Are you an off-road enthusiast or just a truck and/or SUV fanatic? It can be difficult to lift your truck or SUV using a suspension lift. Although many off-road accessories shops are selling these kits for every vehicle classification, they aren't easy to use and often will cost big bucks. As an off-road person, I make my own. With these tips, body lifts won't be too difficult. Here's how it's done:
What you will need:
- Body Lift Kit (any brand)
- Hydraulic jack or a Hi-Lift jack
- Brake lines extensions
- Jack stand
- 1 set socket wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- 1 set open wrench
- Vise grip
Procedure:
- Work on the main body frame first (for trucks). Remove the nuts of the body support blocks that support the main body.
(Note: Body support blocks are rubber blocks that link the body and the chassis.)
- Remove the Coolant Radiator Tank and the water hose from the engine bay.
- Detach all the fuel lines and hoses that separate the body from the chassis. Remove the fuel hose from the fuel tank.
- Disconnect the break lines from the body to the chassis.
- Remove the steering rod from the coupler and steering gear box.
- Remove the bumper.
- Check all of the lines and wiring that connect the body and the chassis. Remove any that are still attached.
- Jack the body (not the chassis) about 6-7inch away from the chassis.
(CAUTION: ALWAYS use the jack stand for support when doing under-chassis work. A hydraulic Jack/Hi-lift Jack may collapse at any time if unsupported, which could cause a very serious injury to the person working.)
- Remove the bolts from the supports. Other bolts are found inside the main body.
(Note: 6 bolts or more are found under the carpet inside the truck. You need to open the carpet to expose the bolt.)
- Remove the support blocks.
- Install new lift blocks.
- Gently lower the Jack until the body and blocks attach.
- Put the new bolts in and tighten the nuts.
(CAUTION: Make sure the nuts are securely tight. This is the main support from the body, to avoid accidents double check the nuts.)
- Reinstall the Coolant Radiator Tank using the new relocation bracket from the kit.
(Note: The Radiator Tank will become lower when installing a body lift kit.)
- Reconnect the fuel lines and break lines using a hose extension.
- Reinstall the new, longer steering rod to the steering coupler and steering gear box.
- Reinstall the bumper using the relocation adaptor from the Kit.
- When working at the rear bed of the truck. Just repeat guide 6-13.
With body lift kits and these instructions, you can do lifts on your trucks and SUVs. If you lift your truck using this method, the safe height is 4-4.5 inches. Above this is very risky. It will affect your driving comfort on sharp curve turning.