Sport in progress...soon to be big!

[Arnie897]

Arnie897's Lifted 97 Sport

Hey guys....just thought I'd finally post up a pic of my X. I have shackles, an AAL, F rated leaf packs and the 3" BL sitting in my living room as a constant reminder of the install I have coming up here in two weeks. Just wondering what ya'll think so far.

 

[sk1er17]

figured id give you a head start on this part of the project. good luck!

 

[udmsvt]

Originally posted by Arnie897
Hey guys....just thought I'd finally post up a pic of my X. I have shackles, an AAL, F rated leaf packs and the 3" BL sitting in my living room as a constant reminder of the install I have coming up here in two weeks. Just wondering what ya'll think so far.

hmmm..where were you when i did my BL? i just sold my aal and shackels too! i would love to give u a hand if you need it but i will probably be working. drop me a line anyways if you have a q, i had a nasty writeup on my BL. also, vairking is from kalamazoo, he may be able to answer questins for you too.

 

[Arnie897]

sk1er17 thanks for the picture.....it's funny because I already printed that exact photo up along with a pic of your rig for inspiration!

 

[Arnie897]

I'll be sure to drop you guys a line if I run into any problems. I have a friend helping me out...and I just found out that he's a certified master mechanic so I hope all goes well.

 

[sk1er17]

happy to be of some service...
and this is the biggest its been from that last comment! Thanks dude

 

[Arnie897]

well it looks like my friend backed out on doing the body lift this weekend. I'll have my shackles, aal, and the 4 door packs on this weekend.....no body lift yet. *!*$*&!# Sooooo....I guess my girlfriend will have to get used to the tires in the living room for a little while longer.

 

[sk1er17]

I did mine all by myself dude... just takes a lot of patience and a lot of heart (lol plus time)- but it was worth it to me. Nothing feels better than doing something like that on your own and hearing compliments on how nice it looks.
And driving around in one of the coolest trucks in town, or beating some jeeps offroading with your own craftsmanship!

 

[Arnie897]

Yeah....I know what you're saying. The problem that I have though is that I'm here in an apartment complex and they have rules about unbolting your body from the frame out in my carport for some reason. Go figure? I might end up trying it out myself though...

 

[Arnie897]

Well....I've got the 4 door leafs on along with the shackles and the AAL. Did the TT also. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about that darn body lift....

 

[Premier]

What about doing it at a friends house some weekend?

 

[Arnie897]

One of these days around the holidays I'll be out at the ol' parent's house. I'll probably be able to do the lift then.....but they don't have the welder or fabbing tools I'll need for the brushguard.....perhaps that will have to be considered as a different project for a different time.

 

[sapogmxr]

Any update? And you dont always have to weld the brush guard. you can drill new holes through the bracket and frame if it reaches and relocate it. Thats what i did. Dont expect pics soon though cause i just pulled my tonsiles out.

 

[VairKing]

If you still need help, im around sometimes, between work...let me know...

 

[frickea86]

lookin good man...hope it goes well for ya...keep us posted

 

[Arnie897]

Thanks guys....I'll try to throw up a few pics of my progress so far....I still haven't started that BL yet....but I'm really impressed by the new springs and all of that fun stuff

I'll have to take a second look at my Manik brushguard mounts....It would be a whole lot easier if I could just drill new holes for that.

Vairking, how would I go about getting ahold of you if I should need some help?

Just got a sawzall too, so I'm looking forward to hacking away if I get too frustrated with things

 

[Arnie897]

Ok guys....I'm biting the bullet this weekend in Grand Rapids, in my parents garage, with only the help of the ol' lady...

I have my craftsman mechanic set, torch, sawzall, drill, old school electric impact, lights, and the WD40...

I've read everything I could find on this body lift stuff....still trying to figure out what extra parts I'm going to need other than the kit and the front bumper brackets....

Thanks for everyone's help so far...Wish me luck!!!

 

[sk1er17]

one suggestions thats priceless..

Get a looong 1/2" drill bit- incase some of the bolts dont work (which they probably dont) you can do what i did, because its IMPOSSIBLE to get metric sized bolts that'll work:

I drilled whatever bushings i didnt have bolts for with the 1/2" bit the went to Lowe's (like Home Depot) and bought some good 1/2" Bolts and heavy duty washers and Lock nuts and locktite and used those.

 

[sapogmxr]

I only had to buy two 10inch bolts for the rear blocks. Never found them High strenth;Only level 3. I always check on them, theyve lasted so far!! When you do it, just be pattient. For me the lift was cake, the bumpers raised my blood preassure..

 

[Arnie897]

SOoo.....I have all my body mount bolts either loose or out. I broke the one on the drivers side under the radiator. I had no idea how bad it was going to be taking out bolts from a Michigan Explorer....ughhh. I'm having one hell of a time finding a good place to put my jack. I have one of the el cheapo's from Meijers and I think the lift range goes up to 15 or 16 inch. I"ll try out the wood blocks and see how that goes..... Also if I jack in the wrong place am I going to flex the body too far so that things won't line up? Well....back to the garage now.