You nailed that right on the head!

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AGREED!!!



I do prefer a 2 post for the accessibility of everything. But I like the safety of the 4 post.

 

We got away from 2 post lifts at my shop. We have several 4 post lifts, 10k up to 16k. They work excellent for most repairs with the exception of ball joints. We have the center rolling lifts on the 4 post lifts so you can lift a vehicle off the lift runners to do brakes tires etc. However in some instances it is very difficult to do ball joints because you can not get the clearance you need for the bj press between the lift and the knuckle unless you spend a lot of money to get the heavy duty high lift center lifts. This is not my shop but we do have a couple of these exact lifts.

Even with some of the inconveniences I prefer these lifts.

 

THIS! I have had mine on both, and by far I would rather use the 4 post. Had it on both 10,000 2 post and 14,000 4 post lifts, and while it was generally secure, the Asymmetrical 2 post put it far enough back from center line to make it feel "bouncy" ( give in the support arms. ) enough that I put a third support under the rear bumper. The 14K 4 post I was using had the center rolling air over hydraulic jacks that made it so simple to lift 2, or all 4 wheels off at once.

I never had to do ball joints I will say, but overall, the convenience of simply driving on the lift would more than out weigh the small additional hassle of doing ball joints once or twice.

If it is more pain to get your truck secure to lift on a 2 post than it is to do the job ( say change oil ), then you aren't likely to use it.

 

Just as with the two post lift with the spacers to reach the frame rails so you don't crunch the lower panels, you can also get various lengths in spacers & some that can be stacked for the 4 post to get enough clearance for ball joints. But as you mentioned needing to have the accessibility with the 2 post, I would also consider the safety side using a 2 post vs 4 especially with youngins around. I have also experienced problems with a 2 post where one side was raising slower than the other, causing the latches to catch at different times. Fully raising, then lowering it (w/o the vehicle) would remedy it. I've also experienced the same with the 4 post, just not as bad, and never had to fully raise then lower it.

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I have flipped back and forth with this, lol, my cousin and I will go look at some this week coming and get the sales guy to give me his/her pitch. I appreciate all the comments so far.
Here is another thread with a similar line of thought.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/p...icle-lift.html

 

I'm surprised you could not get the info you needed at the forum you linked. All the rocket scientists, doctors and engineers that give advice over their couldn't help?

 

I was hoping for truck people's experience, lol and am no closer to making the call at which to go with. I may be leaning to the two post just to have the smaller foot print in the garage but I also worry about the leaning of the truck on the hoist, go figure. Did you have a look at the other thread?

 

I've got to vote for the 2 post as well. In order to do any type of work on the 4 post that requires wheel removal, it has to have those jacking beams installed. I don't think they are included with the basic hoist, and add to the cost a great deal.

 

You could be right, $600 bucks a pop here and I imagine extenders would be on top of that, go figure.

 

The one thing about a 4 post lift is that you can get a portable one. At least that way you could reposition it at will.

Tough decision understandably so.

Best if luck with it.

 

Each type has their advantages. I won't try to sway you either way.
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The 4 posters have the advantage of the quick easy lift but make the wheel, brake and suspension chores a bit harder. A good bit harder to work on the rocker panel area which is above the ramp area as well.
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Most of the 4 poster guys I know bought the accessory lift jack cradles to do the wheel and brake work. Those cradles can be manual jack or air over hydraulic which is much easier. It adds more to the 4 post cost but well worth it. Also, the 4 post lifts don't usually require the extra reinforcement in the floors. This may be your deciding factor.
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Of course the 2 post models need the required floor thickness but make the wheel, brake and suspension work more accessible. Other than the arms reaching under the vehicle your overall access is better.
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One thing about the 4 arms that swing in and extend on the 2 post models is that I have used mine to lift all types of stuff. Riding lawn mowers, ATV's, etc. Heck I have been wanting to make a pallet like attachment for the arms so I could raise items up to my truck bed. Still on my to do list.
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The only thing I can say is, don't go cheap on a lift. I watched a shop doing some muffler work on a diesel truck and the mechanic was tugging back and forth on the exhaust and the truck was swaying more than I would feel comfortable with. This was a stamped steel column type post. With the weight of our trucks go with the 10,000lb rating so you have a little extra in reserve.
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I bought my Mohawk 10,000lb 2 post lift because it was made of heavy channel and had a large footprint. The lift carriages each had sealed roller bearings to guide the carriage up the columns. It has close spaced mechanical safeties and hydraulic locks built into lines. Uses a link plate chain not cables to lift the weight.
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My ceiling is 14' at the center and 12' at the front and back walls. I have the garage doors follow the ceiling and the truck clears everything at full lift. You would have to close the door if you had a cap on the truck bed.
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Not trying to sell you on the Mohawk but take a look at their site. A lot of good info there. Another bonus they are made in America of all things.

 

I'm an old truck guy and they have done nothing but get higher off the ground, there is currently enough room to wheel a reclining rocker under there. I honestly don't see the point of using valuable floor space for a hoist 2 or 4 post unless you are going to use it all day long day in day out on something you can't get under.

 

You westerners are tougher then us out east eh? I just as soon not slide under my truck for the oil change anymore, lol. But you are right, if I were inclined to be on the incline, axle jacks and my pump jack would be enough. I have been sliding under it for near on eight years and would like to be able to stand up to do my oil, lol. Floor space aside I may just have to build another shed for my tractor stuff, lol.

 

A hoist is a good investment...Even if you use it for your hobby...I bought a sissior hoist last year...Best tool I bought...It was time...Been rolling around a creeper for to many years..Knees are giving me problems..So I bought it for my birthday..

Bironcad...What ever hoist you buy be it 2 post or 4 post....you will love it