Different Lifts for T &A cars

[AdminJeff]

I just bought a 10ac property in Idaho (and am leaving CA for good) and the first thing I'm doing is outfitting my new shop. I currently have a 2post lift in my current shop and love it. I have 2 2x6 posts that fit over the arms, and lift both my t and A high enough into the air to safely walk under them. This is an ideal setup for working on wheels, bearings, transmissions, etc.

Im fortunate in that the new shop is big enough for all my equipment and TWO lifts. I'm looking at a 4 post lift right now and am curious if others have any thoughts in regards to their usefulness. I might go with one of each. Just because.

AdminJeff

[Mark Gregush]

Everything you want to know about lifts, all 5 pages of post! https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294343
Enjoy the read!!

[Norman Kling]

I have seen them but not had experience with them. However, if you plan to park another car underneath, it could be a problem, because I have yet to see either a T or an A that didn't drip at a little oil.
Norm

[Colin Mavins]

They should come with drip trays both of mine did, just make sure the one you buy is certified some of the china lifts are not . Both of mine came from Benco Equipment in Fargo ND, the lift is a Pro park they are certified. Both are 4 post lifts.

[Colin Mavins]

I prefer the four post because with the car off you can put the wheels on and move them around where ever you want.

[TWrenn]

I have seen them but not had experience with them. However, if you plan to park another car underneath, it could be a problem, because I have yet to see either a T or an A that didn't drip at a little oil.
Norm

On similar threads, I have enthusiastically touted my 4-poster. I love it. Everyone thinks the rails are in the way, they are not.
And, I do keep my '94 T-bird under it with the Fordor currently up above it, I just keep the drip trays, plus as extra layer of safety,
a hunk of cardboard over the top of the "bird" also, just in case. Never any problems. And like someone said, it's also portable, in case I need to move it to another location.

[TWrenn]

Shoulda mentioned re the '94 T-bird under the Fordor...naturally this is just for winter layup!!

[Les Schubert]

I have a 2 post because I use it solely for working on projects. If it’s for storage mostly, then I would probably go 4 post.
In regards to your shop, if it’s new, then seriously consider in floor heat!! Much more efficient and nicer to work on.
Being from California, you probably don’t have much experience with shop heat. Here by Calgary I heat about 6,000 sq ft of shop!!

[Dennis Prince]

I have a 4 post hoist and I like it a lot, it is handy for unloading stuff out of the back of a truck and lowering it to the ground, I can use it as a adjustable height work bench, I have even used it as a table for a large gathering (shop tour/breakfast). As already mentioned I also use it to be able to get 1 more car in the shop than would otherwise fit, I think a 4 post is more versatile.

[Russ T Fender]

I have a BendPac 4 post and keep a car under a T with drip pans. I made my own as the ones made for the lift were pretty pricey. If you decide to get one make sure it is tall enough. I ordered the tallest one available but it still is not tall enough to get most of my early T's underneath with the tops up and my Hack and Centerdoor are relegated to the upper berth!

[TLeroux]

I have both two post and four post both work great on my model t s
you need have the right adapters
I'm in the hoist business 40 year know, let me know your address and I will send you information
tom

[Chris Haynes]

With a four post lift how do you remove a wheel for a brake job, repack bearings, rotate tires, ETC.? I love my Bendpac two post lift.
https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/

[Colin Mavins]

Chris I have the jack that runs between the rails I can lift one side or the axle . I had to load a none running car into a 5 ton truck so I rolled the hoist into the back lane ,put the car on it worked like a dream.

[TWrenn]

With a four post lift how do you remove a wheel for a brake job, repack bearings, rotate tires, ETC.? I love my Bendpac two post lift.
https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/

Chris, I have even so much as pulled the entire front axle off my '25 Fordor to have everything totally rebuilt. Just used the included "parts tray" as a sturdy point in which to jack up the car on the frame. Worked great.

[Chris Haynes]

Not having to use a jack is exactly why I bought a two post lift.

[Colin Mavins]

I'm getting to old to get on my knee's to set the bars on a 2post hoist

[Steve Jelf]

How about a one-post lift?

[Mark Gregush]

If you read the Fordbarn post, I did some checking on the jacks, they are not inexpensive items and don't come with the 4 post lift. That post has some good information about brands and which ones to stay away from. If I had room I would go with the 2 post and my knees are not that good ether. What good is a 4 post lift if you have to move cars just to use it because it mostly has become a storage rack!