Installing a body lift kit in your 4X4 is one of the easier modifications you can complete to give your wheel wells that little bit of extra clearance for larger rubber. The install differs slightly from 4X4 to 4X4, but the process is pretty much the same…

Before you jump in – just think for a second about if you really need to install the lift. A body lifts only befit is that it makes room for bigger tyres. It won’t impact suspension travel, articulation – all important to off-road capability. The downside of a body lift is that it will create spaces between your bumper bars and/or bulbar as on most occasions these will be attached to the chassis. It can be a little unsightly and custom bar work can be expensive.

You’re alternative to a body lift is raised suspension. This might be a better first mod to get, a not only does it give extra clearance, but also improves articulation. Yes this is a little more expensive, but perhaps a better place to start. Put in the body lift if you want to go even bigger with the rubber (35 inch etc) .

So if your minds made up that still want the lift, let’s get into it…

First things first you need to buy the blocks. They’ll come in various thicknesses. Installation is simple for up to 2 inches, any bigger, and you’re in for a lot more work (extended steering rods etc). There is also a range of types including metal, rubber, and polyurethane. I’ve always used polyurethane with no complaints.

Second thing you need is extended bolts. Your old chassis bolts just won’t be long enough to deal with the lift. Remove one of your existing bolts and take it to a bolt specialist and ask for ones that X longer. (x being your chosen lift size). Please, please, please use high tensile bolts.. Pay the extra or your body will snap off your chassis when you least expect it.

That’s all the stuff you need. Here’s how you put it in…

• Inspect How Your Body Bolts to Your Chassis Rail

  Get under your car and look for all the mounting points under your car. Be prepared for 8 or so mounting points – make sure you get them all. Once you’ve located the bottom, you need to determine how you car going to access the top. Some of them will be easy, but others you’re going to need to remove carpet and other accessories to gain access.

• Inspect other body to chassis components

  The biggest one here is the steering. Make sure you loosen off the steering arm before you install the lift. Also check for wires, gas lines that may not cope with the extra lift (most standard 4wd’s this wont be a problem

• Undo the body bolts and raise the body of vehicle

  Loosen and remove the bolts on one side of the vehicle. Then raise that side of the vehicle (only the body), enough to slot in your lift blocks. There are many ways to raise the body – my most popular method is to use two high-lift jacks at either end, and raise them simultaneously (you’ll need a friend). Once you’ve created space, slot in the lift blocks, thread the new bolts through and lightly tighten the nuts. Repeat for the other side.

• Tighten and your done.

  With all blcoks in place, tighten all bolts, and don’t forget to tighten your steering rod.

Jobs done – enjoy the extra clearance!

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