Quick Jack

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In case anyone is interested, Home Depot is having a sale on Quick Jacks.....great prices. I applied for a credit card and got another $100 off.

I just bought the BL-700SLX. I think it's a great alternative to a lift for those who don't want a lift taking up space in their shop. It gets the car high enough to do most maintenance you need to do. I got the 700 so it would lift my truck too.

https://www.quickjack.com/car-lifts/

[55 Rescue Dog]

Hopefully it's strong enough, and low enough to lift your Nomad.:D I've seriously looked at those before, but lift height is a little short at 21 inches, and no access from the side. Down the center would be tough on a tri-5 since the frame rails are only 30 inches apart on the inside leaving no room to scoot in from either end. they don't look all that handy to use either. I am still waiting for someone to build the perfect portable undercar, or "freestanding" side-lift which doesn't exist yet, so I will keep using my Rotory undercar 27in lift until I see something much better. I bought this lift used 18 years ago for $600.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EQjsTfa6TY
10314

[chevynut]

The jacks only block the center 60" of the car where the driveshaft and mufflers are from the side. If I can't get between the jacks at 30" apart, I probably should go on a diet....it should be no problem. The engine and transmission are still pretty much accessible, as is the differential, in front of and behind the jacks. It would sure be nice to change oil, adjust the clutch, etc. If I need to do more under the car I can put it on jackstands and pull the jacks away. Just getting the car up in the air is a lot easier with these than using floor jacks and they lift the whole car at once. They go down to 3 3/4" so they'll barely fit under my Nomad. And they lift 7000 pounds. I went with the 7000 instead of the 5000 so I could lift my truck too....great for rotating tires, working on brakes, etc. It sure would have been nice to have these when I changed my Duramax injectors, as I could have taken the tires off and lowered the car to make engine access a lot easier.

[55 Rescue Dog]

I've been waiting a long time to see your car sitting on the frame, and how you do it?10315

[Rick_L]

Some may see this type of jack as useful but I don't. Just too restrictive and not enough difference from using jack stands.

[Gmvette]

If it’s anything like the photo in #2 posting it sure looks like a Mickey Mouse contraption. I wouldn’t put any of my cars up on that. I would expect a few cuss words because the lift contraption is totally in the way and I’d still be sitting on the floor. A real 2 or 4 post lift is clearly better solution. Sure it cost more but when I have as much invested in my cars as I do I’m sure not gonna skimp on a lift. Seriously.

[chevynut]

If it’s anything like the photo in #2 posting it sure looks like a Mickey Mouse contraption. I wouldn’t put any of my cars up on that. I would expect a few cuss words because the lift contraption is totally in the way and I’d still be sitting on the floor.

I agree.....did you bother looking at the Quick Jack in the link I provided?


https://www.quickjack.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1c4ab6a41298b3d139ccad78ecfe3d94/b/l/bl-7000slx-quickjack-portable-car-lift.jpg
The cost of a lift isn't the issue for me. It's the massive amount of space it takes up. If I had the room for one, I'd install a lift. And I have a lot bigger shop than most guys do.

[Gmvette]

I agree.....did you bother looking at the Quick Jack in the link I provided?

https://www.quickjack.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1c4ab6a41298b3d139ccad78ecfe3d94/b/l/bl-7000slx-quickjack-portable-car-lift.jpg
The cost of a lift isn't the issue for me. It's the massive amount of space it takes up. If I had the room for one, I'd install a lift. And I have a lot bigger shop than most guys do.


Mickey Mouse contraption and a poor excuse for a lift. It’s still no better than jack stands for access as another pointed out. Plus the damn thing is in the way. It’s only a few inches off the floor and one is still laying on the floor.

A 2 or 4 post lift adds space since cars can be stacked. Cars can be parked in the same location as lift. I don’t see where that argument holds any water.

