Can you install a lift? 4-Post Lift Review and Tips! (Direct Lift Pro Park 8S)

[@HeidiandFranny]

Welcome to the review and tour of our Direct Lift Pro Park 8 4-post lifts. We run through the operation of the lift as well as some great tips, tricks, and hacks you can use to make your lifts even more usable! We got our first lift about four years ago and the count has risen to three! That’s right, six cars in a three car garage 😊 I also run you through our new garage doors and the LiftMaster Jack-Pole or Jack Shaft Lift 8500 Garage door openers. We use our lifts mostly for storage, but they are awesome for repair and maintenance work on the cars too.

[@CBTheMechanic]

Great review! Did you ever consider a BendPak car lift and if why did you go for this one over the other?

[@sstocker31]

This was an extremely informative video about the 4 posters. I've had a 2 poster and am considering a 4 poster in my new garage....thanks for the information!!

[@QuintonTV]

Like how you addressed the garage door height, most lift vids never bother to mention this at all.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Quinton TV I know, right? I hope this helps someone. Heidi

[@guaranteedworstcardetailin6793]

Quinton check out my videos, i go over door issues. Sorry for the quality of my videos.

[@maxmartz4665]

Great video. I will be installing our first lift this weekend. Your review influenced my purchase of the Pro Park 8 Pro 4 post. Keep up the great car content.

[@ChappysGarage]

I like that LED strip light idea. Might have to do that on my lift.

[@jackjania9619]

Also after watching your videos I purchased "Ruby" (a 2021 Red Boxster) for my wife. She is a very happy camper.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yea! That's great!

[@Engineerboy100]

Great job guys, as usual. I finally got my first 4-post lift and I love it! I did a 6 part video series on it and I've posted 1 through 5 so far, still have to do #6. Keep em comin'

[@ljcor1899]

Very helpful. I’m in the process of getting a lift for my garage. I am in between single post or four post… I am not much of a garage car tinkering person so the single post def helps save a bit more space than four post. Thanks

[@adamskinner5868]

very practical advice, the lift manufacturer would do well to provide the lights and light weight ramps as options. I love seeing people's practical solutions to make life easier.

[@HeidiandFranny]

+Adam Skinner we actually need to light the other two. Fun job.

[@DonBMW]

It's good to see there are other people that suffer from the same car obsession that afflicts me. :-) I am working on getting my first lift in the next few months. Have a couple of classic BMWs and a S2000 Roadster.

[@jse684747]

Great and very informative! Loves that I can move the lift

[@rennkitllc6800]

Put two in. 11’ high ceiling is quite adequate. Had to have the garage door openers changed out to Liftmaster high lift type. I have same Chinese lifts but with National name.

[@specialized29er86]

never thought of using one for storage, love the idea.

[@964tractorboy]

A very useful "user experience" review, thanks. I wondered about moving the lift.

[@HeidiandFranny]

+964tractorboy that's awesome. We stuck that part in about casters at the very end. I am glad we did! Heidi

[@setunedouche]

You answered a bunch of my questions and concerns. Thank you! Excellent video!!! I’ll definitely be going with the 4 post direct lift.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Oh great! We love ours and use them a bunch.

[@setunedouche]

@@HeidiandFranny How’s the customer service and quality control? I haven’t had any experience with this company. I actually just came across these lifts a few weeks ago.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We had it installed by a local machine company and we did have an issue early on with one of the pump units. I had them out and they confirmed the issue and in a week sent me a new pump unit. It has been great ever since.

[@setunedouche]

@@HeidiandFranny Excellent info. Thanks so much!!!

[@RocketJohn]

I am in the market for a lift for my new garage. It's as if you knew I was needing this video made! Sweet!

[@HeidiandFranny]

RocketJohn we made it just for you John. Heidi

[@HeidiandFranny]

RocketJohn and please share!!! Get this video out to your friends.

