garage was tall enough that is what I would get.

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How do you find your clearances for working on the truck? For the most part it will be oil and lubes but what about a wheel bearing? THanks

 

A 2 post 10k installed correctly into the cement will give you the best access to work on trucks and cars. Once you learn the best/correct spot to lift your truck from it will be easy for you to do. My quad cab dually will go on it, with any vehicle just take it up until tires are off the ground and try to rock it from front and rear. If you can't then you are good to go up it really is not that hard once you do a few.

 

Asymmetrical? My wife just asked me will will still be able to use the garage for family gatherings, opps.

 

Yes + Yes another advantage of a 2 post = smaller footprint just run it up all the way so nobody can trip over the arms.

 

2 post is definitely a smaller foot print.

Here is another reason why I like 4 post lifts. If you ever plan on doing more than just oil, lubes or wheel bearings, a 4 post is better since you can put your tools right next to you on the runway. If you want to check your ball joints, much easier with a 4 post since you have a rolling jack to slightly raise your front end and put a crow bar or something below the tire and lift the tire to check for play. I feel changing springs or even shocks is much easier with a 4 post and rolling jack. You will still have plenty of room for parties, etc. If you have the clearance, you can even park a car on top and park your truck underneath.

I just prefer using a 4 post over a two post due to the many other benefits you will come to find. If you are limited on space, then a 2 post may suit you, but if you are able too, I would get the 4 post.

Another con about the 2 post is that your height would be limited by not only the ceiling (as is the 4 post), but the upper support brace, whereas the height of a 4 post would be limited by the ceiling. Just as Diesel Dave2 mentioned, your slab may be a big limiting factor as well. I would have an engineer check to make sure the concrete will exceed the minimum specifications of the lift you decide to go with.

As for suspension or axle work a 4 post never failed me. Now if you are removing an entire axle assembly that may present a problem.

 

I have worked on both with some heavy trucks, and prefer the four post with the jacks that slide along the runways. I find the four post setups to be much more confidence inspiring. I did not find it to be a hindrance doing suspension work.

 

Was over on another forum and a guy said that everyone that had a four post would switch to a two post if they could, lol. I do like the idea of being able to put the tools on the ramp, lol, but a rolling platform with my tools on them does the same thing. I poured 5" of concrete on top of a 4" slab so It will not be going anywhere. One of my issues is that I have a number of implements for my tractor that would be more of a challenge to move around the four post set up I like the stability idea of the four post though.

 

Thought I might add a picture of the garage. I built it to put my fifth wheel into so there is plenty of height. it has a 30'x40' foot print.

 

I've used both. Once you get used to using them, safety shouldn't be an issue. A two post looks scary, but set up properly, the truck won't go anywhere. They both have pros and cons. I like the two post better. It's more versatile. The sliding jack setup on a four post is usually optional and the total cost can add up quick.
My buddy has a four post on casters so when not in use you can move it around or out of the way.
Good luck.

 

There is one thing guys....Be it two post or 4 post....Anything is better than rolling around a creeper...