Newbie Query

[toba]

Hi Folks. I just bought a '95 F150 SB. It has a 3" suspension lift and a 3" body lift. I would like to remove the body lift as it's a bit high for my liking. I am seeking some info on where would be a good place to get this done and approx. how much lighter my wallet may be after-wards.

I appreciate any response and look forward to participating further in this forum.

Thanks all,

Toba

[McJeep]

I know the truck body lifts are more in depth than a jeep one (can have brackets for raising bumpers etc involved) but I just looked at the performance accessories kit and the basics are the same - bunch of nylon pucks and longer bolts. I'd be doing it myself if I were you. Basically unbolt all the stuff on one side, save the bolts, knock all the lift blocks out and go to the parts store with bolts in hand ;0) by twice the bolts you have, 3" shorter of course (twice cuz you got the other side to do yet) and go home to bolt the lowered side back up. Do the same on the other side and voila, yer done. DO check really well to find any other pieces to the lift that should be removed as well (items that come to mind are lift bumper brackets, steering brackets etc that may have had to be lifted to accomodate new body height. It shouldn't be tuff and certainly shouldn't be worth paying shop costs to get it done. I'm sure someone with ford experience will chime in with ford specific info if they're reading this thread

BTW, removal of my yj body lift involved 10 minutes of rattling off old bolts, 28 swings of hammer, 15 minutes of getting new bolts at parts shop, 10 minutes of rattling in new shorter bolts. Like I said, not rocket science, just put a wrench on those things and get 'em outta there.

Good luck
Rob (majorly averse to body lifts ;0)

[toba]

Thanks for the info Rob.

I was looking at it, thinking the same thing: why not just knock the pucks out and re-bolt? I then started thinking about steering, brakes and tranny linkages (5 speed) and wondering if, with my limited mechanical aptitude, I might get halfway then stonewalled.

Bumper brackets were a good call too....I'll check that. Your response makes me want to give it a go.

Dave.

PS: Any idea what might be involved with the linkages mentioned above?

D.

[McJeep]

Dunno, haven't done one on those - actually have never "installed" one but taken a few jeep ones out ;0)

If the lift was done fairly recently compared to the age of the truck, look for shiney bits? Mainly look for anything that doesn't look factiry - ie: looks like an extension of something that should've been made to fit originally - oh, and I'm betting that it'll be around 3" long ;D

Also, the common concensus seems to be that ya can get away with a 2" body lift but that anything over that starts stressing mounts / bolts etc due to lateral strain. That and the fact that I'm allergic to body lifts makes ME think you're doin the right thing. They are good tools for someone on limited budget looking to fit bigger tires but that's about the extent of it in my mind.

Have fun and spray things down good (WD40 or such) for a few days before you start if you have access to the nut side of the bolts That'll make fer muuuuch easier uninstall wrenching

Rob

[chet]

the 5 spd should be no problem as is the tcase linkage. nothing really bolts to the body just comes through a hole in the floor.

Steering may have a small extension but some have a slip joint that takes up the extension.

other things to look at are fuel tank filler hose and possibly brake line mounts on the body.

[Slim]

welcome toba to the board.. just curious are u in Victoria?

was thinkin maybe if u were ,we could arrange u to drive by where I work and try and take a quick peek for u ,,on the lines/hoses/linkage ..(of course not on a rainy day like today ,,lol)

[toba]

Rob: Thanks again....all good points to ponder.

Chet: Also good points. I did look at the Gas filler pipe....looks to be out of the way. Thanks for the input.

Slim: I am in Victoria and will take you up on your offer...thanks much.

I appreciate the help guys.

Dave.

[Chris/ Nasty Bear]

Dave if you need the hole job done I have a shop and my rate is $30.00 per hour. Chris

[toba]

Chris - Do you know how many hours approx. ? I would be interested in having you do it if it is not likely to be too much $$.

I'd like to hang out and help if that's cool.

D.

[Chris/ Nasty Bear]

Between 4 to 6 hours and yes you can help. How old is the lift.
my phone # is 474-7448.