[@CapELarry]

Costco has a deal on a four post lift including installation for less than $4,000. Not bad! That’s probably what I’ll do since the two local companies didn’t beat them in a quote.

[@GethinJames]

Thanks guys! I need a lift and wasn't considering this brand - it's considerably less expensive than what I'm looking at so will consider.

[@kevincastaneda3142]

MrFunk are you trying to decide between the BendPak and the direct lift? Because that’s my predicament exactly. It’s a whole $1000 difference and the direct lift seems very well made. Have you decided on one yet?

[@trumbley22]

@@kevincastaneda3142 Direct Lift is made by Rotary. They're a great lift.

[@mumenrider862]

It would be cool to use my quick jack set on the lifts to swap tires. :)

[@krasmrtgeg]

love the Pic in Pic editing. helps a lot

[@guaranteedworstcardetailin6793]

Heidi and Franny thanks for the video, it helped me when installing my lift.

[@HeidiandFranny]

That's great! You are going to love it!

[@zTheBigFishz]

Another well done and timely video for me.

[@mvlad7402]

Excellent idea! Need install something like that!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks! They really help make working on cars much more safe as well :)

[@paulh6591]

The "hollow" side that doesn't house the piston and pulley system can hold two banks of florescent shop lights as well. The LEDs yook good as long as they aren't shining in your eves when working on the underside of a car. One nice thing is to use the lift in conjuction with the roving jack holder as a hoist for lifting an engine or manifold out of an engine bay, or lower a rigid car top onto a convertible, or lift a motorcycle a few inches off the ground to remove wheels or rebuild forks, or any other lifting work that involves chains or straps. The front and rear crossbar are great for this, or for banging out a few sets of pullups for exercise.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We did think of that, but then the lights are on just one side. Have you tried and do you like? What did you do with power cords? Heidi

[@paulh6591]

I found that there wasn't much light to work with when a car was on the lift because it shaded out my ceiling lights (one-car garage, but high ceiling). I have mounted a Tripp-Lite power strip into the rail recess on one corner, and anchored the cord to the top of its corresponding tower, with enough spare line that that there is almost no slack when the platform is completely lowered, and a loop hangs down when the lift is raised. I chose low-profile lights that wouldn't extend below the rail cavity, but were wide to use up the entire space. They are connected to each other with conduit, and at the end of the second light there is another single outlet to terminate the thing. That way there is power on tap for accessories, etc. Right now there is so many other projects going on in the tiny garage that the car up there isn't moving any time soon. More like long-term storage until I can get to the project. You have a great work shop! I have a short video here of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ2uaJ1vpNametk but I don't see the lights so I must have shot this right before I installed them.

[@paulh6591]

One more trick: I mounted a winch with remote control on the far wall so I can hop into an inoperable car and have the winch slowly pull the car into position on the lift.

[@larrywoodruff7530]

Raised mine up once with nothing on it, had a hard time getting it back down, no weight on it, lesson learned.

[@martinneps9387]

What do these lifts cost and what is the maximum weight that they can hold and do you have them anchored down I have heated floors and I'm just wondering how I could do this please comment back thank you so much for this video

[@partialparadise]

You guys are awesome!

[@Por92881]

I have the same lift in my garage. Great lift and recommend the sliding jack accessory. The sliding jack really opens up the jobs you can perform on your lift and saves time. Worth it's weight in gold and it is heavy :)

[@HeidiandFranny]

+4.5 Liter Garage we Got a smaller jack. Maybe someday. I think they are like 800 bucks, right? Good to know though. Heidi

[@Por92881]

The Pro-Jack sliding Jack was $550. But let me tell you it is worth every penny Heidi! Especially since you use your lifts for maintenance as well. You can have your cars suspension off the lift and unloaded in a couple of minutes. I got mine right from the get go and couldn't imagine working without it. Note if you do order one have a hoist available to lift it out of the crate and drop in the lift. Even though it does weigh a ton( figuratively ) it is very easy sliding back and forth to work on the front or rear of the cars. If you look at my channel and view the Porsche 928 undercarriage video you can see the Pro-Jack. I slide it back in forth so I can show some more of the underside of my car. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask. Oh I love the story so far on the 356. My 928 has been a family member for 30 years this September, so I can relate. Rich

[@KingCharles52003]

Great Video.. Awesome Demonstration THANK YOU.....

