Ramp spacing on a 4 post lift

[BlackICE]

I am planning on getting a 4 post lift and have the option of installing the ramps at two different spacings, 37.25" or 44" between the inside edge of the ramps, with the ramps being 19" wide. Meaning the outside edge of the ramps with be at 75.25" or 82."

Which setup would be better for the GT? What would be the tradeoff with other vehicles? I am leaning towards the wider spacing for ease of access between the ramps. However other accessory may be harder to use, such as the standard jack trays don't fix, or the ramps won't be in the right positions to support the car with a jack stand. I am planing on getting a rolling jack to. If I get two of them I don't need to worry about any jack stands or trays.


BlackICE

 

[BlackICE]

I did some measuring and the wide spacing will center the ramps under the rear tires. The narrow spacing will have the outside edge of the rear tires just fitting on the ramp. So wide is my choice. I found a jack bridge that will extend to fit the wider spacing and that should work fine.

BlackICE

 

[svtowner]

I have a Revolution Lift 4 post with 75" outside edge. Opt for the wider (82") spaced ways. Makes its easier to drive on. I need someone to direct me on the lift so the vehicle is centered.

 

[nota4re]

BlackIce,

Too late to consider other ramps? The BendPak HD-12 series allow the second ramp to be positioned anywhere. It is quite heavy, but you can push it wider or narrower to suit your needs.

That said, I don't think I've ever needed to given that the ramps are so wide providing a great deal of flexibility.

I'm not home right now, but I can measure when I return.

 

[BlackICE]

I was going to go with the hd-12, but when I looked at my garage space a hd-9 would fix better allowing my 10 more inches in the garage for other uses. The 12 would allow 10 more inches between the posts than the 9, but would take up 10 more inches of my limited garage space (width). Also the 12's ramps are 7" thick vs. 4" for the 9's. My calculation show that the GT won't make it up the 7" ramp without blocks, but will on the 4" ramp.

BlackICE

 

[THamonGT]

Eagle #7000 series is perfect (American Made) lift for the Ford GT with aluminum ramps and drip pans with rollers if not stationary. Dosen't take much room either.

 

[Craig]

I was going to go with the hd-12, but when I looked at my garage space a hd-9 would fix better allowing my 10 more inches in the garage for other uses. The 12 would allow 10 more inches between the posts than the 9, but would take up 10 more inches of my limited garage space (width). Also the 12's ramps are 7" thick vs. 4" for the 9's. My calculation show that the GT won't make it up the 7" ramp without blocks, but will on the 4" ramp.

BlackICE

I went through the same thought process, and installed the hd-9 with a rolling jack a couple of weeks ago. It is a tight fit, so tight that I will never drive it on casually. It makes me concentrate and check. The front isn't an issue but the rear tires are edge to edge on the outside. This wouldn't be a problem with the combination of wide tires and wide ramps, but the ramp supports are almost flush with the outside of the ramps. The 4 support posts are plenty wide enough, but the bracket that supports the ramps is tight. I cut away about 2 unnecessary inches on each bracket giving additional clearance. Now I can open the door after the front is past the post and look back to ensure that the rear wheels are in the right location. It is a great tool when combined with the rolling jack, and should be considered an ADA requirement for those of us over 50. :wink I have a 9 foot garage and it is high enough that I can sit on a rolling stool and get everthing done comfortably. It is also high enough that I can park my Shelby underneath.

Craig

 

[MAD IN NC]

It is a tight fit, so tight that I will never drive it on casually. It makes me concentrate and check. The front isn't an issue but the rear tires are edge to edge on the outside. This wouldn't be a problem with the combination of wide tires and wide ramps, but the ramp supports are almost flush with the outside of the ramps.
Craig

Craig - I have the same dilema (garage height, style of cars etc...) Have you thought about putting the Shelby on top and the GT on the bottom?

That is how I would prefer it to be in my garage as I will drive the GT more often. The only dangerous part I would see unless you tell me otherwise is backing the GT into the lower slot as I could not get out of the car if I pulled it forward to to the bay location in the garage (left)

 

[Craig]

That would work. I have the gt on top since it doesn't leak anything, unlike the Shelby, which leaks everything. I need to get some leak tray that will fit between the ramps when parking below.

Craig

 

[BlackICE]

It is a tight fit, so tight that I will never drive it on casually. It makes me concentrate and check. The front isn't an issue but the rear tires are edge to edge on the outside.
Craig

Craig, so even with the hd-9 ramps set to the wide position the ramp bracket make driving the GT on a pain. If given a second chance would you go for the 12 now? I presume that the 12 has a wider bracket spacing.

Also can anyone confirm my belief that the hd-12 ramps would need blocks to clear the GT's front end?

BlackICE