4 Post Lifts

When you use a four post lift as a storage lift, you drive both vehicles onto the runways — one on the ground level and one raised — and the lift holds them there indefinitely. For light service like oil changes or exhaust work, the included jack tray and a bottle jack let you lift one axle at a time while the vehicle sits on the runways, giving you roughly 4.5–5 feet of working clearance underneath. If you need full wheel-free access for brakes, tires, or suspension, you can add a pair of sliding or rolling jacks that raise the vehicle off the runways — or step up to a two-post lift, which gives wheel-free access by design. For true wheel-alignment work you'll want a dedicated alignment lift, since alignment is measured with the wheels loaded on turnplates rather than hanging free. For most home-shop owners who want storage plus occasional undercarriage access, a drive-on 4 post lift is the most practical and cost-effective choice.

The reliable rule of thumb is: height of the bottom car + height of the top car + 12 inches of clearance for the runway thickness and lock engagement. For example, a 54-inch convertible stacked under a 55-inch car needs roughly 121 inches — just over 10 feet — of clear ceiling height, and even that is extremely tight. With less than about 10 inches of overhead clearance above the combined car heights, stacking won't work safely. Measure both vehicles at their tallest point (often the roof or antenna base) before you order, and use our 3D Garage Fitment tool to confirm the lift will fit your specific space.

An 8,000–8,500 lb four post lift handles most passenger cars and smaller crossovers comfortably. Step up to a 9,000 lb model for full-size half-ton pickups, large SUVs, and most non-diesel trucks. If you're running a 3/4-ton or 1-ton diesel, or a work truck with a bed toolbox, a 10,000–12,000 lb lift is the safer choice — the extra capacity accounts for the real loaded weight of the vehicle. For a Dodge Dually or similar wide-body truck, also check the drive-through width between the posts (commonly 80–98 inches depending on the model), because width can be just as limiting as weight. Our Car Lift Weight Database lets you look up your exact vehicle's curb weight so you can match it to the right lift.

It comes down to how each lift carries the load. On a four post lift the vehicle sits on two full-length runways supported at all four corners, so the weight spreads evenly across the four posts no matter where the vehicle's natural lifting points are — an 8,000 lb four post comfortably handles the cars and crossovers most buyers store at home. On a two post lift the vehicle hangs from four arms set at specific lifting points, and that load can split unevenly between the two columns depending on the vehicle's weight distribution and exactly how the arms are positioned; a heavy engine or an off-center arm can put well more than a quarter of the weight on a single arm. Two post lifts carry a higher baseline rating to keep a comfortable safety margin for that uneven loading. There's a use-case difference too: 8,000 lb four posts are popular as home storage lifts for passenger vehicles, while two posts are built for the full range of service work on heavier trucks. Use the Car Lift Weight Database to match your vehicle's real weight to the right lift.

The critical measurement is the outside-tire-to-outside-tire width of your vehicle compared to the lift's drive-through clearance (the gap between the runway pulley covers). On most standard 8,000 lb lifts this is roughly 80–82 inches; wider models open up to 86–98 inches. Mirror width matters too — mirrors must clear the posts, which are typically 94–115 inches apart overall. A 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.5-foot bed, for instance, fits a 165-inch runway with room to spare on length, but a Ford Raptor at 84–85 inches outside the mirrors will need a wider-clearance model. Always measure your vehicle's outside mirror width and outside tire width, then compare to the specific lift's spec sheet before ordering.

Some 4 post car lifts ship free — look for the free-shipping badge on the product page. Most others ship at a flat rate that commonly runs $350–$700 depending on the brand and your location; a few models require a custom freight quote, which you can generate instantly on the product page or at checkout. Because a four post lift ships as a single piece roughly 14–15 feet long and weighing 1,700–1,800 lbs, standard LTL carriers cannot offload it with a liftgate. You'll need a forklift, skid steer with forks, tilt-bed tow truck, or tractor with bucket and chains on site — or you can have the lift shipped to a local freight terminal, where their forklift loads it onto your trailer. Pickup is also available at many BBAE or manufacturer warehouse locations, often with no shipping fee; see the full location list on our Contact Us page.

