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.
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.