ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: CodyB on February 27, 2012, 01:55:28 PM
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I need some pictures or a direction to a thread of cheap square tubing body lifts. I know there is some on here but Ive been looking for awhile and cant find it. Pictures or some tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated.
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Generaly . Body lifts over 1" are BAD NEWS...Can't help you....Boxcar...
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Basicly its not very complicated, buy this kit or did this kit, find uhmw shaft or steel tube and go for it
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/suzuki-sidekick-tracker-2-inch-body-lift.html (http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/suzuki-sidekick-tracker-2-inch-body-lift.html)
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Why Would a 2 inch body lift be bad? ive seen alot of guys running them
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You run the risk of not having long enough fuel/brake lines, stretches out your wiring harness sometimes, steering is being moved up... just small stuff you could run into at a 2"+ body lift.
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You run the risk of not having long enough fuel/brake lines, stretches out your wiring harness sometimes, steering is being moved up... just small stuff you could run into at a 2"+ body lift.
Add to that the radiator will be 2 " below the center of the fan (change the hoses and loose the shroud --live with the heating issues) . Or move the radiator. Body flex characteristics are changed (cracking issues) All for what advantage???
When you factor in all the labor and changes that all cost extra hidden $$$$. Just do an OME or similar propper 2" lift that WILL WORK....Boxcar...
PS: There are very few QUOTE free or cheap lifts that truly pencil out, Or work as advertised.....
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I run a sky manufacturing 2" body lift and the only problem i had was with the shifters ,you have too weld a piece of rod 2" long to get your shifter boots too work and inside console back together so it doesn't look so ghetto there is enough play in the fuel filler hose and in the steering and brake lines are long enough never had any problem with fan or anything else. but i hear if you go any higher than that like a 3" body lift then you have to replace brake lines. just my 2c
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I assume this is for your 93 Tracker.
1st off alot of the body lift issues are dependant on how you intend to drive your ride. As a daily driver / occasional off roader they work out fine.
My 1st choice although would be Jeff's coil spacers. For the money and the information he provides it is a much better deal! Likewise it doesn't adversely effect your ride / handling and you are free to wheel off road in confidence of not doing any damage to your body.
However, if you choose a body lift I would definately not go highr than 2" for the reasons the Beagle mentioned.
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You run the risk of not having long enough fuel/brake lines, stretches out your wiring harness sometimes, steering is being moved up... just small stuff you could run into at a 2"+ body lift.
Add to that the radiator will be 2 " below the center of the fan (change the hoses and loose the shroud --live with the heating issues) . Or move the radiator. Body flex characteristics are changed (cracking issues) All for what advantage???
When you factor in all the labor and changes that all cost extra hidden $$$$. Just do an OME or similar propper 2" lift that WILL WORK....Boxcar...
PS: There are very few QUOTE free or cheap lifts that truly pencil out, Or work as advertised.....
the rad was on the frame, so if you lift the cab there no effect with the center of the fan and heating issues. ?
this site provide a 3"body lift kit with everything you need maybe pricy but all you need is on the picture
http://www.masterkit1.com/Sid2_body_89-98AN_09.htm (http://www.masterkit1.com/Sid2_body_89-98AN_09.htm)
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As the guy who put the first body lift on a Sidekick back when everyone said it couldn't be done. I have to tell you that lil Suzy has had a 2.5" body lift on her for 17 years and have not experienced any significant problems with it at all. If you have any interest in doing it yourself I wrote an article back long ago about how to do it. Here is the link... http://home.golden.net/~haida/suzuki/tech/tips/lift.html. (http://home.golden.net/~haida/suzuki/tech/tips/lift.html.) If I had to do it again I would weld the box tube to the frame and bolt the body to the box tube. when you bolt the box tube to the frame there is interference with the body bolt. If you use a bolt to align the box tube with the frame weld it in place then remove the bolt, it allows more room for body flex. Hope this helps...
