Planning a bodylift

[whodini]

I bought some wrangler territorys over the winter but am having slight rubbing issues. It isn't severe but it's driving me crazy. Truck looks great with the tires so I really don't want to swap them out. Was thinking of doing just a 1" bl to get the clearance. I don't really off road but I do tow my boat with my runner.

Just a few questions for anybody that has done one.

Will the hitch look out of place being at the standard height compared to the body?

I have access to a shop with a fork lift and use the fork lift when i need more space to work beneath the truck but was wondering if I could use the fork lift to lift the body? A little concerned about damaging the body cause I usually lift the frame.

Do you guys know if the bl kits come with a front bumper spacer to make the bumper line up with the body or would I have to buy it separate?

 

[fightman80]

If you buy the kid from Roger Brown (4Crawler), it should come with everything you need.

I can't speak from experience, regarding install, as this is one mod that has kinda spooked me from doing it. (not to mention, I'm currently pleased with my ride height). I'm told that a Jack-all is all you need to lift the body off the frame. Actually, there is a full write-up on the 4Crawler site on how to install the body lift.

As for the towing package, you'll have a 1 inch gap between the top of the package, and the bottom of your rear bumper....if it bother's you that much, you could take the tow package off, and try to either drill out new holes what are higher on the frame so you can mount it higher.......or lower on the package.......

Good luck with the mod! Can't wait to see some pics of your rig!

 

[whodini]

Thanks for the info. I'll try Roger for the kit.

I saw the write up and seems doable (hopefully) I do have access to a jack but just a little worried about warping the frame. I guess I shouldn't be too worried. Seems like that's the way it's done.

I'll definitely post some pictures soon as I'm done.

Geez you got the mod bug going in me after seeing the pics of your truck!

 

[Spish]

I just did a 1" body lift, was super easy, did it in my garage with simple hand tools and a floor jack, only took about 3 1/2 hours. The rear hitch doesn't really look that bad at all, I will be installing the front bumper tonight, I'm making my own mounts to move it up 1". Will post pics later.

 

[whodini]

If it doesn't look bad at all i'm just going to leave it. Would love to see the pics of it when it's all done!

Wish my garage was tall enough to fit my truck in. I do have after hour access to a steel plant to work on the truck... no need to lug all the tools which is nice. So it looks like i'll just use a jack to lift it up.

"Some stickers for extra power" Lol!!

 

[YotaZach85]

I have the 4Crawler 1" as well and the hitch doesnt look bad at all. The front bumper brackets put the front bumper right back where it needs to be. Me and my cousin got it done using air tools and floor jack in about an hour and half. It's a really easy job just make sure you loosen the steering shaft bolts before you jack the body up, it will make it a lot easier to get the spacer in.

 

[whodini]

Thanks for the tip. I'll be ordering the kit soon.... Hopefully I have a smooth of an install as you did. I only have access to the workspace at night so hopefully I don't run into a big snag as once morning comes around and the boss comes in he might flip if my truck is sitting there blocking the shipping door lol!!!

 

[whodini]

Yotazach did you need to purchase the steering shaft extension as well? I was under the impression from the 4crawler writeup that we just loosen the bolt and retighten once the lift is done? But in the kit it says the steering shaft extension is included. Or I can just buy the bumper brackets and 1" lift. What year is your truck mine is a 2000.

 

[Viking97SR5]

Whodini

Were you able to purchase some new bumper brackets separately from somewhere? If so how much were they? Where did you get them from?

 

[blcktpgsr]

Yotazach did you need to purchase the steering shaft extension as well? I was under the impression from the 4crawler writeup that we just loosen the bolt and retighten once the lift is done? But in the kit it says the steering shaft extension is included. Or I can just buy the bumper brackets and 1" lift. What year is your truck mine is a 2000.

All Bodylift kits will include the steering shaft spacer and is a must have item. If you just loosen and re-tighten the bolts on the rag joint without the 1" spacer, and I'm not sure its even possible, you will end up with a squished steering shaft leaving you with tight and an almost un-steerable steering wheel.

For the bumper raising brackets, save your money and just relocate the brackets that holds the front bumper to match the height of your 1" BL kit. This is possible on your 2000 4Runner.