Long term storage on a hoist

[col320ce]

Hi

I have a 2 post asymmetrical hoist and I want to store the car raised.  The rear suspension sags when it's on the lift ... is there a problem storing the car like this? I feel as though it may be unduly stressing a few joints etc ...

Thanks for any help

[Garry]

Most people believe you should not leave the car on the hoist as storage due to sagging suspension.

[wwheeler]

The other concern is the sub frame mounts up front. The rubber bushings are normally in compression and not in tension as it would be on a two post lift. Sure, there is a stop bolt to keep the sub frame from relying solely on the rubber bushing to hold it up, but not good for long periods. Same with the rear, mechanically you are ok. But the rubber mounts (and there are a bunch) are not in their normal load positions.

How long are you talking about? I would think over the winter is too long.

[clunker]

Maybe you could look at these type of mounts for two-post lift to prevent hanging wheels:
https://mohawklifts.com/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/

[thelews]

how long?

[wwheeler]

Interesting. That would indeed help the situation.

I would still not be a big fan of storing a car on a two post lift for long periods of time. A four post lift that is very stable, yes. In theory, a two post lift should be fine. Just makes me a little nervous because of Murphy's law and the value of these cars. The higher up, the more nervous it makes me.   

[col320ce]

Thanks for everyones input.

How long....?... Who knows but probably for more than a month.

I like the 2 post wheel adaptors... They may work.

I was also thinking that I could make a platform that bolts onto the arms to more or less do the same thing. 

[thelews]

I've stored cars over the years on a two post hoist for winter periods, 4-5 months with no ill effects.  The shock absorbers limit the downward travel of the axle.  You will find out if your rear boot is pliable as it will rip when stretched to a greater point if not.  Good thing to know anyway, rather than find out while driving.

[Jordan]

I would still not be a big fan of storing a car on a two post lift for long periods of time. A four post lift that is very stable, yes. In theory, a two post lift should be fine. Just makes me a little nervous because of Murphy's law and the value of these cars. The higher up, the more nervous it makes me.   

This past weekend I was visiting a friends storage unit to take pictures of his original '52 truck.  He had 6 vehicles in his unit, one of which was under a car cover sitting on a 4 post lift (up in the air over another car).  He told me it was his friends car and it has been sitting in that exact position for 7 years, when he first dropped it off.  Under the cover was a 2005 Ford GT40 in Gulf racing colours (I was told this was a $16K option), with less than 1000km on the clock.

[UJJ]

On a 4 post lift the car is sitting on the wheels! I would not have the car on a 2 point lift for storage, because of mentioned earlier the rubber mounts will suffer.
Urban

[stickandrudderman]

I've been in the trade for 38 years now, and I have never seen those adaptors to support a car by it's wheels on a two post lift. I like it and will be investigating the possibility of purchasing some for one of my lifts.
As for long term storage, I would say that those adaptors offer a great solution save for the slight possibility of tyre deformation after a lengthy period but that applies to any form of storage that has the car's weight on its wheels.

[Garry]

I agree with Stick, a great solution to a two post hoist.  Was contemplating a four post but that has convinced me to go to a two post and I can use those when I want to store an extra car for any time.


Hopefully I can find some in Australia.

[wwheeler]

I like the idea of the tire adapters as well. Do you think there is any danger of the front lift arms not being aligned correctly and yanking the tires at an angle and possibly damaging the steering lock?

Other than that, I just can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work really well.

[col320ce]

Garry
If you find some let please me know... I'm not so far from you.
I've got a Rotary hoist BTW... Not sure if that will make any difference from a fitment point of view.

[Garry]

I did some searching last night and found these people that apparently do a simliar thing.  Not sure if they can be adapted to a different hoist though.

https://levanta.com.au/hoists-lifts/2-post-car-hoists/

[col320ce]

I contacted Rotary and they don't do anything like it...
I'm thinking of creating a platform as the whole thing could be made by bolting steel together (I don't have welding equipment or welding expertise). It looks as though something commercially available (if I can find something to fit) will be very expensive.