WeGotMud

Projects & Parts => Garage/Tech => Topic started by: BigCountryDRC on March 01, 2012, 02:10:29 PM

Title: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 01, 2012, 02:10:29 PM
I'm debating getting a 3'' body lift for my ramcharger. I know a lot of guys dont like running them. My floor boards are all solid so breaking through wont be an issue. I was just wondering what you guys thougt. Oh, btw ill be building my own steel bumpers after i put the lift in to compensate for the gap. Will I have to extend any linkage? Oh, and where is the cheapest place to buy one w/o bumper brackets. My truck is HUGE now im just looking for that little bit of tire clearance to stop the rub and because bigger is always better! Thanks -Corey


Ok so im 5'8 and this is me standing next to my truck. A 3'' body lift will put my truck right about where I want it to be. If you look at the front fender in front of the tire, thats where im scrubbing at
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: marshall on March 01, 2012, 03:46:43 PM
nay
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Bigdaddy on March 01, 2012, 03:51:06 PM
x2
Quote from: marshall on March 01, 2012, 03:46:43 PM
nay
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Blake Scheuneman on March 01, 2012, 03:51:48 PM
Nay! Shows too much frame...
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Don't do it. You'll be glad you didn't. 3" body lift makes everything related to the body 3" higher than everything related to the frame. Fan shroud won't work anymore, you'll have more fender gap allowing stuff to get into the engine bay, linkages will have to be modified, and so on. The engine will be 3" lower in the engine bay, making certain repair jobs harder.

Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: scooterbob on March 01, 2012, 06:01:24 PM
somtimes just have to .. have one on mine for clearance issuse. have not had an issue, mine was just somthin we made up at the shop nothin fancy and i drive mine on road also..

only thing i did was reinforce the bottom of the core support
get with flatblack he can get what u need reasonable
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: KORNBREAD on March 01, 2012, 06:41:15 PM
also body lifts can egg shape your body mounts after a wile. Body lifts are very hard on your mounts.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: bigdawg41 on March 01, 2012, 07:09:43 PM
I run a 3" body lift in my bogger. No problems after 4 1/2 years, also take my truck to Rocks&Valleys and twist the s&*t out of it.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BAD APPLE on March 01, 2012, 07:42:44 PM
Body lifts are not that bad and you don't always have to lengthen cables or linkeges depending on the application, and some times body lifts make it easier to work on things gives you more room for your hands and certain tools, as for the radiator shroud, remount it and it will work fine, if it makes to much gap between the body and frame u can make or buy gap gaurds, depending on how much lift it already has some times a body lift is your only choice to meke clearance for your tires , if u already have suspension lift adding more lift to the suspension could cause problems with driveshaft angles makeing the body lift your only option
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: ice87 on March 01, 2012, 07:48:18 PM
Nay harder on mounts but it does make working on some things easier.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
I say just cut a lil more.  If you were doing it to get bigger tirfes under it then yes, but if what yer runnin now works for yer tires then why make the center of gravity higher?
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 01, 2012, 08:08:05 PM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Don't do it. You'll be glad you didn't. 3" body lift makes everything related to the body 3" higher than everything related to the frame. Fan shroud won't work anymore, you'll have more fender gap allowing stuff to get into the engine bay, linkages will have to be modified, and so on. The engine will be 3" lower in the engine bay, making certain repair jobs harder.

Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace

I'm running 39.5''s now. My front fenders rub my tires and they're chewing them up. I don't like the idea of any more mud getting in my bay i've had a lot of issues with that already. As far as my shroud that hasnt been hooked up in years. I also don't like the idea of extending my linkage. This truck WILL be driven on the road. Not far just the hour north to R & V and maybe my 5 min drive to work ever now and again when I feel froggy.