[@martinneps9387]

Do these lives have addition to the lift where you could lift either the front or the back of the car not using a pump Jack In that tray I would like to have something that you know I could trust please comment back thank you very much for this video

[@ExLondoner]

My concern with the plastic race ramps is the likelihood of them slipping.

[@trumbley22]

Yep, not a great idea. There are much better options for lighter ramps, direct lift sells aluminum ramps and Race Ramps sells lightweight car lift ramps that are about 10 lbs each that connect the same way as the originals.

[@OU812Sarge]

wow.. very impressed. So, you've had this for a bit now. Any follow-ups and review on this particular model? I've personally been looking at various 4-post lifts and no one has gone over a few of items that you have,.I just have a regular 2-car garage (20x20) with about 11 feet floor to ceiling. gonna use the lift to do work on my Mustang and to have 2 cars parked in one spot.

[@HeidiandFranny]

No, i think we pretty much covered what we wanted to cover on this lift. Thanks for watching. We have three of this brand, so we do love them. Good luck. Let us know how it works out. Heidi

[@steffydog]

Brilliant video, I was interested in your lifts, fab.

[@HeidiandFranny]

steffydog1 awesome! Heidi

[@potziac8396]

Hello - you're videos are great resources - very detailed and informative! It appears that your lifts do not need to be bolted to the concrete. Do the lift posts wobble when pushing against them? Thank you.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Mark, Not really although I would deliberately rock them... But they never feel like they will actually move.

[@GarryFullerSr]

WOW, this is Great 3 lifts.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yup, we are completely insane ;)

[@jackjania9619]

Hi Heidi & Franny, Excellent video. Did you use a local company to install the lifts? If so can you provide their contact info. I live in Littleton CO. and don't have anyone to assist with the installation. Keep the videos coming. Jack

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Jack, we did, but they aren't doing that any more :( we actually bought the lifts through them. Try contacting direct lift... I bet they can suggest someone.

[@trumbley22]

I have the same lift. The "tip" about the race ramps could be super dangerous if the ramp slips back. Direct lift actually sells aluminum ramps for these lifts now and Race Ramps makes lift ramps as well. I'm curious if you use your lift for service work if you could point the lights up. Pointing them down wouldn't be too helpful for me.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We have never had an issue with the race ramps slipping. They stick well to the concrete. The problem with lights facing up is the drip trays and jack tray. You might get away with it on the lower she'll where the drip trays ride but it would be easy to damage LED strips. I just use a bright head lamp and a very bright LED shop light and that works great.

[@subshooter325]

Thank you very much and I love the LED lighting idea. I am installing this lift soon. I have a third Porsche sports car inbound and I ran out of room. lol. Can you share the name/type of the LED lighting that you used and if you connected it to the light switch for your garage? I'm sorry if this was already asked.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Superbrightleds.com

[@317808941]

Hi, do you have a link for the LED lights you use under the lifts? I likely missed it in the post but....thank you!

[@christopherflores6137]

Nice! I'm working with 9'3" - 9'6"...researching if I can fit an 85 Carrera and a 82 930...looks like it'll be a tight fit:(

[@HeidiandFranny]

Christopher Flores for several years we left our garage doors unmodified and didn't put the lift up as high as they would go. So, it's possible. I just used to bang the crap out of my head all the time. Franny is still too tall to clear the lift now, but she is more coordinated. You might be ok. Just carefully measure the heights of your two cars figure in at least 6 inches for the height on the lift and you somehow need to figure out where your garage door will rest. If you can get it behind the door (back of your garage) then you might be ok. I would call Direct lift. They would know better than I do. They might have a minimum ceiling recommendation. Heidi

[@dmasun1]

Thank you for the great informational video. Does a 4 post lift require a permit from your city?

