Texans Please Help

[Sinjin]

Well i just received my 3" body lift from Offroad Warehouse, my original idea was to do the installation myself, then I got it, and although im quite handy, noticed I was in over my head. So then I decided I would just take in somewhereand get it done. Every place I went to wanted about $500. Im already on a tight budget, I have saved enough for the lift, bigger tires, and the Colorado trip.
So the extra $500 really isnt in my budget. So I'm wondering if there is anyone in or around central Texas, or almost anywhere in Texas for that matter, that could help me put this lift on. I wouldnt mind driving to where ANYONE is at. Thanks for your help.

[Edited by Sinjin[PEZ] on 08-01-2000 at 04:01 PM]

 

[Sinjin]

bringing it to the top

anyone, anyone, this is almost an emergency before Colorado.

 

[Guerilla Biscuits]

I cannot help, but I thought the body lift was the easiest to do?

 

[wabbit]

go for it Rod...

Rod,
Give it a try. The "tech tips - how to" section on the main page of this site gives blow by blow instructions on installing a body lift. Between that and the instructions that come with it, I bet you can do it.
I have not done one personally but I see where many people have done it start to finish in a day. So, I will submit my vote of confidence that you can do it...

Warren

 

[GJarrett]

Yep, you can do it

Rod, you're not exactly across the street from me so I can't help either... plus Gofast and I have to meet up sometime in the next couple of weekends to do our own work on ours to get ready for Colorado ourselves, BUT...

I printed those instructions off of our webpage and did my own using hockey pucks for spacers. By myself. In one day. It would be a lot simpler with someone to help you but if you take it slow and careful you can do it in a weekend easy if you have any ability at all with a wrench. The only thing is you will think the body mount bolts won't come out at first. They have "resistance" threads and are very hard to unscrew. Backing them out feels like they are crossthreaded or something. So a long handle socket wrench and six-point socket (instead of twelve) really helps.

 

[DrewP]

Lift Help

Rod,

I live in Oak Hill and would be interested in seeing how your lift goes together. I have air tools and a bunch of other garage toys to offer. However, I'm currently putting headers and an oversized exhaust on my VW and can't help you now. In addition, I'm going on vacation(in Colorado and Wyoming) in a week and I'm really busy with work. I think I might be able to help you in late September or October though.

Drew
95 XLT 4x4

 

[Sinjin]

lift help

Drew,
Thanks for the offer! unfortunetly I have to get this on before Sept. 1, So im gonna try to attempt this myself, If you do get some free time, PLEASE let me know. Here is my email, kwalkins@austin.rr.com .
Everyone else,
Thanks and wish me luck.

ps One thing that worries me is the brake lines and cables, do I need to really worry about those?

 

[Gofast]

Rod, I live in Mckinney. I wouldn't mind helping out. I have air tools and want to do this to mine as well. I'm guessing it's a 3 hour drive though. Give me a call if you want and will work something out.

Good Luck.

 

[Sinjin]

Rob....

dont bother coming down here, I can come to you!
If you could please email me your number and I'll give you a call this evening.
Thanks!
kwalkins@austin.rr.com

 

[Gofast]

You have mail. This should be fun.

 

[GJarrett]

Rod, if you can make it up here, I can meet you at Rob's Sunday the 13th. (I'd have to skip church ).Rob, we could have our WATs there at the same time. I'll bring the "Jeepeater Rock Sliders" we need to install on your rocker panels. With tools and more than one of us we can get Rod out in a few hours easy I would think. The rest of my weekends are shot except for the one directly before Colorado per my mail to you earlier today.

Rod, the brake lines and cables MAY be an issue on a 3" body lift, and it would be hard to take care of that on a weekend, leaving you stranded 250 miles from home. If I were you I'd do a search for previous posts on 3" body lifts and if you cannot find an answer, I'd post a new thread "Does 3" body lift require new brake lines?" pronto. You need to come up here with all your parts ready so we can just whip your project out 1-2-3.

PS/ unless you drive like Rob, it'll take you longer than 3 hours to get up here. He lives 35-45 minutes north of Dallas... try 4+ hours.

[Edited by GJarrett on 08-03-2000 at 03:01 PM]

 

[Gofast]

Brake Lines.

I don't think the Break lines will be an issue. We are raising the body, not increasing the suspension travel. But, take Geralds advice and post the question.

Also, The 13th works for me as well.

This should be fun, and hopefully not a 100 degree day. If we finish early I have lot's of landscaping work to do.....

 

[GJarrett]

Well, it probably WILL be a 100 degree day, and I would rather be prudent and not assume outright it won't take long. For all of the above reasons I would GREATLY prefer that we start early in the morning. I do not want to get started in the middle of a 100 degree day and spend all day in the heat and still be working that night with drop lamps because something unexpectedly came up. I don't think it will happen, but whenever you start something like this, you never know. Rob, remember your simple bolt-in replacement EZ-Locker? And my axle bearing removal? The one advantage though is that I have already done this once so it really should be a slam-dunk. I just want to play it conservative and safe on the time. Rod, this would probably mean you need to come up the previous night unless you want to leave a 5am, drive all morning, work all day, etc.