Quote from: erikmud on March 01, 2012, 07:42:44 PM
Body lifts are not that bad and you don't always have to lengthen cables or linkeges depending on the application, and some times body lifts make it easier to work on things gives you more room for your hands and certain tools, as for the radiator shroud, remount it and it will work fine, if it makes to much gap between the body and frame u can make or buy gap gaurds, depending on how much lift it already has some times a body lift is your only choice to meke clearance for your tires , if u already have suspension lift adding more lift to the suspension could cause problems with driveshaft angles makeing the body lift your only option

I saw gap guards for sale online, if i go this route i plan on making my own like you said. I guess i could do the same thing to keep mud out of my bay. Im completely maxed out on suspension lift. my driveshafts are already hitting the yokes. I dont really wanna set up a divorced t-case. 2'' to 3'' should be enough to keep my tires. I could trim them up i guess but i would rather keep my fenders intact and throw the body lift in. Body mounts and linkage is my only concern right now. I need to find someone whos put a body lift in a 1st gen dodge truck. FLAT BLACK WHERE ARE YOU!!!!
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 01, 2012, 08:13:20 PM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
I say just cut a lil more.  If you were doing it to get bigger tirfes under it then yes, but if what yer runnin now works for yer tires then why make the center of gravity higher?

OH YUPP! I completely forgot about my center of gravity. I'm WAY high centerend now.  Uncomfortably high centered on hills. I plan on spending every other weekend this summer at R & V and Silver lake. Thats a complete game changer I dont roller big country over
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
I like to keep it as low as possable with biggest tires possable.  That way the rig is much more nimble on the trails. 
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:10:13 PM
How much lift u got with the 39.5?  Cause my buddy has 6in lift on his r.c. and trimmed fenders and he has no issues of body contact with the tires.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 01, 2012, 10:26:18 PM
I didnt put the springs in so id have to measure mine and my buddy from work has a stock height. It's pretty big but its not stupid huge. The only place i scrub is the front on the fenders. I could prolly get away with trimming 2'' or 3'' and be fine. I put a 2.5'' spacer in my '97 and ran 35''s with no issues as long as i wasnt maxed out turning
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: 72 Bogger on March 02, 2012, 05:14:55 AM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Don't do it. You'll be glad you didn't. 3" body lift makes everything related to the body 3" higher than everything related to the frame. Fan shroud won't work anymore, you'll have more fender gap allowing stuff to get into the engine bay, linkages will have to be modified, and so on. The engine will be 3" lower in the engine bay, making certain repair jobs harder.

Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace
X2
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: mudbillyredneck on March 02, 2012, 05:20:13 AM
The important stuff is Bigger Tarhs.....body lift away....sheet metal is over rated anyway..go ahead and pick  out a michigan vehicle/Bogger that doesnt need rust repairs/cab mounts anyway .....body lifts are great for the guy who needs to tune his stuff or wants more room to powerwash his schtuff  ;D
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: 4x4xdodgeman on March 02, 2012, 07:02:07 PM
he's talking mopar not chevy. you do not need to cut fan shroud. you move rad down drill new holes.as far as body mounts on a dodge is the same size as the body lift blocks. you need to get the body bolts tight, when you have body mounts problems is cause you did not get them tight enough. body lift makes easier to wash the mud off the under side of the body & frame
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: old school truck dude on March 02, 2012, 09:35:08 PM
Yes do it. Toss the fan and fan shroud in the ditch and get an electric fan. Makes it so much easier to work on and clean up.. Might have to extend the steering shaft a bit, just slide a piece of pipe over it after its cut and tack it good.. Linkage as necessary, maybe reroute or add to wiring.. NO BIG DEAL.  ;D
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BIG DOG on March 02, 2012, 09:59:44 PM
its yours do as ya wish   i,ve been wheeling all my dd for 15 yrs and have body lifts in all of them.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Bryank on March 02, 2012, 10:05:38 PM
I like body lifts personally, they make it way easier to work on and wash the underneath. I put 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" plates on top to make it stronger than factory and to keep more support on the body mounts.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: 71 Highboy on March 03, 2012, 12:11:33 AM
Id rather see body lift than guys that cut half the fenders out to fit tires
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Rosco on March 03, 2012, 12:19:38 AM
Most body lifts come with everything you need! I put a 3" on my dodge and it came with everything..
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: marshall on March 03, 2012, 01:01:12 AM
Quote from: 71 Highboy on March 03, 2012, 12:11:33 AM
Id rather see body lift than guys that cut half the fenders out to fit tires
i love cutting fenders
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: OLD SCHOOL on March 03, 2012, 01:13:02 AM
I say do whatever you think you need to do to make 'em fit ,don't be scared ,put the body lift in & hack the fenders ,done it many times.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Blazin40s on March 03, 2012, 02:13:53 AM
Quote from: 71 Highboy on March 03, 2012, 12:11:33 AM
Id rather see body lift than guys that cut half the fenders out to fit tires
.