[55 Rescue Dog]

If it’s anything like the photo in #2 posting it sure looks like a Mickey Mouse contraption. I wouldn’t put any of my cars up on that. I would expect a few cuss words because the lift contraption is totally in the way and I’d still be sitting on the floor. A real 2 or 4 post lift is clearly better solution. Sure it cost more but when I have as much invested in my cars as I do I’m sure not gonna skimp on a lift. Seriously.
I know that was a mickey mouse setup I used, but it was just the body shell, and I wasn't going to crawl under it. I was just using what I had to get the trailer out from under the body, which worked. I will have the body lifted up off the frame many times before the car is done, and this lift will work fine for that. Undercar access is actually pretty good. Of course a 2 post would be better, but I only have an 8 foot ceiling anyway. 2 posts lifts are not fool proof either. There have been many accidents with those too. "ABC" Always Be Careful is key.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3Y-JTI3gzs

10316

[567chevys]

This is Mickey Mouse,



Sid

[55 Rescue Dog]

Mickey Mouse contraption and a poor excuse for a lift. It’s still no better than jack stands for access as another pointed out. Plus the damn thing is in the way. It’s only a few inches off the floor and one is still laying on the floor.

A 2 or 4 post lift adds space since cars can be stacked. Cars can be parked in the same location as lift. I don’t see where that argument holds any water.
Do you have any pictures of how you lift your car now, and are you getting a lift soon?

[Rick_L]

Biggest argument against a lift is when you don't have the ceiling height for one, many don't.

A 2 post lift doesn't have a footprint under the car, but does require a wider bay. This thing does have a footprint under the car, which has to be dealt with when not using it.

[Gmvette]

Do you have any pictures of how you lift your car now, and are you getting a lift soon?

I had drive on ramps and requires guidance to go up. Not so good neither. Got rid of them.

I have a 4 post lift, for over 4 years now. Love it. No more lay on the cold floor or bending knees. Do everything with it: lift body, brake job, transmission, clutch, starter changes, exhaust, change oil in engine/tranny/rear end.

Even for the simplistic job of just wiping the chassis down it’s so easy in a standing position.

I had to “raise the ceiling” to accommodate the height. It was easy standing on the lift as a platform. If you have a second floor above you are not going to do this .

Clearly you need 13 1/2 feet to stand under it. I’m 5-8 and if your taller maybe a bit higher ceiling is necessary.

[Gmvette]

Biggest argument against a lift is when you don't have the ceiling height for one, many don't.

A 2 post lift doesn't have a footprint under the car, but does require a wider bay. This thing does have a footprint under the car, which has to be dealt with when not using it.


But even if the full ceiling heigh is not available a 4 post lift could provide “seated position” access to everything. As for foot print, even the smallest of garage should accommodate the 4 post foot print. Figure the old 22’ wide two car garage, that’s 11’ feet wide to use. Lift lengths are available short with various lengths. I find non hanging suspension a far better situation to working on the car. The car is as stable as it could possibly be sitting on it’s wheels at ride height. And you can still use a jack or stands. But that’s me others might feel different.

[BamaNomad]

One cannot do very much work under a car wtih a 4-post lift... regardless of the height of your garage... remove/replace driveshaft, maybe exhaust (depending), adjusting E brake... The only thing I've ever been able to do with a 4post is remove/replace C4 Corvette catback exhaust (which runs down the middle of the car with hangars at the back. Double parking is the most usable function a 4post provides and you need a LOT of height for that for most vehicles...

I'd rather work on a car on the ground with jacks/stands rather than with a 4 post...

[WagonCrazy]

I just bought the BL-700SLX. I think it's a great alternative to a lift for those who don't want a lift taking up space in their shop. It gets the car high enough to do most maintenance you need to do. I got the 700 so it would lift my truck too.

Nice.. Merry Christmas Laszlo. Santa came early...:p

[56Safari]

This is Mickey Mouse,



Sid

That's almost as big of a death with as this.

