2 Post Lift for Storage

[LuvSpeed]

In a previous thread, I mentioned that I use my 2 post lift for storage. I received some feedback that it may not be the best to let your suspension hang for a long period of time. I'm not completely sure about that, but I decided to talk to a local fab shop for a solution in converting a 2 post lift to a storage lift. I wanted something that I could somewhat easily take off if used the 2 post lift for wheel and suspension work. I did a test fit last night. Here is what we have come up with so far. Seems like it will work out.

[LuvSpeed]

Slight drop when loaded, but this is actually the least drop I have seen in any design that I have found on the internet. Made some wooden ramps to more easily drive on the lift. Any feedback or ideas?

[LuvSpeed]

Design and fab pics:

[StrokerAce]

Interesting. Cool design.

Is the cross bar bolted and welded or just bolted to the wheel buckets? Not sure what else to call the area where the tire is making contact.

[LuvSpeed]

The cross bar is bolted. Large grade 8 bolts. Included this in the design in case I wanted to store a smaller car with less width. Can just bolt up a smaller cross bar and bring swing arms toward the center. I think the single bolted cross bar is where the flex is occurring. Could have welded multiple bars going across with them trussed together. However this would have added a significant weight. As it stands right now, the weight is at the maximum I want to be. Any more would make it difficult to take on/ off.

I’m planning on getting a structural engineering evaluation to make sure it is good to go before storing or working under this thing.

I’m not even sure if letting the suspension hang is detrimental.

Right know this has turned into a science experiment.

[IndyRon]

Conceptually I love the idea as a 2-post lift owner. Structurally it may be just fine, but the flex makes me nervous. I don't think I'd work/walk under it until a structural engineer went over it fully. Also, i have offset arms on my lift, the front arms are shorter than the rears. Not sure I have enough reach to make it to both hub centerpoints. Many other 2 post lifts are designed similarly.

[Ogme042]

I have considered this as well, but not sure how necessary it is. Did you look at the wheel lift adapter that Mohawk makes?

I always take the wheels off, but stored my TA over the top of another car last winter on a two post lift. Also, when not in use, the car is usually on the lift. I don’t think it hurts anything as long as the wheels are off.


https://mohawklifts.com/automotive-lifts/lift-options/

[LuvSpeed]

Yes I have looked at the Mohawk adapters. However, is has a smaller wheel recommendation, and was not sure if it would work with my wheel sizes.

I'm not even sure if storing a car on a 2 post lift with wheels on is detrimental. Need to ask an automotive engineer this sometime if I ever run into one.

[GTS Dean]

Conceptually I love the idea as a 2-post lift owner. Structurally it may be just fine, but the flex makes me nervous. I don't think I'd work/walk under it until a structural engineer went over it fully. Also, i have offset arms on my lift, the front arms are shorter than the rears. Not sure I have enough reach to make it to both hub centerpoints. Many other 2 post lifts are designed similarly.

While the concept and the execution of the OP's arrangement is really nice, the flexure is troubling with that single strut span. I would recommend either a single 3x3 x 3/8" cross tube for each end with cantilever wheel baskets, or use twin 2x2 x 1/4" cross members for each end. This might be quickest and utilize the existing end assemblies, but a diamond orientation isn't as strong as square. You'll want a nice snug fit for the pin bosses.

[SRT_BluByU]

Whats the thickness of your slab that it bolts too?

[LuvSpeed]

While the concept and the execution of the OP's arrangement is really nice, the flexure is troubling with that single strut span. I would recommend either a single 3x3 x 3/8" cross tube for each end with cantilever wheel baskets, or use twin 2x2 x 1/4" cross members for each end. This might be quickest and utilize the existing end assemblies, but a diamond orientation isn't as strong as square. You'll want a nice snug fit for the pin bosses.

I agree the flex is something that I am concerned. Definitely don't want it to fatigue one day. While your recommendations may be spot on, I plan on taking everything to a structural engineer to put some numbers to it. If I have to add a lot more weight then I do not see myself using these too much.

Whats the thickness of your slab that it bolts too?

3/4 " steel plate.

[SRT_BluByU]

I was curious what the conc floor slab thickness the lift bolts to is.. id like to get a two post lift but cant find one that works with a 4” thick non-reinforced slab.

[13COBRA]

I'm sorry...but rather than fabricating something like this, you should just get a 4-post.

[ViperTony]

I'm sorry...but rather than fabricating something like this, you should just get a 4-post.

I was thinking the same, 4 post with bridge jacks (that's what I did). But...I definitely see the allure of the OP's solution with the 2 post.

[cashcorn]

How about this.. https://aclifts.com/lifts/m-1-single-post-car-lift/

[13COBRA]

I was thinking the same, 4 post with bridge jacks (that's what I did). But...I definitely see the allure of the OP's solution with the 2 post.

I do too...as long as it works 100% of the time...but in reality, if it only works 99% of the time, I'd rather opt for a 4-post.

[LuvSpeed]

I was thinking the same, 4 post with bridge jacks (that's what I did). But...I definitely see the allure of the OP's solution with the 2 post.

I have a 4 post lift for storage already. I really like my 2 post lift. Tons more versatile working on the car. A lot more room underneath. As with anything, nature abhors a vacuum. Buy another 4 post lift and it will be filled with something and I imagine I will still be wanting my two post for storage.

I was curious what the conc floor slab thickness the lift bolts to is.. id like to get a two post lift but cant find one that works with a 4” thick non-reinforced slab.

I have this lift installed in a commercial business park type facility. There are some commercial shops there with Lifts. I had somebody install the lift. They checked for the concrete depth and stated the concrete was good to go. I never checked it myself.

[StrokerAce]

Why not just put it up with the normal 4 points and remove the wheels?

[mackzilla]

Why not just put it up with the normal 4 points and remove the wheels?

Theory is uncompressed suspensions wear out faster during storage. This is why I am buying a 4 post this fall, despite when I actually work on brakes/suspension the process is more cumbersome.

[StrokerAce]

Theory is uncompressed suspensions wear out faster during storage. This is why I am buying a 4 post this fall, despite when I actually work on brakes/suspension the process is more cumbersome.

Wouldn't removing the wheels take most of the weight off the suspension?

BTW, I agree with your purchase.

img_20200523_151829027_2c61a94134c49ddc327aa625e1a4d30647a9cda0.jpg

[Fatboy 18]

Nice Idea but I would be slightly concerned of the steel bars running across the tires, I like Deans suggestion of a tire basket , a steel half dish to offset pressure on the tire.

Looking at the pic with the car in the Air, it looks like there is some strain on the arms trying to tilt inward?

[LuvSpeed]

Nice Idea but I would be slightly concerned of the steel bars running across the tires, I like Deans suggestion of a tire basket , a steel half dish to offset pressure on the tire.

Looking at the pic with the car in the Air, it looks like there is some strain on the arms trying to tilt inward?

Valid point. That us why angled to make a diamond shape to lessen the impression on the tire. Steel half dish may be beneficial. Will have to consider changing that as long as it down not add to much weight. Use the current design a make a dish in there. Next step is structural engineering evaluation to make sure is safe. The tilt is concerning. Will keep you posted when structural engineering eval is done and what recs were made.