DIY 3” body lift

[Subieboost]

Has anybody done a diy 3” body lift?
I’m getting ready to modify my 03 quite a bit so I’ve been doing a lot of research and have read all the stickies on here, I’ve seen the diy thread for the 1.5” body lift using these 3” spacers and cutting in half but has anybody used just these blocks and made the rest of the parr’s necessary themself instead of using the performance accessories kit? The reason I ask is because we only use the blocks, front bumper brackets and the steering extension but I’ve seen that extension has to be modified to fit our explorers and have seen some of them break. Since I haven’t seen any other options produced, I’m going to make my own extension that will be stronger and front brackets. Mainly I’m just looking to see if anybody has made the brackets and extension themself and has dimensions, otherwise I’ll share what I figure out for others cuz if we can do a kit cheaper than the performance accessories kit and have stronger parts I’m up for the work

These are the lift blocks I’m going to use

Zone Offroad Body Lift Blocks 3" Tall x 3" Wide 3396 |

Zone Offroad Products 3396: Body Lift Blocks - 3" Tall x 3" Wide. Top quality individual body lift blocks are made from high-grade, glass reinforced nylon. 60,00 lbs capacity. Always in stock.

zoneoffroad.com

 

[Subieboost]

These are the parts I’m looking to make and what I hope to avoid.

 

[Subieboost]

Also does anybody know what length the bolts are in the 3” kit?

 

[mika]

Also does anybody know what length the bolts are in the 3” kit?

if you create sketches I can create drawings and dxf for laser, but I need dimensions in (mm)


I bought screws listed below to prepare set for body lift 3 "
ZON3396 - Bulk Body Lift Block 3" Tall x 3" Wide / from Fat Bob's Garage zon3396 - Available Now in the Fat Bob's Garage Online Store

2 x 12mm x 110 mm - class 10,9

2 x 12mm x 120mm - class 10,9
4 x 12mm x 130 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 140 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 150 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 160 mm - class 10,9
8 x 12mm x 180 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 200 mm - class 10,9

3” Body lift installation kit # 883 shows BOM

2 x Bolt, 12mm x 140mm Bolts
2 x Bolt, 12mm x 160mm Bolts
8 x Bolt, 12mm x 180mm Bolts
2 x Bolt, 12mm x 200mm

and
Qty. Description
3 Bolt, 1/4” x 1”
2 Bolt, 5/16” x 1”
1 Bolt, 3/8” x 1 1/2”
4 Bolt, 7/16” x 1-1/2”
1 Bracket, front bumper driver side
1 Bracket, front bumper passenger side

• Bracket, ground strap (flat, 3” hole-t-hole)
• Bracket, ground (“L”)

2 Bracket, radiator lower (2” x 3” x 1” steel w/ hole)
2 Bracket, radiator upper (flat, 3” hole-to-hole)
1 Bracket, rear bumper driver side
1 Bracket, rear bumper passenger side
1 Bracket, wire loom
1 Extension, fuel filler (1 1/2” x 5”)
1 Extension, fuel filler vent (3/8” x 3”)

• Extension, steering
• Clamp, hose (#10)

2 Clamp, hose (#28)
1 Hose, rubber (3/4” x 6”)
1 Label, warning
1 Loctite®, 262ml bottle
6 Nut, 1/4” Nylock
1 Nut, 3/8” Nylock
4 Nut, 7/16” Nylock
4 Nut, 1/2” Nylock
4 Spacer, bed support (2” x 3” x 1” steel) 2 “U”-Nut, 5/16”

(attached to Bracket, radiator lower)

9 Washer, 1/4” USS
2 Washer, 5/16” USS
2 Washer, 3/8” SAE
22 Washer, 7/16” USS
4 Washer, 1/2” USS
3 Zip tie

 

[Subieboost]

Awesome thank you Mika! I’ll scoop some up this weekend. I wish I found that site you shared before I ordered mine but it still beats the performance accessories price. I picked up a steering shaft from the junkyard today so I can make an extensio, I just need to figure out the length

 

[Subieboost]

Got my blocks in

 

[mika]

Got my blocks in

They are the same as ZON3396 which I bought from Fat Bob's Garage zon3396 - Available Now in the Fat Bob's Garage Online Store


any news regarding steering extension?

