Need Recommendations to Remove 3” Body Lift

[Uncle Butter]

Please help. I’m looking for recommendations when removing a 3” body lift. Not only am I looking for a good outfit to do the work in the greater San Jose, CA area if you have any, but what should I look out for when removing the lift? Any good advice?

You can see my ride in my profile pic. I’ve got it going a good direction, but it’s just too high. It’s got a 3” body lift plus what I think is a 5” (or more) suspension lift. I’m 6’4” and have to jump into it. My wife is 5’4” and needs a designated stool! Ha! A side step is down the road, but I’m hoping removing the body lift does the job. This is more of a road queen so I won’t be doing any heavy off roading, just basic fire roads, etc.

 

[rguest3]

From that view (Garage Pic) it doesn't look like much of a Body Lift at all???

Show a picture of the Body Mounts. What's the height of the mount?

 

[chuckji]

Wondering if the rear tire will have enough clearance on the leading edge.

 

[Uncle Butter]

These are 3”. One photo is under the driver door and the other is in the very back by the fuel tank. I’ll post the photos in My Garage unless you can tell me how to show you photos here without linking to a URL.

 

[Uncle Butter]

@chuckji - I noticed that as well. Is my rear axle further forward than most early broncos? Something they did when they originally lifted it? I’ve seen a lot of other early broncos with less of a lift and 35” tires and they clear fine.

 

[thegreatjustino]

you can tell me how to show you photos here without linking to a URL.

Pay $12 to become a contributor

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34373


As for removing the body lift, get in touch with Doug (904Bronco here on the board). He does Bronco work out of his garage in Morgan Hill. He's also a pretty tall guy and probably could give you some comfort pointers.

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/member.php?u=11693

 

[triracer67]

Hood

Your 351w is a very close fit under a stock hood with no Body lift. Some people say a 1” BL looks great, but, not a body lift fan.

 

[Uncle Butter]

Thanks for the tips! I’ll reach out to Doug.

 

[Uncle Butter]

Your 351w is a very close fit under a stock hood with no Body lift. Some people say a 1” BL looks great, but, not a body lift fan.

I’ve got a scoop on it now so with some minor cuts to the hood it should be able to fit. Thanks!

 

[chuckji]

@chuckji - I noticed that as well. Is my rear axle further forward than most early broncos? Something they did when they originally lifted it? I’ve seen a lot of other early broncos with less of a lift and 35” tires and they clear fine.

Your rear axle looks to be in the original position. Some people move their axle back an inch or so to center the wheel in the opening.

Triracer’s comment about engine to hood clearance is also something to watch out for.

 

[spap]

Looks like your rear axles is right, s
Who ever installed the fender flare did not center it over the axle, that’s why it looks like you have the axle farther forward

 

[jamesroney]

What transmission do you have? If you have a NP435 or T18 4 speed, then you will have to figure out where to put the shift tower when you remove the body lift.

If you have the factory 3 on the tree, you will have to shorten your shift linkage, and your clutch linkage, and adjust your steering shaft, throttle linkage, and probably your fan shroud.

You will need want a new gas tank fill hose on hand, since they often get brittle. If you have a 23 gallon gas tank occupying the body lift space...then you are going to have to do something about that too.

If anyone quotes you a price without seeing the Bronco...then be VERY skeptical. Bronco body lifts can go from a nice afternoon's activity to a very long couple of days if you end up having to burn out the original bushings and broken off bolts.

I'm in Fremont, and I can help you do the work.

 

[904Bronco]

James has brought forward some concerns... I have found undoing some PO's work can be labor intensive. I have changed out factory body mounts that have taken all day and then some. And that is just changing out the mounts not making the other changes that may be required depending on the lift hieght.

Yes, from you pictures you have a 3" body lift and drop brackets on your radius arms. It is hard to say exactly what mods will need to be done, as it depends on how they were done (quality of work) in the 1st place.

