Driving On Your Lift

[RR Fan Dan]

I just got my lift installed yesterday. This is the first time I have ever owned one. Who has tricks, tips, and suggestions for lining up to drive on the lift without a spotter? I can’t hang anything from the ceiling cause I don’t have a step ladder that tall.

 

[dfrazz]

I just look out the driver window to make sure the left front tire is lined up as I approach the ramps. Then just move straight forward slow and steady watching the front end as you will feel the rear tires come on the rails and the car will level out. It is really hard to mess it up since the car will need to be between the posts on the lift.

When you are backing off the lift, be sure to not turn the wheel until you are completely off the ramps.

 

[69Bee]

I have a concrete control crack right down the middle of the two posts, so it is easy, but you could put a mark or something on the wall if front of the lift to represent the middle. Kind of like an aiming mark.

 

[gkent]

What sort of lift ??

 

[RR Fan Dan]

What sort of lift ??

4 post drive on

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I just look out the driver window to make sure the left front tire is lined up as I approach the ramps. Then just move straight forward slow and steady watching the front end as you will feel the rear tires come on the rails and the car will level out. It is really hard to mess it up since the car will need to be between the posts on the lift.

When you are backing off the lift, be sure to not turn the wheel until you are completely off the ramps.

I’m putting a Lincoln Mark IV on it. I can’t see the front tire. The hood is like 6 feet long.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

The lift is evenly centered on the 10’ wide garage door, but for some reason I keep lining up towards the right of center. The ramps are less than a foot inside the door, so you think it would be easy, but yesterday I put the car on the lift twice and both time I kept initially lining up right of center. I had a spotter to correct me during those times. I was hoping to find a way without getting in and out of the car a bunch of times.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

It is really hard to mess it up since the car will need to be between the posts on the lift.

It’s a wide body lift, so the posts are far away from the ramps.

 

[dfrazz]

I’m putting a Lincoln Mark IV on it. I can’t see the front tire. The hood is like 6 feet long.

Line up that big hood ornament with something on the wall.

 

[gkent]

I have an issue just safely backing into my shop with only one side mirror and rear view mirror. I line it up with one side of the garage door and I put a block for the rear wheel to hit when I'm far enough back. That said, just stick a block where you want to stop. I can't see getting it close to centered on the ramps being a big issue unless you have a real perception problem.


Make a bracket to hold a rod and screw it to the end of the hoist as a target.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I just drive up. The runners are more than wide enough to ever miss.
I did add friction tape up my ramps and on my runners just so a vehicle with wet tires doesn't try to spin the tires and slip off.
I made brackets and added a winch to ease with pulling up a non-running vehicle when needed.
I also added magnetic LED strip lights. No drop light ever needed while working under a vehicle.

 

[Darter6]

Line up that big hood ornament with something on the wall.

Or if you don't have a wall in front Mount a 6'' convex spot mirror with a Truck bracket to the lift itself.
Driver side also paint a bright color stripe on the driverside so you can see it in the spot mirror..Worked for me.

 

[R413]

Pull up to it and park. Get out and look at where you are and where you want to be side to side. Adjust the position of the car before pulling on the ramp of the lift.

Measure how far to go forward and put a wheel chock or block of wood to hit to stop.

Don't be in a hurry, look and measure the car and the area first.

 

[Demonic]

Sounds like you should go on Craigslist and buy a taller ladder. The old tennis ball on the string is an easy way to line up. Really, once you do it a few times, it will get easier.

 

[jaws]

I just put a mirror on the wall in front of the lift.

 

[RJ Squirrel]

Hold my beer and watch this......

 

[BearDodge67]

I made brackets and added a winch to ease with pulling up a non-running vehicle when needed.

I had to help my friend get his Challenger on the lift and it didn't run (he's in mid 70's). Even with a hand cable winch it was a royal PITA

 

[gtxdana]

I have several different cars, and they all have different track width and tire sizes. I have a pretty good idea where they need to line up on the rack. I crack open the door and lean out the window to see where they front tire is tracking on the ramp and look back at the rear tire to see if it is tracking okay on the ramp.

Sitting in the front seat, pointing the car in the general direction of the lift and stabbing the gas is a recipe for disaster.

 

[gtxdana]

I made brackets and added a winch to ease with pulling up a non-running vehicle when needed.
I also added magnetic LED strip lights. No drop light ever needed while working under a vehicle.

I added a cheap Homey Freight wireless winch to the front of my lift as well to drag the GTX onto the rack. Still need to get around to adding some lights for working under the vehicle.

 

[1967coronet]

It will just take a few times to get the hang of it.
You will get used to how far your drivers fender & door is off the lift post.
Do not hang your head out or try to open the door and look while moving.