Higher = bad.  Keep it as low as poss and fit as big of tire as poss
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: betterbeaters on March 03, 2012, 02:20:04 AM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 03, 2012, 02:13:53 AM
Quote from: 71 Highboy on March 03, 2012, 12:11:33 AM
Id rather see body lift than guys that cut half the fenders out to fit tires
.

Higher = bad.  Keep it as low as poss and fit as big of tire as poss

low and fast!!!!! tall trucks roll easyer. 
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BAD APPLE on March 03, 2012, 06:57:57 PM
But that's a fun ride having a top heavy truck, and wheeling hard trying to keep it right side up, its a good time
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 03, 2012, 08:35:51 PM
Yeah, the only thing im worried about is center of gravity. I'm gonna go ahead and put one in i think. I've got a few things I need t do first then im gonna order the BL from summit
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 03, 2012, 08:37:34 PM
Quote from: Bryank on March 02, 2012, 10:05:38 PM
I like body lifts personally, they make it way easier to work on and wash the underneath. I put 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" plates on top to make it stronger than factory and to keep more support on the body mounts.

Where did you get your from? How much was it?




Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Rosco on March 03, 2012, 09:30:24 PM
Get a hold of flatblack! he can hook you up..
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Bryank on March 03, 2012, 09:41:22 PM
Quote from: BigCountryDRC on March 03, 2012, 08:37:34 PM
Quote from: Bryank on March 02, 2012, 10:05:38 PM
I like body lifts personally, they make it way easier to work on and wash the underneath. I put 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" plates on top to make it stronger than factory and to keep more support on the body mounts.

Where did you get your from? How much was it?


I got my 3" body lift years ago from 4 wheel parts warehouse for $80. i dont know how much they are now?

**Fixed quote -ToughBowtie
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 04, 2012, 05:00:09 PM
Hey, I wanna thank everyone for your help and opinions.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: old school truck dude on March 05, 2012, 11:42:35 PM
Quote from: BigCountryDRC on March 03, 2012, 08:35:51 PM
Yeah, the only thing im worried about is center of gravity. I'm gonna go ahead and put one in i think. I've got a few things I need t do first then im gonna order the BL from summit

Center of gravity stays lower on a body lift than on a suspension lift.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:19:56 AM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace

Seriously?  You dont really believe this, do you?
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:21:04 AM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
I like to keep it as low as possable with biggest tires possable.  That way the rig is much more nimble on the trails. 

I know someone else that builds their rigs this way.   ++peace
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: ToughBowtieTruck on March 08, 2012, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:19:56 AM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace

Seriously?  You dont really believe this, do you?

My truck ALWAYS hangs up on the 14 bolt axle. No matter if I had 32s or 37s on it. Whatever bigger tire diameter, the axle clearance is only increased by half.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 09:25:57 AM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 08, 2012, 04:10:45 AM
Quote from: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:19:56 AM
Quote from: ToughBowtieTruck on March 01, 2012, 05:57:26 PM
Bigger tire is not always better. Think about it this way: My 32" tires can do the same as a 36" tire. Why? Although a 36" tire is 4" bigger in diameter, you only have 2" of that tire making contact with the ground, so you only get 2" extra total clearance, because your axles will always be the lowest part of the truck that won't be moved through lift kits. But a 36" tire requires a 4-6" lift, usually. That's a LOT of extra lift for that tiny bit of more ground clearance.

Just keep that in mind. ++peace

Seriously?  You dont really believe this, do you?

My truck ALWAYS hangs up on the 14 bolt axle. No matter if I had 32s or 37s on it. Whatever bigger tire diameter, the axle clearance is only increased by half.

True on the 14 bolt.  But you take your 32s and I'll take some 36s and we'll see who goes where.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Captn. J on March 08, 2012, 12:56:50 PM
u can shave yr 14 bolt by alot on the bottom   seen it  on website
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: old school truck dude on March 08, 2012, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:21:04 AM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
I like to keep it as low as possable with biggest tires possable.  That way the rig is much more nimble on the trails.  

