4 Helpful Tips To Install A 4-Post Lift In Your Garage

Are you facing some challenges installing a 4-post lift in your shop or home garage? You might need some professional help. An experienced automotive installer can connect you with the right lift model that comfortably fits in your garage. Finding a reputable manufacturer that makes a variety of automotive lifts will give you plenty of options. Here are things to consider if you’re installing a 4-post lift for your garage.

1. Space and Measurement

Your garage needs enough space before you can install an auto lift. The typical measurements for a 4-post car lift is 103 inches wide by 173 inches long. Most passenger cars have a length of approximately 16 to 17 feet. If the cars you work on fall in this range, then this type of lift may be right for you. 2. Height You need to take into account the height of the lift and the height of the cars. A simple equation can help you identify how high your garage ceiling must be to contain a 4-post vehicle lift. Suppose you want to park a 1969 Camaro above a Fox Body Mustang. The height of both the cars is about 55 inches. The lift itself needs another 8 inches of height – 4 inches for the runway thickness and another 4 inches for clearance onto a safety device. 55 inches (’69 Camaro) + 55 inches (Fox Body Mustang) + 8 inches (Lift) = 118 inches (Minimum height required) So, your garage ceiling needs a minimum height of 118 inches.

3. Installing A Garage Door Opener

If you want to use your garage space to the fullest, you may need to install a high-lift kit on your existing garage door. To install a high-lift kit you need to change the garage door track to increase its vertical rise while keeping the original door. This might also require a spring change. The most important part of the process is setting up a jackshaft garage door opener. Unlike most door openers, a jackshaft doesn’t waste space by hanging from the middle of the ceiling. It’s mounted on the free area of the wall beside your garage door. This provides a little extra ceiling height for your 4-post lift.

4. Garage Floor Slope

Garage floors need a slope for drainage, which starts at about 1/8 feet for each foot of floor. This can make an approach angle tricky when driving onto some lift designs. Buying a 4-post lift is a cost-effective method for expanding your garage. However, you should always consult an automotive professional, even if you’re considering installing the 4-post lift yourself. If you’re looking for a company that’ll help you safely fit a 4-post auto lift in your garage, talk to Gary Rice Equipment and Service. Gary Rice Equipment and Service is an automotive installation and repair company in Rutland, MA that specializes in lifts, waste oil containers, compressed air piping, bulk fluid dispensing systems, dryers, and exhaust. Gary Rice is a fully licensed and insured installer committed to fast, reliable, and thorough service for all your garage needs.