Pro's And Cons Of A Body Lift

[Sirshagg]

I really want to lift my new AV about 3in (for no other reason than sitting up higher). I can't justify the high cost of a suspension lift, so I'm considering the body lift.

I need some help determining what the pro's and con's of a body lift are. I've seen pictures and think it looks great, but don't really know much about the subject.

any suggestions please.

 

[RedAV]

Three inches on a body lift? Can you get that much out of the wireing harness? 1" maybe but 3"?

FIPK will not fit?

Well at least you know you want it because the way it looks. Some people try to give some lame excuse about "needing" it.

 

[Ironic_Masster]

I lifted my S-10 Blazer 3" with a body lift and it made a world of difference in look and the size of tire I could put on the truck. I didn't have any problems with wiring harness's but, had to put an extension on the fuel tube and the steering arm was extended almost to it's limit ( not a good thing but never had a problem ). I've had it lifted for about 7 years now.

My 2 cents

Ironic Masster

 

[steelheadchaser]

A body lift will help out with tire clearance, and angles of approach and departure but will not provide any additional break-over clearance other than that gained from the larger tire diameter if you've increased thier size. The suspension lift will also increase your break-over clearance. If you have the coin, the suspension lift is the way to go.

 

[Crexis]

While I do like the look of the increased height, I'm not overly fond of seeing the frame in all it's glory hanging out under the body. If they were closer to the same price, the suspension lift wins hands down. When you factor in price however, the body lift starts to look better if you're doing it for purely cosmetic reasons.

Like the others, just my $.02

 

[Ironic_Masster]

While I do like the look of the increased height, I'm not overly fond of seeing the frame in all it's glory hanging out under the body. ?If they were closer to the same price, the suspension lift wins hands down. ?When you factor in price however, the body lift starts to look better if you're doing it for purely cosmetic reasons.

Like the others, just my $.02

Crexis,

I agree about the frame exposure but, came up with something that makes it look good and protects. About twice a year I would paint the entire underbody ( after having cleaned it thoroughly ) with Rust-O-Leum 7777 ( Flat Black ). It really gave my S-10 Blazer an even more agreesive look with all that black metal exposed! I bought the truck new in 1987 and have had it all this time and have no rust ( except on the back inside of the bumper and the bottom of the back window frame ). Since I had so few problems with my S-10 and loved it how could I not buy another Chevy

Ironic Masster

PS I will be doing this paint job to the metal on the inside of the wheel wells every year of my AV

 

[speeder]

One big pro to the body lift is that at least here in VA & NC the dealerships are doing body lifts and still honoring the factory warranty. Yes you can buy a brand new av with a lift and large tires already done from the dealer! As I put in another similar subject there are several mods that a body lift makes difficult. Grill guards will not fit right, most air intakes will not work, anything that is pre made to go from engine or frame to the body will have to be modified to get it to work.
I am very happy with my av and the 3" body lift but there are some dawbacks

 

[simtechray]

Hey speeder,
What are the dealers doing about the tow hooks on these vehicles(removing them,altering cladding)?
Any chance you got some pics of your truck?

 

[speeder]

They are removing the tow hooks and just leaving them off. I did a little trimming and put the hooks back on. I am out of town this week, but will put some pics on as soon as i get back. Look for them by this weekend.

 

[burritoboi5]

Yeah its been dead for a while but..... Is there any cheap SAFE way to get clearance for 285 70 17s without, ruining my ride (ford keys, torsion twist), Expsensive lift (suspsension), Losing some capability in terms of tow hooks.  BTW what about the tow hooks on a WBH?