T-1000

This might be a noob question, but I've looked everywhere and every body lift I find for a 1990 4Runner says "manual transmission only"? I searched the forums several times without much success.

What's the deal? Where can I find a kit for my 4Runner?

abecedarian

You can't. Lifting an automatic body is a lot more involved than lifting a manual. The linkage is more specific since it attaches to the frame and the body and requires extending rods and relay rods so no one has tackled it. You can't even get a header kit for my 91 automatic.

But I'm working on making a body lift for my '91 with column shift. It's actually looking quite simple compared to a lot of the kits that offer new steering column shaft plates/whatevers- I just have to make a u-joint type of steering shaft extension and extend the column shift rods as long as the body lift is.

If you're interested, I'll keep you informed, but I'm probably looking at about a year to finalize what I'm doing.

T-1000

OK...I thought I heard about some quirks that made it near impossible. Thanks for the info, keep me posted if you work something out.

reggie 00

save yourselves some trouble and look here.
http://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Toyo...BodyLift.shtml

Only problem. Hes on a vacation or something till the 28th so possible no orders filled till then.

abecedarian

Reggie...
I thought I'd save myself some trouble and looked and it doesn't address my 'steering wheel/column shift' automatic situation, so it actually caused me more trouble.
I have yet, in 8 years of looking on the 'net and everywhere in the middle to find anyone that makes or even considers a body lift for the column shift automatic transmission since it's not just space the body up and maybe add some bushing for the steering shaft... the auto trans linkage actually goes through that same space as the steering column shaft as well so a body lift requires modifications to the trans linkage. And no one does it.
Thanks anyways.

91 4Runner

Borrowed this from 4Crawler. This is why most of us autos have a hard time body lifting.


Borrowed this from Roger. This is why most of us autos have a hard time body lifting.


Thanks Roger

dmgibson93

so does this make it possible for you to do a body lift?

abecedarian

Yeah, may help, may not. If you've a column shifted auto, it does nothing.

Haven't spent much time on my solution for those vehicles though since I've been rather financially challenged, and there's otherwise been little interest.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

For the 4WD automatics, just need the bracket for the linkage for lifts of 2" and taller:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...html#ATbracket

For the 2WD/column shifter, 1" body lift is about the max.

dmgibson93

ok thanks
and if im lifting the rear by two inches using the 4crawler spacer do i need a panhard drop bracket

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Generally not since mostly you are just restoring the original ride height, maybe a little more. Shortest drop bracket possible is 2.5", so anything less than that is probably fine with k setup.

dmgibson93

ok so if i were to get one it would only cause more problems or i would have to get a larger lift?

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

You can always measure the heights of both ends of the panhard bar and see if the bracket would be needed. Ideally you want that bar to be horizontal or close to it. As such, both ends would be approx. the same height. This helps keep the axle centered and makes the suspension work better as you get equal operation in upward and downward suspension travel. The more angle the rod is at, the less efficiently it works. So if the ends of the panhard bar end up 2.5" or more different in height after the lift, then adding a drop bracket will help to correct that situation. Could always install the spacers and if you notice a difference in handling or see the passenger side rear tire sticking out farther than the one on the driver's side, then put in the drop bracket.

dmgibson93

ok thanks thats what i was planning on doing im going to order the spacers
tonight then go down to les schwab or napa tomorrow and get some lifted
shocks
any suggestions for shocks?

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

May or may not need longer shocks with the spacers. Since you are basically restoring the stock ride height or so, the existing shocks may be fine as-is. Measure and see what sort of extra down travel they have, if any. If you do need longer shocks, get something for say a 1"-2" lift, most places that sell shocks should have a listing of shocks for various lifts.

dmgibson93

well i already have new springs in it there about 2000 miles on them but for
some reason my rear end is still lower than the front by two inches and
there will be only about three inches of upward travel after i install the
spacers so i would like to get a lifted shock for a little better handling
and feel

jasonbrink

There are 4runners with a column shifter???? Never seen one. I learn something new every time I'm on here!

Jason