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I haven't decided on what to do yet. I already have the body off of the frame so i thought now would be the best time to do it. I have put a 2-2.5 lift on it to run 31s but i just wanted the option to run 33 inch tires on it if i felt the need. And money is an issue here too. This has basically been a budjet build for me so i didn't see spending any money if i didn't have too. I'm just and 18 year old kid with just a little cash
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Your right no radiator issues. I don't know what I was thinking....Brain fart...To long screwing with CJs....
I realize now we are discusing a Kick (Ifs) But I still wouldn't recommend a body lift, unless your just interested in a lifted Looking ride...Still doesn't pencil out....Boxcar...
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Why not set the body down to see what kind of clearance you need to clear 33s then decide if you can get it with a 1" body lift. That way you don't do it then find out it still won't clear. And honestly I would just go to like 32/10.50s.. 33/11.50-12.50s always rub something unless you are using a lot of suspension lift. At least in my experiences.... btw Cody I'm 18 too and I'm on a budget with my samurai. Where do you live?
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I must be missing something.... Jeff's coil spring spacers are close if not cheaper than a body lift. Add the shocks and the kit is over but the lift is done right with no issues or strains to the steering. No fear of safety issues due to the seperation length between the body and the frame. No cutting away or adding to the shifter or surronding areas areas. No extending of brakelines, fuel filler hoses, etc. No fabbed up bumper mounts.
Granted I have used the body lift in conjuction with spring lifts. Trying to keep the body lift to the most minimal amount of lift is a must in my opinion if you plan on wheeling it much.
That is not to say that it is not possible to create a body lift that is safe and can get the job done. Another factor to consider is the laws of your state too. Some states have outlawed these as well as SPOA lift blocks on the front of on the road 4wd vehicles.
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Tux, he wants to build his own body lift, says it's cheaper. Im sure it'd be close to the same price.
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I have seen a guy with a kick bump something with the front bumper and the fire wall bumped the distributor and broke the cap in two. so carry a spare. the welding to the frame is a good idea.
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Got it... I have built my own for several trucks and installed them. (I work in a engineering / machining shop.) There is alot to them.
For daily driver and very light wheeling I haven't alot of problem with them.
I have / will always recommend a suspension lift vs. a body lift for the safety and durability.
If your going to build it then please do your homework and don't scrimp on anything. Lastly pay very close attention to the steering column.
In the lift you are sugesting the column will need to be moved down or a spacer / lift joint added to it. Otherwise there will be to much stress on it and there will be failure at its weakest point. (steering box, steering box mounts, rag joint, compression joint, etc....
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ok here goes. i drive a daily driver 93 tracker myself. I made a homemade 3" body lift out of 3 " square tubes, utilizing stock metric body bolts on top and standard 1/2" bolts on the bottom. The only thing i had to do is extend the transfer case shifter and enlarge hole in body for shifter and transfer case shifter as well.I had NO problem with brake lines or wiring ir steering colum, radiator or anything.i am also running a 3" suspension lift from AE, and running 33" tires. I was running 35" tires but had to massage the wheel wells a bit for those , so went down to 33"tires. Hope this helps
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ok here goes. i drive a daily driver 93 tracker myself. I made a homemade 3" body lift out of 3 " square tubes, utilizing stock metric body bolts on top and standard 1/2" bolts on the bottom. The only thing i had to do is extend the transfer case shifter and enlarge hole in body for shifter and transfer case shifter as well.I had NO problem with brake lines or wiring ir steering colum, radiator or anything.i am also running a 3" suspension lift from AE, and running 33" tires. I was running 35" tires but had to massage the wheel wells a bit for those , so went down to 33"tires. Hope this helps
I'm telling you that your driving a TIME BOMB.... Stop and think for a minute... you raised the body 3" away from the frame. You didn't change the column so it is under DEFINATE STRESS! It didn't magically stretch. I'm not beating up on you but your providing TERRIBLE and UNSAFE advice to others concerning the steering column.
