Garage lift options

[kevm14]

I don't know about requiring portability but something suitable for low ceiling height would be good. I'll never walk under a car in my garage and in many cases, only be able to lay under it on a creeper. But there are still a lot of advantages even in that case. It makes jacking up for things like brake jobs or tire rotation way easier. Some jobs require the car to move up and down on certain parts of the job. This would be far easier than dealing with jack stands.

First option I came across. MaxJax.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotatio ... SUAXQOoXuY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kXzzrufv_M

A review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MpdVQXtE_o

He had it for years and tells us how he likes it and how he has modified/accessorized it to suit his needs.

[kevm14]

Harbor Freight Scissor lift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaLFU11oyYM

This makes access to under body parts basically impossible. So that's out.

[kevm14]

Tom's Turbo Garage (who brought us that amazing Miata w/ LS3 swap) reviews a Ranger QuickJack Portable Lift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qye_-Lyb58

Comes in 3,500 lb version (that's out) and a 5,000 lb version. None of my cars weighs 5,000 lbs though the SRX is up there, so is the Ram, and my Caprice and the future STS aren't far behind those.

This looks better than the scissor style. The portability is kind of the best you can get. Maybe this one is the ticket right here. Still watching vid. It does seem optimal. No posts. No hindrance to under body access like the scissor style.

The marketing says it is portable enough to bring to the track with you. Or for me, I could use it in my driveway if I wanted extra room.

I am concerned how it would work with longer wheelbase vehicles as far as lift points. You can't lift my Caprice from the C-sections of the frame. It has to be the boxed sections that are farther apart than this lift...

[kevm14]

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/specialty-lifts/

The site I really wanted: https://www.quickjack.com/car-lift-systems.html

5,000 lb version. $1340.
https://www.quickjack.com/car-lift-syst ... -lift.html

Oh, they make a 7,000 lb version, too. $1490.
https://www.quickjack.com/car-lift-syst ... -lift.html

Looks like 21.5" max lift height. That's to the bottom of the frame on the car. So take the resting height which may be, say, 5", which means it could lift the car a total of 16.5" off the ground. Not the greatest but with a low profile creeper, it could work just fine. And imo, this is still better than a jack and jackstands.

Max of 5 foot span for lifting points. I'd have to look at my Caprice. I still don't know if that would work.

Little vid from Eastwood who apparently is a reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVMVVHOXJ6Y

I bought the BL-5000 a year ago. Love it! If you don't have space in your home garage for an actual 2 post lift, this is the next best thing. Gives you tons of space underneath the car to do anything between oil changes and welding exhaust systems. Way more convenient than a floor jack and jack stands. People are complaining that it doesn't look safe, but I can tell you from first hand experience that it is perfectly safe. Was redoing an exhaust system on a Firebird and left it on the QuickJack for a whole week no problems.

This seems like about the only option for my situation. For storage, you could almost just leave them in the center and park the vehicle over it. $1500 seems like a lot of money but I think it would be a good investment. I will think about it and do more research.

Tech4Hire unboxes the 7,000 lb unit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0A4rxZ_l6c

Eric the car guy reviews the 5,000 lb unit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMqTFQuPHeY

I need to watch both of these.

Apparently the customer service is good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_6tOy2_Vak&t=3s

[kevm14]

ETCG says:

When Bendpak sent my 2 post lift, they also sent this BL-5000 to check out. It's a more affordable and practical solution for the home garage or small shop. This thing is AWESOME. Kinda makes me wish I had looked into one of these years ago. It really didn't take all that much to set it up. There was a small issue fastening the motor to the carrier, but that was solved by drilling 2 new holes into the assembly. I've notified Bendpak about this issue and they're looking into it. Honestly that was a very moderate modification and it only took a couple of minutes to rectify. That said, this is a great lift for the DIY or small shop. Or you can bring it to the track to do quick repairs between runs. It's very portable and easy to use. All you need is 110V to plug into and you're ready to go.

[kevm14]

This is exactly the point.

Well, for $1500 you're still on the floor. Not a good deal it seems.

Jonathon Vince3 months ago
galaxybeing1 cheaper than building a garage with a high ceiling. I'm getting a set because I have an 8ft ceiling

[kevm14]

It requires something to be aired up to 50 psi? I have no idea what that is. I can do that though.

One limitation of this setup is it needs to go to full height to engage the lock. I don't think it can lock at lower heights. I will have to look into this more but it means I need to clear the ceiling (really the garage door opener) with a full lift.

[kevm14]

Review of the 5000 lb unit:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zBAhpykKdj8

This vid is the one to watch. The safety latch does have more than one position.

I think I want this. Not sure about 5000 or 7000.

[kevm14]

It requires something to be aired up to 50 psi? I have no idea what that is. I can do that though.

The air actually seems to pressurize the other end of the ram to help assist the down function.

[kevm14]

Same guy, reviewing the accessories. Like taller adapters for higher ride height vehicles.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DC64L7uRsa4