Minimum lift height?
 

Hi all,

This will sound like a dumb question...but what is the minimum height garage lift (floot jack) that I will need for a 986 Boxster? I'm asking because I'm out of town so I can't measure it for myself. :) The car is a standard issue 1997.

Also, is there a maximum height rating I should look for as well? And what about a minimum height for jack stands? Is there a particular range I should be looking for?

While on holiday vacation with the in-laws I have nothing but time to burn so this is my annual chance to research! Ha!!

Garage lift: min/max?
Jack Stands: min/max?


Thanks!!!

Lift - In most domestic garages, the ceiling height is the limiting dimension. Check MaxJax
Much more if you google "MaxJax Garage Journal". There are alternatives -like drive-over ,in-floor scissor lifts -also in Garage Journal. Best choice (if you have space) is an asymetric 2 post.
Jack stands. as a comparison, check out the Harbor Freight 12 ton -set of 4 is inexpensive on sale/20% off. They will lift almost 3ft !
Enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WdyR-aOtpw

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I have a related question. Is it still possible to access the engine, and remove all of the underbody panel covers with a scissor lift like the one in the video? It doesn't appear that a scissor style lift would work very well for a mid-engine car.


For most regular maintenance, you do not actually need very much height, but it definitely can make things easier. I would say the minimum required height is about 20 inches, which gives you enough room to get a 5 gallon bucket under the oil pan and still unscrew the drain plug. I had my 986 up about 24-28" when I did the motor mount.

The trade off with stands, is that while you want height, you also do not want a high minimum/starting height, otherwise getting the car onto the stands becomes very interesting. I use Esco stands, which are pricey but very sturdy. If I had the space I would definitely prefer a lift, as I am not a fan of getting the 986 onto stands.

Once you get the car in the air with stands, the max height will become whatever height is as low as possible to do the work you need to do.

'For most regular maintenance, you do not actually need very much height'
If only regular maintenance was all that was necessary !

Thank you for the replies, but I think I need to clarify my question. What I mean is, what is the minimum height a lift would need to be to fit under the car in order to jack it up?

The garage lifts all come in a range from about 3.5" and operate up to say 18". What does the Boxster need? I'm mostly concerned with that minimum height requirement.

Thanks!

Is your car lowered?

I'm going to say that the lift shown would do tires and suspension but motor transmission would be tough to not possible.

My standard 2004 Boxster S is just under 5" from the floor to the jack points.

Anker

No. The car is not lowered. Its a stock 1997 Box.

So, do I need something less than 4.5"?

Even if the car is lowered really low, you can always lay a piece of wood on the floor to drive up onto, to then get the lift or jack under.

Most common floor jacks will do moat any car and lift up to about 20". I have a maxjax and it's terrific!!!

This is awesome .........But .......
 

If that section of the floor lifts up with the car wouldn't that block you from working under the car.....???