Replace the lift, stock or a 1"? Not knowing the age of the lift, I would suggest putting a fresh lift on, bolts, pucks, washers, etc.
Yes, hood clearance is a concern with a 351...
The steering column should have been modified (lowered the mount) in some manner. And will need raised, probably. Steering shaft may have been lengthened too?
Shifter linkage, Manual or auto trans will need to be modified (shortened).
Radiator was probably lowered and will need raised up.
Fan shroud, if still there, probably would need moved up too.
Transfer case linkage mods...
And if the lift was done incorrectly, even correctly there still may be damage to the body supports by having it so high up?

This is just off the top of my head... I will repond to your PM and suggest you come by and let me see it in person. That way I can advise a plan.

Thanks Justin for the free plug, but I find myself busy with just word of mouth. Currently working on a rewire and try to get back to my 69 project.

Doug.

 

[jamesroney]

Keep an eye on the exhaust too...

With 3 inches of lift, the tailpipe is probably in the wrong place.

 

[gr8scott]

These are 3”. One photo is under the driver door and the other is in the very back by the fuel tank. I’ll post the photos in My Garage unless you can tell me how to show you photos here without linking to a URL.

Here you go.

 

[904Bronco]

Keep an eye on the exhaust too...

With 3 inches of lift, the tailpipe is probably in the wrong place.

And now seeing the pictures in a larger scale, you are going to have to undo the bumper relocation brackets...

 

[garberz]

And now seeing the pictures in a larger scale, you are going to have to undo the bumper relocation brackets...

That’s gonna be a lot of work for such a simple upgrade. Looks like the body lift was made from steel pipe. %) Somebody is gonna be cussing the previous owner

Mark

 

[fishinman78]

My Bronco came with a 3" body lift, which at first I was going to change, but after owning it for a while I really don't mind it that much. It gives me lots of clearance to work on it and it made my 6r80 install a breeze.

I might consider doing something with the suspension before I threw money at the body lift. It will drive a whole lot better with a 2 1/2" or 3 1/2" lift from one of the vendors. Especially with a long arm kit.

Mine has a duff 3 1/2" monster kit with long arms and 3" body lift. I am also 6'4" and my wife is 5'3" I can get in easily. It takes a little jump from my wife who is 5'3", but its not to hard for her.

 

[Uncle Butter]

My Bronco came with a 3" body lift, which at first I was going to change, but after owning it for a while I really don't mind it that much. It gives me lots of clearance to work on it and it made my 6r80 install a breeze.

I might consider doing something with the suspension before I threw money at the body lift. It will drive a whole lot better with a 2 1/2" or 3 1/2" lift from one of the vendors. Especially with a long arm kit.

Mine has a duff 3 1/2" monster kit with long arms and 3" body lift. I am also 6'4" and my wife is 5'3" I can get in easily. It takes a little jump from my wife who is 5'3", but its not to hard for her.

Thanks for the recommendation. As all the mods pile up, it looks like I should look into this solution as well. It looks like it will be a lot less costly. What size tire do you have?

 

[bigmuddy]

My Bronco came with a 3" body lift, which at first I was going to change, but after owning it for a while I really don't mind it that much. It gives me lots of clearance to work on it and it made my 6r80 install a breeze.

I might consider doing something with the suspension before I threw money at the body lift. It will drive a whole lot better with a 2 1/2" or 3 1/2" lift from one of the vendors. Especially with a long arm kit.

Mine has a duff 3 1/2" monster kit with long arms and 3" body lift. I am also 6'4" and my wife is 5'3" I can get in easily. It takes a little jump from my wife who is 5'3", but its not to hard for her.

Nice ride Fishinman

I like a body lift but not necessarily a fan of the 3" that being said, I really don't like a 5" suspension lift due to the driving quirks. I would agree that moving to a 2.5' suspension lift might be the better way to go as long as you work out a good compromise for the rear fenders. I would likely drop the suspension lift to 2.5" and then relocate the axle back an inch and you should be good to go.
Keep in mind, there is considerable work no matter which way you go.