Yes — BBAE has a trusted network of installers across the U.S. who handle delivery, assembly, fluid fill, and a test cycle so you're confident the lift is dialed in before they leave. Typical installation runs $1,000–$1,600 depending on your location and the specific lift; call for a quote for your exact situation. If your lift has a 220V power unit, that electrical hookup is handled by a licensed electrician, not the lift installer, so plan for it as a separate step — and note that some models are offered with a 110V power unit option that runs on a standard dedicated circuit; check the product page for the power options on your model. If you prefer to self-install, roughly 80% of buyers do — the heaviest single component is typically the power runway at around 500–800 lbs, manageable with a couple of moving dollies or an engine hoist.

It depends on the brand and model. Many 8,000–9,000 lb storage lifts — including popular models from Atlas, Nationwide, and Autolift — come standard with a caster kit, drip trays, and a jack tray at no extra charge. Heavier service-oriented models (like a 12,000 lb anchored lift) typically do not include those accessories, and brands like BendPak list drip trays, approach ramps, and panel sets as paid add-ons. Always check the product page's included-accessories list before comparing prices across brands, because a lift that looks $400 cheaper may cost more once you add the accessories the other model bundles in.

BBAE ships from a coast-to-coast network of 95+ warehouses, so your lift typically ships from a facility close to you. Because of close relationships with every vendor, BBAE can usually get stock and ship as fast or faster than anyone else carrying those brands — when you order, the warehouse reserves your unit. Stock moves quickly on popular models, so call for the latest availability on a specific lift before you commit. Most in-stock lifts ship within a day or two of order confirmation, with delivery typically running 7–10 business days depending on your location.

You can apply for financing directly online. Personal options include Synchrony and PayPal at 0% for 6 months (if qualified) and Affirm at fixed monthly payments up to 36 months. For business purchases, Vista Capital offers financing from $1,000 to $5,000,000 with 24–60 month terms. BBAE accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, and wire transfer — and if you pay by wire transfer you receive a 2% discount with no card processing fees added either way. Financing applies to your full order total including tax and shipping.

Warranty coverage varies by brand, so always check the Warranty Information tab on each product page for the exact terms. As real-world examples: AMGO covers 5 years on structural steel, 3 years on hydraulics, and 2 years on electrical; Tuxedo offers 5-year structural and 1-year limited; Atlas provides a 2-year limited warranty; Katool covers parts for 1 year with an optional 2-year extended plan; Nationwide carries a 1-year warranty; and BendPak's warranty covers the lift to its published specifications. If a warranty issue comes up, the claims process also varies — some brands have you submit a ticket through their own website, while others work through BBAE directly, so it's worth knowing the process for the brand you choose before you buy.

Four post lifts aren't designed for outdoor use, though many owners do run them outside with extra attention to maintenance. The main concerns are: cables need more frequent adjustment when exposed to weather; water pooling on the lift accelerates wear; the hydraulic cylinders aren't sealed, so dirt and moisture enter more easily; and the plastic hydraulic fluid reservoir on the power unit is not UV-rated and becomes brittle in direct sunlight — it must be shielded. If outdoor installation is your plan, budget for a cover or enclosure over the power unit and commit to a more frequent maintenance schedule to get a full service life from the lift.

BBAE carries a wide range including Atlas, Autolift (made by Tuxedo — a separate brand from Atlas), Nationwide, BendPak, AMGO, Katool, and Challenger, among others. For most home-shop storage use, Atlas, Autolift, and Nationwide are trusted, proven choices with solid parts support. BendPak sits at the premium tier and is available in ALI-certified configurations. Challenger is American-made and ALI-certified. ALI-certification status varies by model, so check the product page for the specific lift you're considering. Katool is a solid budget-to-mid option for four post lifts specifically, with a 1-year parts warranty and an optional extended plan. Use the Which Lift Do I Need? guide to compare configurations side by side based on your vehicle, ceiling, and budget.