Well, my 2" 4Crawler body lift and new poly bushings came in the other day. Now I just need to get them installed so my tires don't rub anymore. I hate being super careful going into driveways and anything with an angle.

Does anyone on here have any experience/advice as to the install? I would like to do it myself, but would also like the help of someone with some experience with this. I'm pretty sure that the blocks and bushings are going to be fairly easy... it's the radiator drop, steering extender, etc. that I'm worried about.

Is there anyone near Ventura County who could help me with this in the near future? The assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

Yeah, the blocks and bolts are easy.

On my truck the steering column wasn't the easiest thing to do, but we got it done. I helped a friend install a body lift on his 4Runner, and the steering column went much easier.

I haven't done the radiator drop.

Schedule wrench-a-thon, perhaps? Especailly if you have other mods to do at the same time. Feel free to come on up to Santa Clarita for some help , but depending on my school/work schedule I could possibly help you out down there. There are a few others not too far from you with experience in body lifts as well, so you're pretty well covered.

 

The radiator drop brackets and steering shaft extension are probably the easiest items to install. Biggest issue is if you run into a rusty bolt or shaft that won't come apart, but other than than thay just bolt into place. The radiator can be done with everything intact, but you'll probably need another pair of hands to support the full radiator while installing the brackets. It is easier to install the brackets if you can drain the rad, and pull it out, since it is a lot lighter and you have more room to work. Choice its up to you, I've done it both ways, 6 of 1, half a dozen of the other. You can also do the alternate radiator drop listed in the directions or even leave it where it is and then install the brackets some time later when you next drain and refill the cooling system. Some folks have done that as well.

 

I used to live in Santa Clarita... right off of Evy Lane near Costco. Did that for 6 months with my ex-devil GF. Worst mistake of my life (the girl, not S.C.), but it led me to my wife! So I guess it wasn't all that bad.

I am off of work due to the baby until Tuesday the 6th. So, that would be the best time to do this. If that wouldn't work for you, then maybe you could let me know what would. I would be open to going out there... no problem. I just have to wait until the wife is well enough to take care of the baby for a few hours. Let me know what your school schedule is and I'll see what I can put together. The sooner the better obviosuly. Plus I'm excited to see what the extra 2" looks like. I think it'll be sweet.

The other thing I want to do is to get a set of the Stubbs SKO sliders. I need to either find a shop who welds, which is proving to be damn near impossible in this area, or find someone who welds who I can pay. I would rather put my money in the pocket of a YotaTech member than some mechanic who punches clocks all day.

 

welders in so cal?! you cant find one? they are all over the place down there... tons of shops do that stuff..... check out craigslist... people advertise welding on there...

 

I'm in school MTW, but this Sunday would probably work, not too sure about Sat or Mon.

Up around here (right at the 5 and 14) is a shop I like, JC Fab and Design (jcfabanddesign.com) that would weld on your sliders no problem. They're open late week nights, and sometimes there on Saturdays. But as far as local YT welders, other than BruceTS (but I think he's pretty busy preparing for Moab ), I don't know.

 

I'll have to call Four X Doctor and see if they weld as well. They happen to be 5 minutes from my work in Glendale.

 

Between 4Crawlers install pages and this http://www.toyota-4runners.com/body-lift.html I'd be willing to bet you could install the BL yourself. Good luck man...i'll be in the same boat as you pretty soon.

 

good luck with the install. I was able to do it solo in about 4 hours. The only help I had was my mom helping me hold the bumper up to reinstall it...

 

I've added a link to that page on the install instructions page on my site.

Always looking for more install pages to link to the site to give folks more coverage. Hard to make one page that covers every possible eventuality. So what one person may find totally obvious, someone else may have trouble with, photograph and document the solution and that may be exactly what someone else needs when they run into the same issue.

So keep the pages and links coming!

 

I'll be sure to take lots of photos and maybe even video of the install. I think I'm going to try to hook up with CALROCKX this weekend and do the lift. Photos will be posted to my website when I get a chance and I'll probably send a copy of the video install as a DVD to Roger to distribute to people who order his kits.

 

I'm in Santa Clarita too. I just finished my installing my 4Crawler lift, but I still have to get the bumpers on. I am off Sunday through Wednesday so let me know when and where and I'll be there.

 

yep, sunday works for me. how about 10am? body lift install party, yay.

acreves, nice to see ya on the ol' YT. got my beadlocked wheels back, they're being powder coated black (ya, bling i know) right now, finally back to normal mid-next week, woohoo.

 

I won't be avilable till noon on Sunday. Where are we going to meet up?

Calrockx -Glad to hear the wheel is getting fixed. Did you get your skid plate?

 

mi casa in canyon country? let's see when erik is available.

i ordered my front skid plate, it's on the way. the rest will have to wait a bit.

 

I'll be at your place just before 10am if that's OK? The earlier the better since my wife still needs some help with the baby. If we start by 10am, we should be done around 2-ish. I PMed my cell number to you... call me sometime tomorrow so I can find out where I'm going.

Thanks again guys... looking forward to meeting the both of you!

 

Hey about how long does it take to install a body lift about 3hrs or longer....

 

First one, 3-5 hours...after doing several...2 hours tops.

I've done 4 or 5 now and can do a body lift in under 2 hours taking my time. The key is proper tools and equipment, the biggest being a jack and a safe way to lift the body. The rest is easy.

Biggest tip: Mark the steering shaft well on both ends when adding a spacer so it goes back in in the same spot. Otherwise you'll have to adjust it several times to get the steering wheel just right...one spline off and the steering wheel is cocked to one side or the other.

 

About 4 hours, as listed in the installation notes:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...tml#Difficulty

Yes, good iead to either mark the steering shaft or fix the steering wheel so it can't turn, just in case the shaft pulls apart. With the rag joint extension for the shaft, there is really no big issue with alignment on the steering, since it can only be installed one way:

 

I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Charles (calrockx) and Matt (acrevesacreves) from YotaTech for helping put my 4Crawler body lift onto my 4Runner. You guys are the bomb. Thanks again for all of your help and if I can be an extra hand for you guys, give me a call and I'll Be right out!



By the way, the running boards had to come off for the install and the truck looked 100% better without them. You will see that in a few of the pics. However, they made their way back on because my 5'3" wife would shoot me dead if I didn't have them on for her to get in the truck. So NO flaming me for the boards going back on. You're preaching to the choir man!

I will be getting some Stubbs sliders in the near future and can sell off those stupid running boards to some guy on eBay! Oh, just one of the many things to look forward to.

Matt... good luck with the baby next month!!!