4-Post Storage/Service Lift Advice - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

thstone · 05-18-2013, 10:14 AM

Since I bought the 996 and the Spec Boxster is in the process of being built, of course the question arose of where to store the Boxster? I am thinking that the answer is a 4-post storage/service lift with the Boxster up top and the 996 underneath. Height should not be an issue. To be honest, this will also address my "lift envy" issues.

I am leaning towards 4-post rather then 2-post since the Spec Boxster will spend most of its time up on the lift and it seems best not to have the suspension fully extended for lengthy periods of time. Also, the posts on a 2-post are in the middle rather than at the corners and this would make it harder to open/close the doors of the 996 and my wife's 325i that will be parked next to it.

In terms of using the lift for service, the 2-post would be better but I can use a sliding jack that mounts in between the 4-post tire rails and lift the car off the tire rail to service tires/wheels/brakes/suspension. Alternatively, I could lift the car and put jack stands under the car and lower the lift. Not perfect, but there are bound to be some compromises either way I decide to go.

My wife now thinks that I am more than "taking advantage of the situation" after having my Boxster totaled (and buying a 996, then having a Spec Boxster built, and now... installing a lift). I agree!

Anyone have any experience, advice, or thoughts?

This is the type of lift that I am considering:

This is an example of the sliding jack (which can be manual or powered). In the lower pic, the sliding jack is shown under the front after lifting the rear and using jack stands. This gets all four wheels in the air for service at a comfortable work height.

woodsman · 05-18-2013, 11:48 AM

you could tell her that after having a car totalled, you've got new clarity on life's priorities!

mountainman · 05-18-2013, 03:54 PM

I have the exact system you are describing. Atlas 8,000 lb and I love it. Got a great deal on it also. Give me a call at 828 385 3100 if you want info. mountainman

kjc2050 · 05-18-2013, 04:28 PM

Mountainman,

How high is your garage door? Is your garage considerably larger than a "standard" sized garage? Thx for your help.

Topless · 05-18-2013, 05:37 PM

Just park the 996 in the street Stone, it will be fine...

If I had the room, a 4 post lift would be my choice. I think it is the best combination of storage and serviceability. As it is now my garage is tight and honey won't even consider parking the Lexus outside so I will continue with the well tested floor jack method.

I am currently looking at another commercial property with an auto bay and if it goes through I may move my workshop and car storage there.

thstone · 05-18-2013, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainman

I have the exact system you are describing. Atlas 8,000 lb and I love it. Got a great deal on it also. Give me a call at 828 385 3100 if you want info. mountainman

Yes, that is the exact model that I like the best. I will give you a call tomorrow. Thanks!

shadrach74 · 05-19-2013, 04:07 AM

Check this out... NorCal and quite a deal.

7000 lb 4 Post Auto Lift by Lifts Unlimited | eBay

mountainman · 05-20-2013, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjc2050

Mountainman,

How high is your garage door? Is your garage considerably larger than a "standard" sized garage? Thx for your help.

I have a standard size 8 ft wide by 8 ft tall door and the ceiling height is 9 ft. It works with a couple of inches clearance for both cars. Lift and jack together was about $2500 delivered from greg smith equip. If you notice in the picture You need enough length in your garage so the lift can be positioned far enough in that the trunk or hood area is under rhe garage door opener and not the roof or it will not clear.

mountainman · 05-20-2013, 03:24 AM

stilov · 08-05-2013, 10:41 AM

Holy crap!!! That's what I want!

I have an 00 Boxster S and then a 996 turbo, but on Bilstein pss9.

My ceiling is 9ft 3.5inches. It would give me about 2in clearance on top of both cars.

Does yours lock in the range right between the cars?