After a lot of research and feedback from this forum and others, I settled on a Direct Lift from Greg Smith Equipment in DE. I couldn't be happier with the quality and features of this lift for the price. I have posted some pictures so that you could see the process of putting the lift together.

Here are some more pics of building the lift.

You definitely need help when you need to place the two ramps on the crossbeam. The one with the cylinder weighs 440 lbs and the other ramp is 300 lbs. The last pic shows the first time the z was on the lift.

Here are pics of the lift in operation. The daily driver fits very nice under the lift. The lift is very secure and has a double locking system which is why it certified by the American Lift Institute (ALI). This was the only lift made in China that I could find with this certification. I would highly recommend this lift to anyone considering buying one. FYI, my ceiling height was 10' 6".

Edited October 31, 200816 yr by mgmoreau

Very nice. One question though, and this goes to all lift users who park their DD's under the lift. Aren't you concerned about fluids, and other things falling from the undercarriage onto your Infiniti?

Congratulations Marc on your new lift. I know you will enjoy it. I still like my two post lift as it allows work on the suspension etc. You did good. You researched, you asked questions, and made an informed decision. Good job! Now come all the neighbors who want to borrow it for just a few days.

Enjoy

Very nice. One question though, and this goes to all lift users who park their DD's under the lift. Aren't you concerned about fluids, and other things falling from the undercarriage onto your Infiniti?

This is not a problem, as this lift comes with 3 large plastic trays that you can slide around between the ramps. If a lift does not come with them, you can also purchase them separately.

BTW - congrats Marc on getting the lift in! I have the same brand lift from Greg Smith and also couldn't be happier!

Jon, in addition to the the three drip trays that come with the lift you can place the two approach ramps on the insider rails to offer additional coverage. There is also a steel jack stand tray that sits on the rails.

Here is the link to the lift: http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Direct-Lift-Pro-Park-8S-p/tppro-park8s.htm FYI, they also sell the lifts on eBay and I saved $200.00 buying this model on eBay. I paid $1799.00 plus freight. There was no sales tax and the shipping from Delaware to RI was $240.00. The lift weighs 1750 lbs so you need the ability to remove the lift from the back of the semi trailer. I had mine delivered to a local commercial address that had fork lifts. That local company then delivered the lift on my house on a cherry picker truck.

Doug, thanks and I really appreciate the pictures you sent me of your lift and your offer to call you if I had any questions. Fortunately I figured it out for the most part on my own based on the decent instructions posted on the Greg Smith site. All my buddies are amazed at the quality of the lift for the price I paid. I can't wait to start working on the undercarriage. Working standing up beats being on your back on a creeper any day!

Marc

This is not a problem, as this lift comes with 3 large plastic trays that you can slide around between the ramps. If a lift does not come with them, you can also purchase them separately.

BTW - congrats Marc on getting the lift in! I have the same brand lift from Greg Smith and also couldn't be happier!

Edited October 31, 200816 yr by mgmoreau

Congratulations Marc on your new lift. I know you will enjoy it. I still like my two post lift as it allows work on the suspension etc. You did good. You researched, you asked questions, and made an informed decision. Good job! Now come all the neighbors who want to borrow it for just a few days.

Enjoy

Thanks Winger,

You are so right with the neighbors all trying to claim I am their best friend now that I have the lift! I have a simple solution, I am happy to rent the lift to anyone in the hood for $25.00 an hour as long as they sign a liability waiver and clean up after themselves. Hey, I've got to support the Z parts fund some how!

Congrats on the lift, it looks great. I'm still searching for someone who can deliver locally. You know RI isn't that far from Knoxville so when I get one come down and help me put it together.........:laugh:

Couple of quick questions:

Did you bolt yours into the concrete.

What was your assembly time.

Did you use a hoist or just a couple of guys to lift the heavy parts.

Have fun this weekend........

Congrats on the lift, it looks great. I'm still searching for someone who can deliver locally. You know RI isn't that far from Knoxville so when I get one come down and help me put it together.........:laugh:

Couple of quick questions:

Did you bolt yours into the concrete.

What was your assembly time.

Did you use a hoist or just a couple of guys to lift the heavy parts.

Have fun this weekend........

Hi Mally,

To answer your questions:

No you do not have to bolt the lift to the floor. It has casters so that you can move it around.

I did most of it alone and spread it out over one week after work. Maybe 8 hours total. It is easy to put together as long as you download the instructions from Greg Smiths website.

I used the help of three other guys to move the two ramps.

I am in Nashville from time to time for my job. Most likely won't be back until after the first of the year. PM me if you want my cell #. You can call me if you have any more questions.

Good luck with your lift.

Marc

You will love your lift! I do. Mine looks exactly like the one you have, but it is red and is from Superlifts.com and made in Missouri, delivered to my house and assembled by their people (who roam the country assembling their lifts, just like the Grasshopper).

The only thing that I had to get was a spacer to go under the ramp where the hydraulic piston is to keep something from binding up. I've had it for almost 3 years now and it has been working fine. Enjoy yours!

-Dana