[@HeidiandFranny]

No, permits are not required.

[@jamesdean9195]

Could you slow your camera speed down just a tiny bit more so I can drool that much longer while looking at your cars and lift set up? 😊

[@deanprevolos55]

I have had Direct lift 4 post lifts and they work very well. I am curious to know what is the interior height of your garage ceiling? Is it 10, 12, 14 feet? The last garage I built I had to have a 12 ft beam to have enough room to store my cars on the top without hitting the ceiling. I have moved and have a garage with a 9'-6" height to the finished ceiling. If I had a way to change the garage door lift I might be able to squeeze my 911 on the top and my daily driver under.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We have 11.5 ft ceilings. Yeah, I would not use a lift under, say 9.5.

[@t6vim12]

I just discovered your channel - excellent video - thanks for posting. I noticed you have an epoxy coated garage floor. I would be very interested in some info about which product was used for this and if you applied it or had it done. I searched your channel for info about the garage floor - did not find a vid. Thanks.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi there, It is from www.epoxy-coat.com/catalog/garage/ 100%solids. Looks like they have some new kits, but it wasn't hard to do. I even coated all exposed concrete in the basement as well. I should have gotten it a little thicker in some places, but all in all it has been good. It is close to its life span now and is showing it's age a little... It doesn't like battery acid... Just follow their instructions - you'll nee a leaf blower, aeration attachments for your shoes (just platforms with spikes) a powerful drill for mixing and uninterrupted time to install it. Franny

[@yonseiSF]

@@HeidiandFranny Heidi & Franny: Wow, I just discovered your videos, great contribution and very educational. I checked the link to the epoxy coating product, which is something I've been considering for a while, but nice to have a user rec. The company you linked has 5 levels of DIY coatings - do you recall which one you selected, and are you pleased with the results? The post lift is something else I'm looking at, but not sure I have sufficient vertical clearance for storage of stacked vehicles but I will consider this for maintenance, or perhaps a scissor lift. Thanks for your efforts and generosity in sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@fredkaminski6138]

Do you feel that the safety lock do a good job? All the lifts I've looked at have air operated safety locks. I like the idea of not having to worry about an air compressor.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yeah, I have no complaints about these systems and the locks are within your control. If anything goes wrong, you would let go of the pull arm and it won’t go past the next safety stop.

[@craiggeiger167]

Excellent video and review - I ended up with the same lift! Question - how do you get the front end of the 3.2 up in the air when parked on the lift? I used a lift stand on the rear end (and then lower the lift and the stand forces the rear end up using the motor and then put stands under) but haven't found a smart way for the front...

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks! What I usually do for the front is too use the factory jack point with a jack pad installed. Then put a jack stand on the heavy jack tray. I think? It has been a while. It is always tricky to get these cars up safely.

[@jackjania9619]

Thanks for the help. I have another question. Do you plan to bring Shamoo to the Colorado Concours d'Elegance at Arapahoe Community College / 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive / Littleton, CO 80120 in June. I love to see her in person.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hmm I don't know.

[@jesseaviman]

Great lift, looking to get one. How is pricing for one of them? Can't find it out on the website. Thanks!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Looks like they are now selling through distributors. You might want to check with a local equipment supply place. A quick search found Derek Weaver has one for $5k. I don't know anything about them so just do the usual research. They do come up for sale used now and then. If you belong to a car club sometimes members move and have to sell them. Good luck with your search!

[@arielquintela452]

Hi Franny and Heidi. Very nice videos. TY I see that the lift to the far left of your garage is quite close to the wall. Do you find it difficult to exit the car ? Is the best position for the life close to the front of the garage doors?

