Container based shop: 2 post lift placement advice?

[gut_wrench_garage]

I did some more research and I am leaning strongly toward a badass floor jack, a good creeper/chair padding combination under the truck, and four of these:

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https://www.northerntool.com/products/sunex-high-height-pin-type-10-ton-jack-stands-pair-model-1410-39054

Those things go to almost 4 feet tall- that's huge and also far cheaper, simpler.

By the way I'm really loving this discussion. Thanks guys. Great community here

 

[legopnuematic]

I believe the best time to buy a four post was yesterday so to speak.

My setup (9000lb, extra long/tall/wide, 1 bridge jack) was just under $5500 all in, including freight. That same setup today is $6700.

I went with a 4 post as I knew it would be serving storage duty more than wrenching, and my shop is a rented unit (although plenty of others have 2 posts installed in theirs) so having the option to move it freely is nice. I have yet to move it from where it started, but I’m sure I will at some point.

For your situation I’d go 2 post since the storage part of a 4 post doesn’t gain you anything being outside. At minimum build a roof over it, even 4 feet deep and a few feet wider than the width of the lift would help give some protection to the hydraulic power unit/tank and such.

Those tall jack stands could certainly work, but for me personally, I can say that sounds like a huge pain to have to lift something that high just to get a stand under, unless the vehicle is a few inches from the minimum to start with. JMO.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Those tall jack stands could certainly work, but for me personally, I can say that sounds like a huge pain to have to lift something that high just to get a stand under, unless the vehicle is a few inches from the minimum to start with. JMO.

Was gonna say the same thing. I have 12" tall cribbing for working under vehicles but keeping the wheels on them. It's a huge PITA/can be sketchy even getting stuff up that high, let alone 4ft in the air. No way I'd try that with a jack, you'd need the lift just to place it on those stands lol

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[gut_wrench_garage]

Noted, guys. Your practical experience is exactly what I was hoping to benefit from. Sounds like I will be going with a 2 post lift after all. My ADHD turns me into an overthinker, but I also wanted to make sure I knew all the variables and understood the problem I'm trying to solve before throwing $3k on something that in all practicality will get limited use, but will be so luxurious when I need it. I have to admit I hate crawling under cars. hate it.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Noted, guys. Your practical experience is exactly what I was hoping to benefit from. Sounds like I will be going with a 2 post lift after all. My ADHD turns me into an overthinker, but I also wanted to make sure I knew all the variables and understood the problem I'm trying to solve before throwing $3k on something that in all practicality will get limited use, but will be so luxurious when I need it. I have to admit I hate crawling under cars. hate it.

Same here, I'll hone in on something and stress and wayyy overthink it for a while, I get it. If a 2-post is reasonably affordable for ya, that really is the all around best option. I'm only in my mid-30s but now that I've had access to our 2-post at work for a few years, I hate crawling around on jackstands and creepers. I'm hoping to have a shop of my own in the next few years and the first big expense (besides the building itself) will be a 2-post. Come hell or high water.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

Any type of lift needs a “footer” under the posts to be adequately safe…
I know many don’t, and nothing happens until it does

 

[gut_wrench_garage]

Same here, I'll hone in on something and stress and wayyy overthink it for a while, I get it. If a 2-post is reasonably affordable for ya, that really is the all around best option. I'm only in my mid-30s but now that I've had access to our 2-post at work for a few years, I hate crawling around on jackstands and creepers. I'm hoping to have a shop of my own in the next few years and the first big expense (besides the building itself) will be a 2-post. Come hell or high water.

Indeed. Thanks for that. I have decided to just bite the bullet and get a 2 post lift. A cheapie will likely do just fine, and I'll read/watch reviews before dropping the cash.

Any type of lift needs a “footer” under the posts to be adequately safe…
I know many don’t, and nothing happens until it does

It'll be installed in 6" rebar reinforced concrete. More than enough strength for it. I am still in the design stage, so I get to do everything right the first time. I hope. This is the current phase of the build.

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[goldpack]

looks like a dusty place to do anything,...

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[Bennyt]

My friend mounted a carport to his 4 post. Goes up and down with it.

 

[Radiohead]

My friend mounted a carport to his 4 post. Goes up and down with it.

There ya go!

 

[TotalyHucked]

My friend mounted a carport to his 4 post. Goes up and down with it.

Um, wat? I think we need pictures...

 

[gut_wrench_garage]

looks like a dusty place to do anything,...

You'll appreciate the name of my weather station:

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Yes, it is dusty. I haven't mentioned the detail, but the placement of the container is to provide a wind shelter to everything behind it. It gets windy here:

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One of the reasons for the 40x25 slab is to cut down on local dust as well.

 

[Bennyt]

Um, wat? I think we need pictures...

Instead of getting a 20 foot tall carport to put his 4 post under, he mounted the metal carport to the lift itself. But yes, ill try and get pictures. He's in the Nova club but has a 50's truck he brings to Dino's every year.

 

[gut_wrench_garage]

Got my container delivered today:

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Used the Burb's winch to hold it in place while he had to unload the trailer at an angle due to space constraints. Now, the work intensifies. Gotta get this thing insulated before I really move in. But, now I can put a car in front of it and see where I want the lift.

 

[goldpack]

I like the ideas of putting a roof in,...at least some beams or trusses so you can tarp when you want to. or something to protect from hail stones, like plywood / metal

just picked this website for a few pictures of roofs off the container/ containers.

12 Epic Shipping Container Garage and Carport Ideas

Is your garage filled with so much stuff that your car barely fits? Or do you park outside because you don’t have a garage? You’re not alone. Storage space is a challenge for many Americans. Exposing vehicles and other equipment to harsh weather can be costly. But with today’s high construction...

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