A standard Four Post Lift is a versatile tool for general service and storage. But in today’s market, every vehicle that leaves your bay needs precise wheel alignment, a service that demands specialized equipment. If you want to convert your general-purpose four-post lift into a high-precision, revenue-generating Alignment Lift bay, you need the right accessories.
The difference between a service lift and an alignment lift is the ability to achieve the repeatable precision required by modern 3D alignment systems. At Global Garage Supplies, we offer the essential components to make that transformation easy, efficient, and profitable.
Here are the three critical additions needed to make your four-post lift alignment-ready.
1. The Wheels-Free Necessity: Rolling Bridge Jacks
Modern suspension and steering components must be unweighted or lifted free of the runways to allow technicians to access them for inspection and adjustment. This is where the Four Post Bridge Jack is indispensable.
- Function: The bridge jack slides along the runway tracks and lifts the axles (or specific chassis points) off the runways, allowing technicians to perform wheels-free service like brake jobs and detailed suspension checks.
- Precision and Stability: These jacks are designed for high-capacity, stable lifting, ensuring the vehicle remains secure while technicians apply torque and make adjustments—a crucial step before the final alignment reading.
2. Settling the Suspension: Integrated Slip Plates
For an accurate alignment reading, the vehicle’s suspension must be allowed to settle into its natural resting position. The rear wheels, in particular, must be able to move slightly without friction.
- Function: Slip plates are precisely machined panels placed under the rear wheels that allow the wheels to move laterally and longitudinally with minimal resistance. This action releases any stress or bind in the suspension components after the car is loaded onto the lift.
- Precision Link: Integrated slip plates, which fit flush into the lift runways, are far superior to stand-alone units, as they maintain the perfect, level plane required for the 3D cameras to take an accurate reading.
3. Caster Check: Recessed Turn Plate Pockets
Checking and setting the vehicle’s caster requires turning the front wheels fully left and then fully right. This procedure must be done while the front suspension is completely unburdened and level.
- Function: Turn plates are large, rotating plates that sit under the front wheels. When the Four Post Lift is equipped with recessed pockets, the turn plates sit flush with the runway.
- Accuracy: Maintaining a flush, level surface is critical. If the turn plates sit above the runway height, they introduce an angular error that compromises the accuracy of the 3D alignment sensors. Recessed turn plates ensure the entire vehicle is on the correct measuring plane.
The Profitability Upgrade
Converting your lift with these specialized accessories means you stop turning away lucrative alignment work and stop using unsafe, inefficient methods. By adding these components, your Four Post Lift gains the precision and functionality of a dedicated Alignment Lift.
Upgrade your profitability—explore our four-post alignment accessories and complete Alignment Combo Kits today. Find everything you need for a precision bay at Global Garage Supplies.