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yes... Our garage needs another three feet on both sides - especially the left side... If we move the lifts forward it would just eat up any space in front of the lifts.. For a big garage it is really small ;)

[@arielquintela452]

@@HeidiandFranny thank you for your response.

[@ChiragPatel-wv7ix]

Hi. Can you please share how you got the LEDS on. Model number? I'm getting a Direct Lift Pro Park after looking at BendPak.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We have a video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hICphaGFqr-BsKM The LEDs are from www.superbrightleds.com: Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit - Complete LED Light Strip Kit for Kitchen Counter Lighting Part Number: NFLSK-UC Color - Natural and highest brightness.

[@ChiragPatel-wv7ix]

Thank you! I ordered my Lift Pro today. I was going with BendPak and finally decided on Lift Pro and a lot to do with your video.

[@lb0193]

I want a lift so bad for my two mustangs but with 9 foot ceilings I guess I’m prob out of luck 😩

[@HeidiandFranny]

Is it for storage or for working? I would at least get a scissor lift or maybe a max jack, but to stack them it does sound a bit tight. :(

[@cmadness1]

I have one of these as well. I use it for storage as well for maintenance and it's been a real life saver. My garage height was barely high enough for my usage but I may raise the ceiling height at some point.

[@HeidiandFranny]

And so much safer! ...and really convenient to just take a quick look under the cars to see if any new surprises have cropped up ;) Franny

[@cmadness1]

Yes absolutely. Only issue I've had is whacking my head on it when I get out of the car. But after the second or third time, I finally trained myself.😡☺️

[@HeidiandFranny]

It only took you two or three times? Wow, I think it took me close to a year ;) When we raised our doors I could get the lifts up to the last lock and Heidi can now walk under them with impunity. Me, not so much. They are surprisingly hard... ;) f

[@cmadness1]

Yes, I'm pretty tall and cracked it pretty good. It left a lasting impression on me.

[@KSIXRIDER]

+1 on LED lighting

[@gallardo1340]

How wide is your garage door opening on the 2 car side? I have a 2 car garage and want to know if I can fit 2 lifts inside.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We don't live there anymore. I am not sure.

[@NathanPorterofficial]

Very cool

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks Nate!

[@BY-ib9ew]

Interesting, so you got 3 of the same lift. Does this lift have an option to add a rolling bridge jack so you can get the wheels off for suspension and brake work? Or do you just put some manual jacks under the car?

[@HeidiandFranny]

+B Y our lifts are 8000, and no. I believe the 9000 pound one does but that is a question for DL. Yes, we use jacks and jack stands for safety, we often put wheels sideways under the sides of the car and such... Ideally, we would love a two postlift, but we have no more room.

[@Rock-it]

Will your 993 front end clear the lift when driving up? do you need to use additional wood ramps to build up the height? My 993 is and inch lower, ROW ride height with factory aero kit. Was wondering how yours gets up the stock ramps without hitting.

[@HeidiandFranny]

We haven't had any problems with any of the cars. The stock ramps are pretty good, but heavy. Even the 308clears with ease (and the i8). We use that set of Race Ramps just because they are super light. Our 993 is still US height, but the 3.2 is ROW.

[@Rock-it]

@@HeidiandFranny Thanks so much, your input has made its easy to make my decision to get this lift and I was looking at many. Thanks for your great work and time you put into your informal video's.

[@joemarshall712]

Is you garage floor sloped? If so, did you have to shim the posts or does it not matter. Nice garage btw.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Joe, yes the floor is a bit sloped, but the lifts are adjustable as well as the locks so the platform is kept level. Thanks!

[@PeterSchneemann]

What do you do if the garage has a slope of several inches?

[@HeidiandFranny]

I don't know. They prefer level ground or they walk. They do bolt in, that should help, but can you level it more?

[@westernfreedom5031]

How high is your garage ceiling?

