How to Level a Two-Post Lift: A Guide

When installing an Automotive Lift Repair Florida two-post lift, one of the most critical factors is ensuring the frame contact pads are level with one another. While the columns should ideally be plumb, it’s more important that the contact pads are even, especially if the floor has a slight slope. If the floor is perfectly level, focus on the plumbness of the columns, but always prioritize leveling the pads.

Most garage floors have some degree of slope. If you install the lift columns plumb to a sloped floor, the contact pads will be uneven, creating an unsafe lifting condition. Therefore, it’s essential that the columns are parallel and the pads level, even on sloped floors.

Consider a floor with a one-inch slope from right to left, with a 145” overall width of the lift at the base plates. This small slope can still cause significant differences in pad height. Here are your options:

1. Install with Minimal Shimming: Plumb the columns to the sloped floor. However, this will result in uneven pad heights, causing dangerous sloped loading.

2. Shim the Low Side: Install the high-side column directly on the floor and shim the low-side column (left) by an inch. This will level the pads but may reduce anchor bolt embedment, affecting safety and lift pad height, particularly for low-riding vehicles.

Always shim the columns until the pads are level. Ensure the columns are parallel by measuring the distance between the front pads at both the lowered and raised positions. If the distance remains consistent, the columns are parallel.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Leveling Adjustment: Step-by-Step

If you discover that one side of the lift pads is higher than the other, follow these steps:

– Loosen the column anchors.

– Slightly move the left column inward and the right column outward to balance the pad heights.

– Shim as needed to achieve level pads.

– Recheck that the columns are parallel.

Impact of Installing Out of Plumb

A lift that is not perfectly plumb can impose additional stress on the lift structure. For example, shimming one side by 1/2” can cause the columns to tilt by approximately 1.35 degrees, leading to horizontal movement of the lift arms at full height. However, a 4% increase in moment loading is generally manageable due to the safety margins built into the lift’s structure and anchor system.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and level installation for your two-post lift, even on sloped floors.

Every car enthusiast dreams of having an Automotive Lift Repair Florida car lift in their garage. But with various types of lifts available for different purposes, it’s important to know which one best suits your needs. Here’s a guide to help you understand your options and make the right choice.

The first thing to consider is the purpose of the Automotive Lift Repair Florida lift. Are you looking to create extra storage space for an additional car, or do you want a more convenient way to work on your vehicle? If your goal is storage, a single-post or four-post lift is ideal. If your main focus is working on cars, a two-post lift is the way to go. If you need a lift for both purposes, a four-post lift with optional features for easier maintenance might be your best bet.

Many people who install a lift at home do so for storage, using either a single-post or four-post lift. Fitting a lift depends largely on your garage’s ceiling height. To determine if your garage has enough clearance, measure the height of both cars you plan to stack and add 10 inches. This extra space accounts for the height of the deck and the locking positions on the posts.

Also, check for any obstacles such as garage door openers or ceiling lights that may need to be relocated. While four-post lifts generally don’t pose height issues, you’ll need to consider the lift’s width and length to ensure it fits comfortably alongside your other vehicles.

If you’re opting for a two-post lift for easier maintenance, measure your ceiling height carefully, as the posts are tall. The lift may have a connecting bracket either across the top or on the floor. A top bracket requires extra caution when raising the car, while a floor bracket may hinder moving tools around.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Concrete specifications vary by lift type. If you’re unsure of your garage’s concrete specs, it’s safest to cut out sections of your floor where the lift will sit and pour new concrete to meet the requirements. For two-post lifts, the concrete should be at least 2 feet deep, while four-post lifts need at least 6 inches. Allow new concrete to cure for at least 28 days before installing the lift.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Car lifts come equipped with locking mechanisms similar to those on a roller coaster to prevent accidents in case of power failure. Depending on the lift, you’ll either engage the locks manually or use compressed air to disengage them. If your lift requires compressed air, ensure you run an airline from your compressor to the lift.

Lifts may require either 110V or 220V power, depending on the model. Check the amperage draw to ensure you have adequate power. The highest current draw happens when the motor first starts, so make sure your electrical system can handle this without tripping breakers.

In addition to ensuring the lift itself fits, you’ll need to measure your cars. The top vehicle must be able to drive onto the lift deck, and the tires must sit securely on the decks. For larger vehicles, ensure there is enough clearance between the lift posts to comfortably drive through.

For an Automotive Lift Repair Florida two-post lift, most people prefer an asymmetrical design. This allows you to open the car door after driving onto the lift. Symmetrical lifts are better suited for vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as box trucks. Also, if you have a low-profile car, make sure the lift arms can fit under the frame without needing a floor jack or ramps, as that would defeat the purpose of the lift.