Lifting A Cobra Off The Ground

tims210 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 09:56 AM

I need to get my Backdraft off the ground for general maintenance over the winter. My garage ceiling is low so a post type lift won't work. I looked hard at the Kwik Lift drive-on type but I don't want to invest $1600 for one delivered to me right now. I ran across a lift from Bendpak/Ranger. It is model BL-3500 Quick Jack (3500 lbs max). It has two separate hydraulic platforms to lift a car from the frame rails with room to move around underneath (unlike most scissor types). Has anyone had experience with one of these? They retail for around $1000 shipped but I found an online retailer that is selling them for a special $829 shipping included. Kwik Lift says their unit raises the tires 20" off the ground which puts the average frame lift height at around 30" according to them. The Quick Jack lifts the frame rails 20" off the ground so it would be roughly 10" lower. One plus for the QJ is that it's lighter and portable. They sell many to racers for pit work. Let me know your thoughts and/or experiences. I'm attaching pictures of both. Thanks.

mrmustang · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 10:41 AM

Stop At Bruce's Speed Shop at 305 RT46 in Rockaway,(west of the VW dealer, same side) ask to look at the set up he has.

Bill S.

Bernica · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:38 AM

Spend some time on Craig's List and elsewhere for a good used Kwik-Lift. That's what I did and found an almost new one with all accessories for $800.
I am very happy with the Kwik-Lift. No machinery, easy to use and very stable.
Good luck!

Bob Hess · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:45 AM

I have a kwik lift in my garage and use it with a creeper for oil changes and general maintenance. I keep my car parked on it when not in use. It is simple to use and completely safe, nothing to break, leak or go bad. The down side is you can't remove the wheels on this lift and you have to be very careful when putting your car on the ramps. All you need for it to work is a floor jack that will operate to the required height and a pair of 28" biceps!

Bernica · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:53 AM

I added this LED lighting system to my KwikLift and it is great! Very bright and durable. No dragging a shop light around when under the car. I got the setup with the magnets so you can always pull off an end and stick it way up in a part of the car.

http://www.illuminatingperception.co...-products.html

tims210 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:55 AM

I wish I had your luck. I've been looking on Craigslist for 4 months in my area and these Kwik's never come up for sale. That's searching surrounding states within driving distance as well.

The one thing that turns me off about the Kwik Lift is if you want to suspend the entire car to remove wheels, etc. you need to order an extra bridge ($125) and 4 bottle jacks ($30 each?). That puts a whole package in the $1800-$1900 range (shipped) plus a whole lot of work to set the car up.

Bernica · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hess

The down side is you can't remove the wheels on this lift

Not true! You just need the bridges that span across each side of the KwikLift. Then using a bottle jack on the bridge raise the car and put jackstands on the bridge(s). My car is currently on the Kwiklift with all 4 wheels off. Piece of cake!

bwcobra15 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 11:59 AM

For my narrow, low-ceiling garage I believe that the Ranger QuickJacks, plus these Race Ramp tire cribs would be the perfect combination. I could have all four wheels in the air, wheels off, or the cobra standing on the cribs.

10 Inch Wheel Cribs - Car Lift and Display Ramps

tims210 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 12:04 PM

I love the race ramp stuff but their prices are insane. The 67" version (offers the highest lift) are $340. A lot of dough for two pieces of plastic.

tims210 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 12:09 PM

I'm talking about the drive-on race ramps.

Bernica · #11 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 12:10 PM

My car on a KwikLift with all four wheels off.

And I didn't use bottle jacks either! Just my floorjack and this air bag.

And yes, I know. Those are all flat Billboard tyres being replaced with Avons!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLkZ6sY2Ukk[/ame]

snapier · #12 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 12:31 PM

Has any one tried Max Jax 2 post lifts

bobcowan · #13 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 05:09 PM

I used a KwikLift for years. I really like it. Easy to use, stable, dead on reliable. Nothing to break or wear out. Easy to do pretty much any kind of work on.

I could not remove the engine on the lift, though. I didn't have a crane or A-frame tall enough for that. But it was pretty easy to disassemble the lift and put it in the back yard.

NorDel Garage · #14 (**permalink**) 10-02-2015, 05:43 PM

I found a Quik-Lift on eBay for about $950 with the bridge. It has been years since I could work under a car comfortably. I love it. If my garage ceiling was higher, no doubt, I would get four post lift. Maybe in my retirement house. Give them a call. Maybe you can pick it up at a large car show and save on shipping.

jeffnolan · #15 (**permalink**) 10-04-2015, 08:40 AM

@BDR427 has a QuickJack
Racecar Pit Lift Jacking System - QuickJack- Ranger

For $1k it's a pretty easy thing to talk myself into. I haven't pulled the trigger but when compared to the cost and extra work of putting in a 2 post lift, it's a pretty good compromise.

Lifting the car to remove tires seems pretty straightforward but the thing I don't like is that sliding in from either side of the car is impaired.

Brooklyn-427 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-04-2015, 11:18 AM

RangerMac · #17 (**permalink**) 10-04-2015, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims210

I need to get my Backdraft off the ground for general maintenance over the winter. My garage ceiling is low so a post type lift won't work. I looked hard at the Kwik Lift drive-on type but I don't want to invest $1600 for one delivered to me right now. I ran across a lift from Bendpak/Ranger. It is model BL-3500 Quick Jack (3500 lbs max). It has two separate hydraulic platforms to lift a car from the frame rails with room to move around underneath (unlike most scissor types). Has anyone had experience with one of these? They retail for around $1000 shipped but I found an online retailer that is selling them for a special $829 shipping included. Kwik Lift says their unit raises the tires 20" off the ground which puts the average frame lift height at around 30" according to them. The Quick Jack lifts the frame rails 20" off the ground so it would be roughly 10" lower. One plus for the QJ is that it's lighter and portable. They sell many to racers for pit work. Let me know your thoughts and/or experiences. I'm attaching pictures of both. Thanks.

I have the quickjack. Works like a charm.

Ron61 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-05-2015, 02:03 AM

I have had a Kwik Lift for many years and really like it. For one thing, I can turn sideways while under it to work on things and the car is high enough that I have no problems with clearance. I looked at several scissor type lifts and just didn't like the low clearance and the fact the sides are blocked so you can only lay under the car vertical the way the car points. I also use my Kwik Lifts on all of my cars. I got the lifts, bridge, and jack for just over $1,00 when I bought mine and that was delivered to my door, unloaded and the driver helped open it up and hauled the bands and packing away.

Ron

Dirty Harry · #19 (**permalink**) 10-05-2015, 04:11 AM

I also have a Kwik Lift and like it quite well. When ceiling clearance is an issue, it seems like the best way to go. I have a cross bridge and use it when I want to take the wheels off. You can adjust the length of the lift ramps so that it doesn't take up more of your garage than you want. I have mine adjusted to the shortest length and it is still ample for the 90" car.

rodneym · #20 (**permalink**) 10-05-2015, 02:57 PM

One more vote for the Qwik Lift, although I haven't used the bridge yet.

Nice LED setup, Bernica. My wife always says I'm hard to shop for. Not so.
1. Kirkham oil pan
2. LED's