How hard would it be to DIY a removal of a 3" body lift kit from an 86 4runner? Do you just lift the body up and unbolt everything and remove the spacers to drop it back down? Is it more complicated than that? Basically can I do it in the driveway with jacks and stands or would it be better to take it to a shop with a lift?

 

You will need to replace the longer body bolts with shorter ones. Next would be your tranns, any extended linkages, shifter arm, etc.... Now check to see if the steering rod was extended and change that. After that, bumper brackets, brake lines, electrical lines, hoses, radiator mounts, etc.... Some may have been extended, don't really know what else without seeing pict.'s or having any info on your ride (specs). These are just off the top of my head stuff..........

 

Find a company that sells a 3" body lift for your Toyota, download the install instructions and reverse.

 

Im with him ^^^^

 

i actually just took a 3" body lift off my 85 4runner.
i just unbolted all the body bolts and hi lifted each side and pulled out the spacers.
took 30 mins.
and also the radiator brackets. like 4 bolts

download some install instructions if you're nervous. it's too easy to take it to a shop and pay $200

 

I put a 3" in my '90.

The rad is dropped on brackets. You'll have to remove them.
The shifter (if manual) may have been cut and extended. You'll have to shorten it again
The shift linkage (if auto) has a drop bracket above the t-case. Remove it
Front bumper goes up on brackets, must be removed
Rear bumper is attached to body, no modifications needed
Starter wire may have been extended. Make sure it doesn't push into the belts
Heater hoses are pulled a bit with the body lift. Make sure they're not kinked when dropping back down
Get NEW rubber mounts. Almost guarantee they've been destroyed by the lift.
Obviously, you'll need shorter body bolts.