Here is an example of Calamini's 3" body lift kit:
Calmini 3" Body Lift Kit
We're normally not big proponents of body lifts, But on this vehicle it's mandatory for achieving the most lift as possible. Getting the body rocker panels below the door up away from the ground is important for saving the body as well as tire clearance. Our 3" body lift includes custom front bumper brackets, blocks, and mounting hardware. It can be used in combination with our 2" or 3" suspension systems for maximum tire clearance when using up to 32" tall tires. This a complete kit and includes detailed installation instructions. Kit does include transfer case shift lever extension. Minor welding required for shift lever extension and on some models, the steering shaft will also need to be modified.
The Link: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/suzuki-sidekick-lift-kits/calmini/3inch-lift-kits.htm (http://www.jeep4x4center.com/suzuki-sidekick-lift-kits/calmini/3inch-lift-kits.htm)
Sorry.... but I have to Agree to Disagree.... ;)
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Generaly . Body lifts over 1" are BAD NEWS...Can't help you....Boxcar...
Why I don't like body lifts :P
????!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vQrQSqDUlQ#ws)
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ok here goes. i drive a daily driver 93 tracker myself. I made a homemade 3" body lift out of 3 " square tubes, utilizing stock metric body bolts on top and standard 1/2" bolts on the bottom. The only thing i had to do is extend the transfer case shifter and enlarge hole in body for shifter and transfer case shifter as well.I had NO problem with brake lines or wiring ir steering colum, radiator or anything.i am also running a 3" suspension lift from AE, and running 33" tires. I was running 35" tires but had to massage the wheel wells a bit for those , so went down to 33"tires. Hope this helps
I'm telling you that your driving a TIME BOMB.... Stop and think for a minute... you raised the body 3" away from the frame. You didn't change the column so it is under DEFINATE STRESS! It didn't magically stretch. I'm not beating up on you but your providing TERRIBLE and UNSAFE advice to others concerning the steering column.
Here is an example of Calamini's 3" body lift kit:
Calmini 3" Body Lift Kit
We're normally not big proponents of body lifts, But on this vehicle it's mandatory for achieving the most lift as possible. Getting the body rocker panels below the door up away from the ground is important for saving the body as well as tire clearance. Our 3" body lift includes custom front bumper brackets, blocks, and mounting hardware. It can be used in combination with our 2" or 3" suspension systems for maximum tire clearance when using up to 32" tall tires. This a complete kit and includes detailed installation instructions. Kit does include transfer case shift lever extension. Minor welding required for shift lever extension and on some models, the steering shaft will also need to be modified.
The Link: [url]http://www.jeep4x4center.com/suzuki-sidekick-lift-kits/calmini/3inch-lift-kits.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.jeep4x4center.com/suzuki-sidekick-lift-kits/calmini/3inch-lift-kits.htm[/url])
Sorry.... but I have to Agree to Disagree.... ;)
Well I have to agree to disagree with you too.
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Ive been thinkin about this alot and i think i am just going to leave my body alone. I have a decent 2-3 inch of suspension lift right now so i think that will be fine for 31's
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Cody,
Mind you I am NOT saying that all body lifts are bad. I am saying that there are things that you encounter that need to be addressed properly in order to make them safe as well as so they don't puncture your underbody.
With a 3" lift comes more of those items because your stretching the body away from the manufacturers maxium allowable tolerence levels. IE: the steering column.
SKY MANUFACTURING makes a nice 2" kit that comes complete.
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120104/feature_sky_bodylift_install.htm (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120104/feature_sky_bodylift_install.htm)
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Sounds to me like Cody has seen the light.....
Good for you Cody...
What looks cheap and easy , usualy ends up expensive and complex.......There are NO short cuts in this game......
Not sure if the video has any impact on the body lift debate ( Not much Zuke left in that rig) but it was a good lesson on HUGE tires mixed with a little dumb ass......I laughed for an hour......Boxcar...
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Like we all have an idea on what is safe and what is not . Small body lifts work but still cause havoc on things 1" works well if you just need a little more tire clearance and don't want to cut your body up . If you put a body lift on make it your self and out of steel and put small welds on them so they don't move around, its better to be safe than sorry. Research your best way to get enough tire clearance and go with it