Body lifts

[jmhat98]

Where is the best place to buy one for a wagoneer, and what at what size does it begin to be unsafe. I know for my yj a 3" is a no no. is it the same for a wagoneer? Thanks

[AlsChopShop]

personally i don't like body lifts, but you'll find a 2" body lift under my rig. unfortunately it was mandatory with my new drivetrain.

anyway, 3" is the max 'safe' level for bodylifts, as that is what they sell. but the taller they are the greater forces are applied exponentially to the body bolts. i'd stick to 2" or less. BJ's offroad sells them, i'm sure others do too. but when you can, lift with the suspension, not the body.

Al

[Kaiser]

Personally, I wouldnt do more than 1", but maximum acceptable for me is 2". Seems a 1" body lift is a benefit for ALOT of rigs.
Seen plenty of failed 3" body lifts (Actually the cabs failed).

[golddigger79]

i agree with al, personaly i wont run over a 2" body lift. i have heard some horror stories about guys that would try to be cheap and make their own XX" bodylift and then have the bolts shear on the trail:eek:

[Merc69]

First I have a 3" body lift on my rig but there have been modifications to the mounting points. The rear mounting points have been replaced with a new crossmember and the 3" blocks eliminated. It appears to me the failure of bolts ie: shearing would most likely be due to a low grade bolt being used. The kit I bought years ago came with no grade cheap bolts. I spent almost as much as the kit to replace them with grade 8 bolts.

Further the thing I moticed and observed on several other rigs was the bolts were actually ripping through the sheet metal of the body.

The only thing I can tell you is every time you make a change in a vehicle from the factory specs you have changed the balance the highly paid automotive engineers designed into the vehicle. The result is now something will break...it's just a matter of how soon. Every change you make sets you up for more modifications.

Lift your rig the amount you need but no more than 3". Use a proper suspension lift and use the body lift to tune the sheet metal or better yet break out the saws all and trim to fit. :sawzall:

[RAMBLINFSJ]

I got my 3" Body Lift from BJ's Offroad. Nice Kit and haven't had a problem. It's a pain to install but it makes it a whole lot easier to work around the engine, tranny, and t-case.

[JeepNOFEAR]

I bought my truck with a 3 inch body lift and I haven't had a problem with the lift just the truck. The rear frame mounts rusted so I did have to replace that. Having a body lift makes it alot easier to work on.

[Tad]

2" BL here, no problems.
I like the extra room.
Heed advise from above.

[etjeep]

I have a 2"BL. When I installed it years ago, I too was concerned about the bolts shearing and never found a good answer on whether to use grade 5 or grade 8 bolts. What I did was use them both and alternate them. My thinking was I would have at least half the bolts holding if I got into a failure scenario.

[Tobynine9]

It doesnt affect the steering shaft or anything else does it?

[Tad]

It doesnt affect the steering shaft or anything else does it?
Steering shaft will extend fine for a 2" (I have an '85 column in my Wag) I'm sure it would be a common complaint if 3" did not work easily.
Things to pay attention to:
Fuel Hoses
Brake Lines
Wires
Bumpers need to come off and be located higher for correct "look"
Trans linkage
Radiator moves down to keep fan centered

Probably something I forgot also (it's been a long time) essentially anything that is connected to or tied into the body and the frame needs some attention but none of it is major work.

[etjeep]

I extended my shift linkage 2". Steering was ok with no mods.

[Gambler68]

Steering shaft will extend fine for a 2" (I have an '85 column in my Wag) I'm sure it would be a common complaint if 3" did not work easily.
Things to pay attention to:
Fuel Hoses
Brake Lines
Wires
Bumpers need to come off and be located higher for correct "look"
Trans linkage
Radiator moves down to keep fan centered

Probably something I forgot also (it's been a long time) essentially anything that is connected to or tied into the body and the frame needs some attention but none of it is major work.

Now, you still use the lift under the radiator support arms, but redrill the radiator mounting holes lower, correctamundo?

I would figure on the brake lines if the suspension doesnt change, you would just have to pay attention to the rear T going to the diff from the frame..if I remember right they run down a frame rail and out..

[Dmntxn77]

I would figure on the brake lines if the suspension doesnt change, you would just have to pay attention to the rear T going to the diff from the frame..if I remember right they run down a frame rail and out..


Regarding brake lines... You have to moniter the slack between the body and where it bolts to the frame..

Remember, you are not messing with anything below the frame.. Just above..

[Tobynine9]

I'm using an electric fan and shroud anyways, that's no big deal. But I'm thinking of getting a 1" body lift to just add a little more room for tire and to give some more clearance for repairs.

According to BJ's body lift instructions, I won't need to lengthen the trans linkage. Anyone else agree? Disagree?

1" of body lift and I should be able to keep the bumper in the stock location w/o too much funkiness, or no?

[AlsChopShop]

i'm not sure on the bumpers (i haven't put mine back on) but from what i recal the valance that is under the bumper will now rest on top of it, but it won't leave a gap like larger lifts do. someone had pictures of this a while back.

you should have enough adjustment in the shift linkage to only readjust, not modify the linkage.

Al

[Tad]

Now, you still use the lift under the radiator support arms, but redrill the radiator mounting holes lower, correctamundo?

Yup, mine were already there for me, didn't drill a thing.
Won't swear that applies to everyone, go take a looksee.

[etjeep]

I lowered my rad and added extended brake lines too.

[Dirtball]

I thought, IIRC, that most everything was ok (but still keep an eye on it) up to 2"; that it was at 3" that you assume you'll have to extend shift and transfer case linkages and extend the steering, etc...

I'm thinking of getting a 1"... was thinking 2" 'til I went with the bigger lift... but think that would be a little too much with an NT rig...