Body lift tips

[mikekey]

Does anyone have some solid directions, I'm thinking of picking up Theliftmeister's 3inch body lift myself but his PDF directions on his website have the worst most unreadable font ever. And I really am trying to find a general guide of what all is involved before making a purchase.

[plaen]

Does anyone have some solid directions, I'm thinking of picking up Theliftmeister's 3inch body lift myself but his PDF directions on his website have the worst most unreadable font ever. And I really am trying to find a general guide of what all is involved before making a purchase.

I used a combination of the Zone document, and Marks, since there is subtle differences between the 2" and 3", like the brake lines, the fuel filler neck, pcm wiring, etc.

Pretty much, pull off the front/rear bumper covers, secure steering wheel/unbolt the steering shaft, unbolt one side of the body/loosen the other side, jack up the unbolted side small amounts at a time to inspect brake lines or anything that may be stretching out until blocks can be inserted, insert blocks, loosely install bolts, repeat for other side, tighten bolts, take for a drive to settle, torque bolts to spec. Retorque after a few weeks depending on how often it's driven.

Zone PDF

[v7guy]

I did the same thing as Paul. The biggest hangup for me was figuring out the new bracket for the rear bumper as a lot more cutting is involved compared to the old bracket design. Of course if you're building bumpers disregard.

[HARDTRAILZ]

When i went from the Zone to Marks body lift I did no more cutting on the rear. What cutting is different?

[v7guy]

the rear bracket has been changed so that you have to notch the frame rail all the way back to the rear of the cross member.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Interesting. I thought the new brackets were built off my input and am yet to have to cut that far on any body lift I have installed.
.
Seems that would substantially weaken the rear crossmember

[v7guy]

It does, all you're left with is the vertical section. The cross member turns into a floppy piece of sheet metal. I wasn't real enthused about it and considered modifying the bracket. The guy I was helping wanted to go ahead and cut the cross member per the instructions so in the end that's what we did. Granted that cross member is pretty small and not incredibly rigid to begin with. So maybe it doesn't make a shits bit of difference, but it still struck me as a bit off. Regardless, that's the current directions.

[fishsticks]

That crossmember doesn't do too much. The ridigity back there comes from the rear bumper itself.

Still, I wonder what prompted the change in design, I remember only having to corner cut a couple inches back.

[markmc]

That crossmember doesn't do too much. The ridigity back there comes from the rear bumper itself.

Still, I wonder what prompted the change in design, I remember only having to corner cut a couple inches back.

Correct, The top edge of the crossmember is pretty much useless.. the bumper is what gives rigidity in that area..
The new brackets have a bolt that transitions the vertical surface of the crossmember to the frame..realy not needed, but i added
them anyway..

Change was made due to complaints and confusion from guys when they do the install..
Feeding the bolts with fish wire, relocating the trailer plug and cutting the original bumper brackets to fit
by the customer meant several phone calls to explain.
Not that i mind talking someone through a install (do it all the time. try calling customer service at the other lift companys on a weekend..lol)
but when its the same question over and over, tells me the design needs adjusted and simplified..

The new design utilizes 2 of the original bumper weld nuts each side (not just one) making return to stock more easy and gives more strength.
No more blind bolts (PIA) to pull with fish wire through bumper tube.
No cutting and relocation of trailer light plug.
Wanna go back to stock? 4 bolts each side...Boom..your done..

[HARDTRAILZ]

I want to check out a set of these new brackets sometime. Did not realize they changed that much.

[mikekey]

Does anyone have some solid directions, I'm thinking of picking up Theliftmeister's 3inch body lift myself but his PDF directions on his website have the worst most unreadable font ever. And I really am trying to find a general guide of what all is involved before making a purchase.

I used a combination of the Zone document, and Marks, since there is subtle differences between the 2" and 3", like the brake lines, the fuel filler neck, pcm wiring, etc.

Pretty much, pull off the front/rear bumper covers, secure steering wheel/unbolt the steering shaft, unbolt one side of the body/loosen the other side, jack up the unbolted side small amounts at a time to inspect brake lines or anything that may be stretching out until blocks can be inserted, insert blocks, loosely install bolts, repeat for other side, tighten bolts, take for a drive to settle, torque bolts to spec. Retorque after a few weeks depending on how often it's driven.

Zone PDF

Thank-you!

[NC_IslandRunner]

Mike, when you plan on doing the install? I might be able to come give you a hand and learn somrthing, I ordered Mark's 3" kit today and wouldn't mind seeing and helping on a install before I tackle mine.

I'll bring the O'DOUL'S!

[TSAdventurez]

I might be available to help out as well!

[NC_IslandRunner]

I might be available to help out as well!

Alright I'm bringing rootbeer....

[TSAdventurez]

I might be available to help out as well!

Alright I'm bringing rootbeer....

Naw man the O'Douls is fine

[NC_IslandRunner]

I might be available to help out as well!

Alright I'm bringing rootbeer....

Naw man the O'Douls is fine

Ginger Beer!

[HARDTRAILZ]

Stuffs pretty good actually but I got some Railbender Ale that's great.

[navigator]

I might be available to help out as well!

Alright I'm bringing rootbeer....

you would need to bring the rootbeer for me.
actually diet Sundrop is my beverage of choice.
My only issue is that I never know when I'll get time to install it.
I'll likely spend a few afternoons working on it or something.
If I get a definitive time I'll let you know.
3 brains are better than one.

[mikekey]

Mike, when you plan on doing the install? I might be able to come give you a hand and learn somrthing, I ordered Mark's 3" kit today and wouldn't mind seeing and helping on a install before I tackle mine.

I'll bring the O'DOUL'S!

I'm a long ways away from you. Plus I haven't ordered mine yet, I wanted to learn about it first. We'll be ordering ours shortly. My plan is to do it next month before TECORE.

[JorDaneeKey]

I'm a long ways away from you. Plus I haven't ordered mine yet, I wanted to learn about it first. We'll be ordering ours shortly. My plan is to do it next month before TECORE.

WOOT! Music to my ears! We're gettin the lift!