Gerald

 

[Bigcheck1]

go for it. i recently did my own 3 inch body lift last week and there was no trouble, just takes awhile. the brake lines and such are no problem, they don't even move at all. just disconnect the wiring from the braket on the transfer case, tranny and also along the firewall and wheelwell.( should be 5 points on the inside wheelwell by the washer fluid) i did the lift by myself and it took me all day, so with more than one person it should be alot easier. the only problem you might encounter is the steering shaft extension. start soaking the steering shaft now with liquid wrench now and you'll still have to pull alot but it will make it easier to get apart. have fun and let me know how it goes.

p.s. what size tires are you planning on running, i haven't decided between 31's and 32's.

 

[mark@orw]

Hey guys, Mark @ ORW here. I'm not into interferring on anyone's forum, but for reasons of prudence am going to here. I wouldn't go into this thinking it's gonna' be a quicky, this is a '97 Explorer, for which the body lift isn't made first of all. Second is the fact that almost ALL the trim panels and carpeting have to come up to get to the body bolts. The steering is probably the most time consuming, tedious part of this. It'll take some time to get adjusted right so there's no bind. The front end of the Explorer to the pilar behind the driver/passenger's seats is the same as the Ranger, which the kit is made for, but, the rear is a different animal. There's a few bolts that may need to be swapped out, depends on the model and where it was built. Sounds crazy I know, but, may take two of you guys ALL day to finish, not a fun job. I try to make this as clear as possible to anyone purchasing this kit for the Explorer, but I can't stress enough what a time eater this is. I'd recommend getting started the night before if at all possible, to get a jump on the heat. Get ALL the body bolts loosened up and the bumpers off. This is the most grueling part of the job. The steering extension which comes in the kit will NOT be used, you've got to pull the shaft out and drill the set-glue out to extend the slip-joint. This gives you about 3"-5" of play to adjust after lifted. I'd get the blocks in one side and just snug the bolts, go to the other side and do the same. After the body's set straight and there's no bind on hoses, cables, etc, then tighten down the bolts to about 110lbs. Start at the front and work your way back. Once all tight, go ahead and install and adjust the steering shaft til there's no bind. The rest is fairly simple with the exception of the rear bumper. Brackets need to be modified or new ones fabbed to get the bumper up to match the body height. I'm at home right now and don't have my e-mail set up to get it here, I'd like to sit here and 'chat' but I'll be at work at around 7ish manana to answer any questions anyone has on the subject. I didn't mean to write a book here, but wanted you guys to understand how tough a job this is...Mark

 

[Gofast]

Mark, Thanks for the input. We are starting it the day before. I spoke with Rod and he'll be down on Saturday. I'm expecting to put in about 8 hours and hoping it will be less since Gerald has done this on his 99 E.B. Still, I would rather start Saturday just in case something comes up. Murphy isn't invited, but he usually shows up.

Tips and hints are always appreciated.

Thanks Rob

 

[Gofast]

MIsc. Questions

Rod, Is your truck stock riding highth? If so it will fit in the garage easy.

I have airtools so it will help.

Can you fax me a copy of the install instructions, I would like to read up on them. Also, If you have a box fan, bring it. It would be nice to circulate the air if it's really hot that day.

Bring swim suites, neighbor hood pool is 5 houses away.

That's all I can think of for now.

See you Saturday.

Rob

 

[Sinjin]

rob........

...Yes my truck is stock riding height, except I have a safari rack with two Hella 5000's on top, I can fit in my garage with about 1/2" clearance, so hopefully i will be able to make it in.

I will scan the instructions, and email them to you after work today. They might be easier to read then a fax.
I dont have a fan, but I will look around.
Jumping in the pool will diffently be a great idea, we will bring our suits.

Once again I wanted to thank you and Gerald for offering to help me.
See yall soon,


also,(if its ok with you and Gerald), I will be bringing my videocam along, to try to get as much footage of the install, make copies, and send it to anyone who will be doing it in the future.



[Edited by Sinjin[PEZ] on 08-04-2000 at 09:38 AM]

 

[Gofast]

Pictures

Great idea on the pictures. I have the digital camara too, soo we can get some stills for e-mail versions.

It's wierd but I'm looking forward to this. Now I have to clean the garage so we can get your truck in.

Also have to put a new clutch in a friends Nissan.

Maybe I should get a Neon Sign, that says' "Now Open"
and "Good Luck" in smaller letters?

Thanks Rob

 

[ND Explorer]

Just following the install saga and thought I'd ask the stupid question, if it fits in the garage now with 1/2 clearance how will it get out with a 3" lift? I don't have a lift(yet) and was just wondering if after everything is unbolted can it be moved out of the garage safely?