10319

[Gmvette]

To make the photo even funnier it needs duct tape wrapped around the wood 2x6 and the top of the ladder. Oh yeah some empty beer cans all over the floor.

[scorpion1110]

I had drive on ramps and requires guidance to go up. Not so good neither. Got rid of them.

I have a 4 post lift, for over 4 years now. Love it. No more lay on the cold floor or bending knees. Do everything with it: lift body, brake job, transmission, clutch, starter changes, exhaust, change oil in engine/tranny/rear end.

Even for the simplistic job of just wiping the chassis down it’s so easy in a standing position.

I had to “raise the ceiling” to accommodate the height. It was easy standing on the lift as a platform. If you have a second floor above you are not going to do this .

Clearly you need 13 1/2 feet to stand under it. I’m 5-8 and if your taller maybe a bit higher ceiling is necessary.

I have a 4-post. When I did the addition to my garage I had the ceiling done with stick truss'. The height issue went away. I wanted the space that a 2-post can take away.

Biggest nuisance is wheels off work. I have been looking at bridge jacks but the range in price from $700-$1500. I have the jack tray that came with the lift.

How do you handle wheels off the ramps for brake work? Do you have any pictures?

Overall I like the 4-post better than a two due to the storage capabilities, and probably need that darn bridge jack to make it easier for wheels off work.

[bigblock]

I had a 2 post lift for 10yrs then when a big a*^ oak tree fell thru the side of the garage and damage it. The Ins. company said it was part of the garage because it was fasten to the floor and their for would not pay to replace it. When I rebuilt the garage I bought a 4 post so that didn't happen again. I also got tired of getting on the floor to set the arms. Scop I used my with the jack tray for till last year when I bit the bullet and bought a bridge jack. When you can get one you'll be glad you did. P.S. my 69yr old knees after 2 knee replacements remind me that was a good move every time I use it.:)

[Gmvette]

I have a 4-post. When I did the addition to my garage I had the ceiling done with stick truss'. The height issue went away. I wanted the space that a 2-post can take away.

Biggest nuisance is wheels off work. I have been looking at bridge jacks but the range in price from $700-$1500. I have the jack tray that came with the lift.

How do you handle wheels off the ramps for brake work? Do you have any pictures?

Overall I like the 4-post better than a two due to the storage capabilities, and probably need that darn bridge jack to make it easier for wheels off work.


I use the tray and have it lined with close fitting 2x4’s for a flat surface level with the ramps so a regular small floor jack can lift the car as it sets on the 2x4’s. I also have smaller jack stands that fit nicely. Or I fit blocks between the jack arm and the axle since I’m not under the car and don’t use stands.

The nice thing is I can lower the lift and work on the brakes sitting on a stool. I just use a two step stool to reach and refill the master cylinder. Mighty vacuum make it a one man job.

I just can’t see how anybody would prefer on the floor with jack stands over using a lift. It is so much more convenient working standing up vs on your back on the floor. I don’t care what beer your drinking changing a transmission or starter on your back on the floor sucks.

[Rick_L]

And all that is even easier with a 2 post lift which has much less in the way.

To me it's a floor jack and stands or go all the way to a 2 post.

[BamaNomad]

And all that is even easier with a 2 post lift which has much less in the way.

To me it's a floor jack and stands or go all the way to a 2 post.

NODS!! Yes... !

[WagonCrazy]

To me it's a floor jack and stands or go all the way to a 2 post.

Agreed. Unless you don't have the ceiling height. Then the quickjack is a viable option.

[scorpion1110]

And all that is even easier with a 2 post lift which has much less in the way.

To me it's a floor jack and stands or go all the way to a 2 post.

Sure is but you lose side space for the lift posts, and that can be a big issue. Space is premium.

At the end of any day, a pros and cons analysis for both types of lifts is going to yield a pretty comparable result. I did it years ago and the 4-post won.

[Rick_L]

I don't get it. A 4 post has a much bigger footprint than a 2 post - even if not as wide.

