Hello guys. Once again I got questions and need answers. For those that don't know I have a 1987 Toyota pickup 4wd. I currently have 22R engine with the 5 Speed tranny. As of right now I'm running 33" tires with only BJ spacers. I have good clearance with only a little rub when turning real sharp.
This is my problem.... I was going to do a engine swap an drop in a 4.3 but my plans have changed. I'm now going to drop in a Ford 302. I just bought a complete swap kit for a little over $1500.00 this included Bellhousing, complete clutch kit, bolt on motor mounts, flywheel, ext..... The only thing is that the kit recommends using a 3" body lift... I have never owned or installed a body lift onto a Toyota. However I have on many other domestic vehicles. Although I have never had any luck with body lifts. They have always lead to trouble for me. Seems like they always bust through my floor board or sum thing like that.
I can get around the body lift if I do some trimming to the lower crossmember for my radiator to clear. I'm not much on trimming tho consider my body is 100% rust free.
I also just purchased purchased 4 33/10.50r15 BFG KM2's for $900.00 installed so I don't want my truck to look running with excessive lift with to little of tires.
So what's your guys opinions on this. If someone is running 33" tires with a 3" body lift could you post a few pics. Also do you guys reccomend a certain manufacture for the body lift.

For those interested I bought my swap kit from northwest off road. Really great service.....,,

 

I have a 2" BL and 35s....


Depending on exactly the issue with the clearance, you might be able to do it without, but probably not. I did a 4.3 swap, only adding 2" vertical height between the front diff and body, and things barely fit.

if you're concerned about the effect the body lift will have, 4Crawler makes them with oversized blocks to spread out the force on the cab. I got the pretty standard one from him, and it seems pretty beefy.



You could do the 3" BL, and pull the BJ spacers out. You didn't say how tall your spacers are, but that would get you back down to only 3" of lift. The extra weight with the stock tbars will lower your effective ride height as well.

 

The spacers are 2" spacers. The stance of my truck looks really good as is. But the reinforced body lift may be the way to go. I still weary of the whole 3" tho. I could see 1" but I just do not like the sound of 3". IMO it shows to much frame and those to much stuff out of wack lol. But idk maybe someone here has a pic or two they can share for some reference points

 

 

pretty easy to measure what sort of lift you may need to help with your clearance issue:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#FAQ10

And we make kits for flatbeds:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...en-III-Flatbed

1" is a pretty popular lift height, here is a '94 p/u with a 1" lift:
- http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/hottoy/west/

 

Thanks for the info. I checked into that 1" HD lift with new body mounts and they were priced really well. I may go that route. 1" of lift is 1" I won't have to trim

 

If the engine being too tall is the issue, get you could get a cowl hood or make your own hood scoop. Might not look any better, but I'm not a real big fan of Body lifts.

 

No the engine height is perfect however the problem is being with the radiator clearnce

 

I would do the 1" and trim...