Lifts

[clueless1]

I’ve been shopping lifts, and it looks like it has come down to a scissors jack or the more expensive option of Maxjax. It seems both options have a similar lift height, with the scissor options (CAEL and Mondial) a few inches higher. With respect to those, I was wondering what people’s experience had been? Is there any issue with the cross members and access? Can the lift/car orientation be reversed? Anything to look out for? All feedback appreciated.

[redpepperracing]

You didn't mention it, but I am happy so far with the QuickJack 7000, but I guess it depends on what you are trying to do. With some extension blocks that I made, and a little bit of wiggling I was able to remove engine and transmission without too much trouble, by myself.

[bg305]

There are other options for drive over scissor.
This is my mid rise with both my boxster and my mdx on it.

[bg305]

The prices have gone up quite a bit since I bought it, but I think it is around 3500$ the new one goes another 7 inches higher than mine (mine goes to 40").

Mine is the perfect high for me to sit in a reclining chair creeper like this one:



Life changing comfort

[clueless1]

Scissor seems to be a bit cheaper option vs maxjax though I have found an inexpensive MJ. Difference ends up being about 600/700. But best scissor prices are for the pad type with cross members — Stratus type seems very nice but spendy in comparison. With the less expensive scissor I wasn’t sure how much cross member would potentially get in the way?.

As for quickjack — love it and thought about it long and hard. It’s the cheapest option for me but I figured reclining creeper and 45/50 “ is a lot more comfortable than lying on one’s back at 24” — it is helpful to know that one has clearance to drop trans / engine.

[bg305]

I looked at the Max Jack as well, and two post lifts in general for me it came down to space I didn’t have enough in my garage to utilize both car bays with the post. I know Max Jack can be removed, but I also had a crack in my concrete, which was questionable. I also looked at the scissor jacks with the center mechanisms. The obvious advantage was you didn’t have to drive over it but since the car was mid engine, I didn’t want the obstruction. I did take the engine out of mine on the stratus you just have to make sure you get one of their wide models I believe it’s 36 or 37 inches wide and you need around 36 at the front of the engine to get it out.

The 40 inches mine goes up is perfect for me especially in my garage. Like I said before I can use that sitting creeper and it’s super comfortable better than standing in my opinion.

[bg305]

I should note the 36 inch width was for my 3.2.. I’m not sure if it’s less for the 27 or 2.5. And you know the stratus is a wide model if it has an X in the model number.

[flmont]

I like the Aston lift ..seem's like a nice set-up,..someday soon I hope,..

[bg305]

The Aston one looks very similar to my stratus, it is narrower through between the platforms (33" instead of 36") which would have made a BIG difference dropping my engine, def something to think about if you ever want to take the engine out. Also only rated for 8000 lbs instead of 9000 (although either is way more then I need, but might matter if you have a full sized pickup / suv).

To the OP, if i could have fit the posts for the maxjax and did not have concerns about my slab (because of the crack) i might have gone that route (I was leaning in that direction). Additionally my challenge was that my garage is on the smaller side for a 2 car and is not high (8 and 1/2 feet). So I absolutely loved that the stratus (while heavy as hell, around 1300 lbs + 150 for the control box) is very easy to maneuver with the wheel kit on flat surfaces. I move it in and out of the garage in ruffly 10 minutes to work on my taller 3 row cars like the mdx (and i have a pilot before that). Go with the right solution for your situation for the the constraints meant that even if I could get the posts anchored safely and put them up / took them down everytime I wanted to use them, even if the boxster fit, there was no way i was getting my mdx or pilot in that bay. With the status I can squeeze the 3 row in the garage and bring it up to the first or second lock position, or I can bing the stratus outside and go up all the way.

I was worried about driving over it, and after doing it for 3 years now, it is no issue.

I also found that the stratus team and support was great, I had some issues with the welds on the original kit they sent to move it, they sent out another right away. They also were very helpful when I was getting it setup. I have a high level of confidence they will be around to help me support the lift in years to come, something to consider on a 1300+ lbs tool that you want to keep for a LONG time.

because of how much I saved doing my chain tensioner guides myself alone the lift has paid for itself. It is actually fun now to work on the car, not a hassle to get it safely in the air. Which ever way you go it is a gamechanger IMO.

[Paul]

I've been using a midrise lift since 2011 with great success.

https://link.shutterfly.com/bGd5rhCxdEb

[flmont]

Thank's for that info BG305,..I didnt think that mattered,..I do intend to drop the engine..!