I'm thinking of either putting a 1 or 2" body lift on my Runner, and I'm wondering if there is any big reason to not lift the body. I know there are inherent problems with lifting the suspension (i.e. CV boots, parts hitting) and I'm wondering if there are any such problems with a body lift. (Besides a gap between the body and frame)

 

More wind resistance so your mpg goes down. Check out this current thread for a little info about the Roger Brown body lift.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...535#post135535

 

No problems here. I have the Roger Brown 1" spacers.

 

Some issues I've heard of are with the transmission. If you have a manual you're fine, but if it's automatic you need to do some mods. Plus it's a hassle to do yourself if ya don't have a hi-lift jack. If ya do though then all you need is that and some wooden blocks. Maybe there are some other issues with like the e-brake like and the as door and hood release lines. With a 2.75" suspension lift my gas door release line is already out from under the dash.

Zach

 

I think you have it reversed. If you have an automatic you only need to adjust the shift linkage which is easy. But if you have a manual tranny you will have to cut the shifter if you go with a 2" body lift.

 

Uhh no. For an auto, the only things that need to be adjusted is the steering shaft and transmission linkage. Check out Roger Brown's lift kit and AdamF's writeup on it. Its VERY easy to install. You may also want to drop the radiator (your 4runner has the holes already for it) and the fan shroud...but I never did. I also have the my downey cranked up to 3 inches of lift.

Highlift = $60.

 

Doh, yeah I meant it the other way around... auto you'll be OK, it's the manual you gotta work on.

Zach

 

Auto is OK at 1". Anything more then you need to get the tranny bracket and probably steering spacer. For the 1" on a 2nd Gen, there is nothing needed except the spacers and hardware.

 

Thanks for all of the help...

One more question, does anyone have aftermarket (i.e. ARB or TJM) bumper installed with a body lift. I thought I read somewhere that they won't work together, but I can't seem to find where.

 

I have a TJM and a body lift. There is a slight gap but it is not very noticable. Others on the forum have lengthened the slots where the bumper mounts to the brackets to allow for more upward adjusment of the bumper. I only have the 1" BL, so I can get by. but if I had anything more than that, then I would make some adjustments to close up that bumper / body gap.



A body lift also creates a larger gap between the hitch and the rear bumper since the rear bumper is mounted to the body. Good space for mounting lights though.



I had to enlarge the hole in the body so that the spare tire lowering crank could insert into the lowering mechanism. simple fix. Look at the pics below to see what I mean.
spare tire mech1
spare tire mech2

BTW, a highlift is not necessary to do a body lift. I used my floor jack with a 4' long 6x6 piece of wood. The wood was placed the long way between the jack and the pinch weld to disperse the weight evenly.

 

One last plug for the Roger Brown and 3rd gen BL. Everything you need is included in the lift and you only need the steering spacer. The Tranny linkage has to be adjusted, but there is plenty of room to do that without needing more parts.

2 inch BL and ARB...I dont think it looks bad at all. Eventually it would be nice to raise it up a bit, but only to gain a little more clearance for walls...

 

Here's my TJM installed with my 2" BL. Lengthened the holes about an inch, left me with just about a 3/4" gap, looks great.

 

What do you mean "you only need the steering spacer"? I thought a steering extension was included in Roger's 2" kit?

Just curious, why is there no steering extension for a 3" lift provided by Roger?

Brian

 

Sorry I meant that the steering spacer is the only thing you need to do a Roger Brown body lift AND that IS INCLUDED in the kit. So no, you dont need any more parts if you buy the RogerBrown kit. Just tools ie. highlift, 2x4, and sockets.

 

Dont know why he doesnt have a 3inch. My guess is there are a few snags that come with doing a 3 inch body lift. You probably have to extend quite a few things. But ask him, I bet he can cut you every thing you need...

 

I just bought the 1" Roger Brown body lift, because there's no real big pain in the butt modifications to do with only 1". It was $108 plus shipping.

Chris

 

i have a 1" kit on the way. i'm going with 2" suspension spacers first, and if it looks like i need more, then i'll do the body lift. if not, i'll put it up for sale here.

creed