 

[Subieboost]

No unfortunately. So I got an extra steering shaft from the junkyard and started taking measurements to make one but got to thinking it’s be a lot quicker and easier to just cut a couple inches out of the extra shaft and weld it into the middle of mine to extend it but I won’t know how much I’ll need until I get everything installed and can get some measurements

 

[mika]

additionally you can add also front skid plate

Ford Explorer 2002-2005 front skid plate

Initial dimensions of the mockup Ford Explorer front skid plate base on factory Ford Ranger front skid plate M-5018-R All dimensions are in [ cm ] /metric / angle ca.160 degrees Mounting with a bracket to front tow hook bolts and tow hook nut plate W712330S441 / W706973-S441n

www.explorerforum.com

 

[ChrisEmbry]

if you create sketches I can create drawings and dxf for laser, but I need dimensions in (mm)


I bought screws listed below to prepare set for body lift 3 "
ZON3396 - Bulk Body Lift Block 3" Tall x 3" Wide / from Fat Bob's Garage zon3396 - Available Now in the Fat Bob's Garage Online Store

2 x 12mm x 110 mm - class 10,9

2 x 12mm x 120mm - class 10,9
4 x 12mm x 130 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 140 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 150 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 160 mm - class 10,9
8 x 12mm x 180 mm - class 10,9
2 x 12mm x 200 mm - class 10,9

3” Body lift installation kit # 883 shows BOM

2 x Bolt, 12mm x 140mm Bolts
2 x Bolt, 12mm x 160mm Bolts
8 x Bolt, 12mm x 180mm Bolts
2 x Bolt, 12mm x 200mm

and
Qty. Description
3 Bolt, 1/4” x 1”
2 Bolt, 5/16” x 1”
1 Bolt, 3/8” x 1 1/2”
4 Bolt, 7/16” x 1-1/2”
1 Bracket, front bumper driver side
1 Bracket, front bumper passenger side

• Bracket, ground strap (flat, 3” hole-t-hole)
• Bracket, ground (“L”)

2 Bracket, radiator lower (2” x 3” x 1” steel w/ hole)
2 Bracket, radiator upper (flat, 3” hole-to-hole)
1 Bracket, rear bumper driver side
1 Bracket, rear bumper passenger side
1 Bracket, wire loom
1 Extension, fuel filler (1 1/2” x 5”)
1 Extension, fuel filler vent (3/8” x 3”)

• Extension, steering
• Clamp, hose (#10)

2 Clamp, hose (#28)
1 Hose, rubber (3/4” x 6”)
1 Label, warning
1 Loctite®, 262ml bottle
6 Nut, 1/4” Nylock
1 Nut, 3/8” Nylock
4 Nut, 7/16” Nylock
4 Nut, 1/2” Nylock
4 Spacer, bed support (2” x 3” x 1” steel) 2 “U”-Nut, 5/16”

(attached to Bracket, radiator lower)

9 Washer, 1/4” USS
2 Washer, 5/16” USS
2 Washer, 3/8” SAE
22 Washer, 7/16” USS
4 Washer, 1/2” USS
3 Zip tie

So that is all the hardware you use to install the body bumps,So if i was to install these parts.I will have to make my steering shaft longer Would u happen have pictures after the install


Thanks

 

[mika]

I wonder if anyone can confirm the dimensions of steering intermediate shaft / universal joint for Ford Explorer III

to be roughly .5” wide and roughly .64” tall.

But what are the exact dimensions ?

 

[mika]

short update

based on all collected information, I did prototypes material Steel 40HM (1.7225)

One without a mounting hole because it is a weak point and is unnecessary for the 3rd Generation in my opinion. For sure in my 2004 Explorer there is no such need.

The second with mounting hole will be used in Explorer 2001 for Body lift 3”

 

[mika]

when loosening the frame bolts, it is worth to use the induction screw heater for all bolts and an impact wrench like MILWAUKEE – it reduces the disassembly time and makes the work more easier for sure

Body lift 3 inch and and 4,7 inch 2nd generation done

 

[DaaQ]

Has anybody done a diy 3” body lift?
I’m getting ready to modify my 03 quite a bit so I’ve been doing a lot of research and have read all the stickies on here, I’ve seen the diy thread for the 1.5” body lift using these 3” spacers and cutting in half but has anybody used just these blocks and made the rest of the parr’s necessary themself instead of using the performance accessories kit? The reason I ask is because we only use the blocks, front bumper brackets and the steering extension but I’ve seen that extension has to be modified to fit our explorers and have seen some of them break. Since I haven’t seen any other options produced, I’m going to make my own extension that will be stronger and front brackets. Mainly I’m just looking to see if anybody has made the brackets and extension themself and has dimensions, otherwise I’ll share what I figure out for others cuz if we can do a kit cheaper than the performance accessories kit and have stronger parts I’m up for the work

These are the lift blocks I’m going to use

Zone Offroad Body Lift Blocks 3" Tall x 3" Wide 3396 |

Zone Offroad Products 3396: Body Lift Blocks - 3" Tall x 3" Wide. Top quality individual body lift blocks are made from high-grade, glass reinforced nylon. 60,00 lbs capacity. Always in stock.

zoneoffroad.com

I know it probably kinda late, but I used the zoneoffroad 2" blocks, bought all the bolts/hardware from Fastenal didn't need the steering adapter.

But while doing the lift, pay special attention to the ABS block with the flexible hoses, the clip they are attached to can cause them to pull and if rusty enough they will break. (the brake line)