4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: body lift, radiator hoses, ford bronco

Question
i just bought a 3" body lift recently and i can't figure out how to put it on. Can you tell me how to. it's a 1984 ford bronco (fullsize) 4.9L 4 speed.

Answer
Chris,

You should have received a complete set of instructions that came with the lift kit.  This is important, in that each vehicle has different requirements for the lift.  The actual installation requires that you unbolt all of the body mounts, jack up or lift the body, then replace the stock mounts with the lift kit mounts.

The problem with body lifts is that you may have to modify several components depending on the vehicle.  Radiator hoses can interfere with the fan, linkages for transmissions and transfer cases may need to be modified.  Some electrical wires/connections and vacuum lines may need to be extended also.  I have seen problems with steering columns being too short, along with brake lines.  Make sure that you measure any item that may be affected with the lift and have the right modifications ready.

Many times it is actually cheaper, safer, and easier to install a full suspension lift.  Body lifts tend to change the center of gravity more than a suspension lift, as they are using the stock suspension and raising the weight of the vehicle too high above the suspension.

Carl