[Gmvette]

And all that is even easier with a 2 post lift which has much less in the way.

To me it's a floor jack and stands or go all the way to a 2 post.

I don’t understand, what is in the way? The ramps are wide apart and nothing in between them. Anything can be removed/ installed: transmission, clutch, starter, brakes, brake lines, drive shaft, rear end, suspension. So easy to put car on lift and still use jack stands if you wish. There is also a center hydraulic lift option. The whole point is everything is accessed standing up and not on the ground on your back. I’ve done both ways. And there is no way it is easy to remove/install a transmission on the ground with the ease of having a car on the lift. And it don’t matter if it’s a 2 or 4 post.

Another cool thing is a 4 post using straps is so easy to suspend below the ramps and lift off and drop the body on to the frame or on a body cradle.

I’m not trying to change your preference but expose the plus to a lift. I just don’t see “in the way” as the full length between threads is open with the option of using the sliding tray/jack for suspending the car or even use jack stands. This works very well changing out springs and suspension.

[NickP]

Anything done on a four post can be done with a two post. Having said that, when it comes to doing tire rotations, a four post is a bit troublesome and time consuming. Doing exhaust systems on a four post can present a challenge or two. A two post will allow storage of a car above as will a four post. Without a leak free vehicle however, both will require some form of a catch basin to keep the other below free from the residue. As far as actually storing a car above, I see no real advantage because of the effort required to jockey both the top and below vehicle around. If one is doing this shop/lift thing from the start, build bigger and allow for the lift in the design if possible. If retrofitting, how often will you use it (lift)? Granted, it's like any other tool but I can justify a new 9/16 wrench quicker than a lift. Spend wisely and design for the future.

[BamaNomad]

I purchased a new 4-post (Superior) about 20 yrs ago, and a 2 post about 2 yrs ago. For the first 30 yrs of my car work experience, I had no lift, except for a floor jack and jack stands. With the floor jack and jack stands, I've removed several bodys from chassis for restoration, and reinstalled them without other help. I purchased the 4-post primarily to get an extra 'garage space' - for double parking two Corvettes. The 4-post 20 yrs ago cost me twice what I paid for the 2-post 2 yrs ago. The ONLY utility I received from the 4-post was the double parking and removing/replacing cat-back exhaust on a C4 Corvette (two different times). With the two post lift, I've had the body of my '57 Nomad up and down off the original and the custom chassis probably 50 times during the build/customization process. When I'm not using the 2-post, I have a Corvette parked in the space which is easily movable for when I need the lift. The 4-post is such that I have a non-driveable '57 Nomad sitting on it without any loss of utility (since I'm only using the parking space in my garage).

That is my experienced opinion with jack/jackstands, a 4-post, and a 2-post.

My neighbor (a good car buddy - 80 yrs old) has a jack very similar to the quickjack, and it's mostly used for oil-changes (and that isn't easy with some cars), and for tire rotations and tire/brake work.

[scorpion1110]

Rick-

My shop was built as a residential extension; with additional length. I left the interior walls up and installed pocket doors to effectively do two things; retain wall space for shelving on both wall sides and be shut-off from the main garage for a light spray or a dust creating project. I had an architect come in and do drawings; the roof is done with Stick Truss' and I had extra deep footers poured at the 4 post points. Not fancy but I wanted an efficient plan that would optimize space and wanted a clear template for the builder.

A 2-post with substantial pillars in my case would have been right where the pocket doors are. Additionally for the arm extension to place it where the 4-post ramps are, would have created a wider width footprint. The 4 posts are pulled in fairly tight.

So in my instance, to preserve wall space, allow for a separation of the shop add on and based on my check of a friend's 2-post, the 4-post saved space and created a perceptual safety increase from a two post. I went with cut posts as opposed to welded tabs (the version originally used by the military and now by B.Y. Buddy). The horizontal dogs lock in the posts rather than rest on the tabs.

Its a forever debate. Just like Ford vs. Chevy.