A body lift can prepare your off-road vehicle for larger tires and rougher terrain. Compared to suspension lifts, body lifts are inexpensive and a lot easier to install. The body lift components fit between the vehicle's frame and body. This raises the body height without affecting the frame height. With this setup, suspension components do not have to be replaced as they would if a suspension lift was used.
The body and bed blocks will be replaced with ones that are 3 inches longer than stock. This is what provides the lift. These blocks are typically constructed from a super-strong plastic composite, and they are stronger than the parts they replace.
The factory-installed body and bed mounting bolts will be too short. Longer bolts will be needed. These bolts should be rated at least as grade 5. This ensures that they will be strong enough for this application.
This can be in the form of a replacement or an extended linkage, or you can cut and re-weld the original pieces. Either way, the linkage must be extended to compensate for the longer distance from the transmission, or transfer case, to the shifter.
When the body is lifted the steering column rises with it. The steering box remains attached to the frame. The steering shaft must be lengthened to accommodate this change. Steering shaft extensions can be purchased at any off-road supply store. Do not weld an extension onto the shaft -- this can be dangerous if the weld fails.
When the body is lifted it creates a gap between itself and the bumper. This can be fixed by using brackets that position the bumper higher, thus eliminating the gap. In some states that have bumper height limits, the bumper can be left alone and a custom plate can be fashioned to conceal the gap.
When a body lift is installed, the headlight height is raised by the amount of the lift. The headlights must be realigned so that the vehicle can be safely operated at night. A sure sign of an improperly done body lift is a vehicle with lights that overwhelm other drivers.