[@HeidiandFranny]

11.5 ft

[@Bluecut70]

Are your lifts running 110v or 220v power units? And how long does it take to lift up to max height? Thank you!

[@HeidiandFranny]

They are 110V. I've never timed them, but probably a few minutes up and about 30sec down.

[@bobbyshah5743]

1. Did the manufacturer install the lifts or did you install? 2. Are the lifts anchored to the concrete floor? thanks

[@HeidiandFranny]

We had a company here that sells the lifts deliver (they weigh something like 1600lbs), assemble and set up the lifts. I slept the first few nights much better knowing someone who had done that before put it together. They are not bolted down and, in fact, come with casters so you can move them around. They do have holes if you want to attach them to the floor (not sure why you would). Thanks for watching! Franny

[@bobbyshah5743]

Thank you, BTW, the vast majority of lifts are anchored in concrete.

[@PhilUKNet]

Who's Cleopatra?

[@PeterSchneemann]

How many inches is the concrete slab thick??

[@HeidiandFranny]

We sold the house.

[@PotholesInMyLawn]

Thank you

[@touyang2846]

how come you didn't go with a double wide lift for the 2 bay garage?

[@HeidiandFranny]

Several reasons actually. We did not know they existed. We would find that lift much harder to sell if we moved. It would be a pain to move two cars to have to get a car down off of it, and it appears to be four times the price of the other one. Thanks for telling me they exist, but I don’t think they would work for us. Do you have one?

[@touyang2846]

I do not. I'm planning on organizing my garage in the near future and after looking at your setup, i came up with the same conclusion. I did not know that the Direct Lift were so affordable.

[@HeidiandFranny]

If you put together yourself, it will save you a grand. However, one part weighs like 400 pounds. I would not recommend self install. Heidi

[@SpartanBrian1]

What’s the garage ceiling height?? Thanks!

[@HeidiandFranny]

about 11.5'

[@YingYangStang]

Very slow lift - is it because it's a 110 motor I'm thinking 220 is the way to go

[@HeidiandFranny]

Whatever you want to do. We did not have 220 outlets at the time.

[@jorgerobles2313]

Hello Franny and Heidi I couldnt find an email address to link my email to you ,to gey in touch with Joe ,regards ,woundering how tall does the garage ceiling has to be to store two cars?

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Jorge, Sorry about that... If you go to our channel page "About" Tab: kzbin.infoabout There is a button there that says "View Email Address". Click that and it will reveal our email address. Just send us a note through that. Our ceiling is about 11.5' but our cars aren't very tall. Direct Lift has a calculator on their site that takes into account the rail thicknesses and the lock positions and will let you know what dimensions you need. Franny

[@jorgerobles2313]

Hello I tried the link but it keeps on saying "error" , should I just send you my email thru here?

[@HeidiandFranny]

try this... our email is Heidi's name then the word "and" then my name (franny) at yahoo.com Give that a try :)

[@christopherflores6137]

Hi Heidi and Franny! Love your videos! Hey, what's your garage ceiling height??

[@HeidiandFranny]

+Christopher Flores it's around 11.5 feet. We are pretty lucky. Heidi

[@myaccount__7269]

No link to the lift or the price?

[@HeidiandFranny]

Sak, we bought it through a dealer, but It is called a direct lift. I have included the link in the video. It's there now. Sorry about that, and thanks for noticing. Welcome to our channel. Heidi

[@stevengroddy8482]

What does a lift like you have cost?

[@HeidiandFranny]

+Steven Groddy, it depends on whether or not you have it installed. I believe they run around 2400 USD uninstalled. We paid 900 for delivery and install, because some of the parts weigh 400 lbs. We have had ours for a few years. Not sure if Direct lift’s pricing has changed much. Heidi

[@victorhs258]

I

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yeah, the name Shamu was already taken in Colorado for tags.

[@victorhs258]

@@HeidiandFranny I love the practicality of your videos, thank for your time and efforts.