I know someone else that builds their rigs this way.   ++peace

That would be like EVERYBODY out west in the desert. They try to keep the COG as low as possible to keep from turnin over on steep trails.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 01:36:23 PM
Quote from: old school truck dude on March 08, 2012, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:21:04 AM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
I like to keep it as low as possable with biggest tires possable.  That way the rig is much more nimble on the trails.  

I know someone else that builds their rigs this way.   ++peace

That would be like EVERYBODY out west in the desert. They try to keep the COG as low as possible to keep from turnin over on steep trails.

I meant me.  :-)
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Flat_Black on March 08, 2012, 02:54:10 PM
body lifts put way to much stress on the body it self. id keep it low and do some trimming if need be. you can trim and make it look super clean and never know it was trimmed.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 03:04:47 PM
Quote from: old school truck dude on March 08, 2012, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 02:21:04 AM
Quote from: Blazin40s on March 01, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
I like to keep it as low as possable with biggest tires possable.  That way the rig is much more nimble on the trails. 

I know someone else that builds their rigs this way.   ++pea
ce

That would be like EVERYBODY out west in the desert. They try to keep the COG as low as possible to keep from turnin over on steep trails.

Nice picture of toys.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: old school truck dude on March 08, 2012, 03:15:04 PM
I didnt spend much time lookin for a good pic loll Heres a little bit better one ;D
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: four_by_ken on March 08, 2012, 03:37:34 PM
Much better.  :-)
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Jthomas on March 09, 2012, 10:16:14 PM
Quote from: 71 Highboy on March 03, 2012, 12:11:33 AM
Id rather see body lift than guys that cut half the fenders out to fit tires

^^^
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 11, 2012, 06:03:48 PM
Well i only need about and inch of clearance to keep off that front tire. Ive learned more from flat black about dodges than anyone i know so maybe one clean cut wont hurt anything. Its not like im scrubbing bad its just that one spot
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: betterbeaters on March 11, 2012, 06:05:16 PM
post some pics when your done!
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 12, 2012, 04:41:15 PM
Quote from: betterbeaters on March 11, 2012, 06:05:16 PM
post some pics when your done!

10WD40 ROGER THAT! Looks like im gonna be picking up a '11 Kawasaki Ninja, so my newest plan is to get this RC at least running RIGHT, so I can take my son to a few trips to R & V this summer. Besides the necessary repairs theres prolly not gonna be a lot of building going on for a bit.
   

  HEY! So if my trucks out of time what could that be? I checked the firing order off a print out from online. Then i bought the manual. I can get it set where it runs perfect at idle. As soon as i put it in gear and drive it under load it misses, cuts out and backfires BAD. Adter about 1/4 throttle sometimes it cuts completely out, almost like it stalled. Then if i feather it back itll pick up and run again. My buddy thinks it jumped a tooth but im sorta doubtful about that. I pulled two of the plugs and theyre both pretty nasty so maybe ive actually got it timed right and its just missing from the fouled plugs? How would i know if i was off a tooth?

  From TDC on piston #1 the rotor is pointed to what should be plug #1. Facing the distributor its the one not closes to me but one to the left. I've also found a few things online saying that #1 on the distributor is the one closes to me.

  I'm gonnna swap plugs this weekend and try and set it again and see where that gets me.
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Rosco on March 12, 2012, 04:46:49 PM
From body lift to engine work!! What's going on here? I'm lost!!
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: betterbeaters on March 12, 2012, 04:55:41 PM
I would start with a tune up then ask flat black to help tuning hes the mopar man!
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: a99moparman on March 13, 2012, 03:56:04 AM
nay
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 13, 2012, 07:04:56 PM
Well i figured id start the missing issue as lang as i had everyones attention. I can start a new thread if it would make you happier
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Rosco on March 13, 2012, 08:05:44 PM
No just messing with you.. Go with betterbeaters idea and get a hold of flat black! He is the Dodge guy!!
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: BigCountryDRC on March 14, 2012, 03:19:15 AM
I pulled all the plugs this afternoon they looked pretty nasty. I cleaned them all up then set the timing by ear and its running a little better. This weekend im gonna buy new plugs and wires and see if flat blacks got some time to look at it in his shop
Title: Re: BODY LIFT? Yay or Nay?
Post by: Rosco on March 14, 2012, 12:41:46 PM
Good luck!!