Installation of Body Lift...DIY?

CajunBoy · February 25, 2003

Is installing a 3" body lift on a '96 Chevy Tahoe something that a mechanically inclined person with decent tools could be expected to accomplish in his home garage withotu too much difficulty?

Sierra5.3 · February 25, 2003

I've never done one before but from what I hear they are't that difficult. But, body lifts are the devil

MountaineerTom · February 26, 2003

Should be pretty easy.

It's a new body style Silverado, but me, my bro Elwood, and a couple friends put mine on last April. Here's some pics to give you and idea of some of the stuff that is done.

Body Lift Install

wandell · February 26, 2003

I installed one on a 92 K-5 Blazer I had. It's the same kit, I just had 2 extra spacers and bolts left over. It's not hard, just tedious. There are a lot of small steps involved.

CajunBoy · February 26, 2003

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Sierra, what's the basis for your distaste?

knuts · February 27, 2003

Just did one on a 95... maybe a 96? Oh well same install. It was a neighbors truck. I've done a bunch before, but nothing tricky on this one. Follow the directions, and keep all the parts (old and new) in order or labeled. Some old nuts/bolts are reused.

KK

chevy4x4trucks · February 27, 2003

Just did one on a 95... maybe a 96? Oh well same install. It was a neighbors truck. I've done a bunch before, but nothing tricky on this one. Follow the directions, and keep all the parts (old and new) in order or labeled. Some old nuts/bolts are reused.

KK

He's right. You'll save a lot of headaches by keeping parts labeled and organized. When I did mine I set up two folding tables w/ several boxes of parts all labeled as to where they came from.

firecadet613 · February 27, 2003

Shouldn't be that hard to do, just take your time and don't rush it. I helped Jon (Chevy4x4trucks) install his and had a blast, truck even made it out ok also!!

Joe

Sierra5.3 · February 27, 2003

I dont like the spaces between the body and frame. Things can get into their and rust and mess with your truck. Its just not cool. My friends and I are against body lifting. Yuck

MountaineerTom · February 27, 2003

That's why you put gap guards or lift lips on. :thumb: I don't see how anything different could get in between there before vs after the body lift. Unless it's a brick, or log, or something.

Before gap guards:

After gap guards:

knuts · February 28, 2003

Oh good you put the pics. I was going to mention them and also I have some pics of mine on my website at the bottom. I never got the gapguards before until this new truck. Keeps everything cleaner too!

KK

CajunBoy · February 28, 2003

More thanks for all of the input, especially the instructions and pics. Awesome help, guys!

chevy4x4trucks · February 28, 2003

I dont like the spaces between the body and frame. Things can get into their and rust and mess with your truck. Its just not cool. My friends and I are against body lifting. Yuck

Is that the reason? Look in your wheelwell right now, even without a bodylift there is still a gap between the frame and the body all around. I don't see how a bodylift makes it all that much worse.

And like they said before, throw on some gap gaurds and you're all set.

Plus the newer trucks still show less frame with a body lift than the old ones do stock.

Chevro-Man · March 1, 2003

hey guys! does anyone know where i can get a set of the gap guards for the sierra ? and are they hard to install? a friend of mine told me to go to home depot and just cut out some ? ghetto fabulous?

knuts · March 2, 2003

Most 4x4 shops should have or can get them. I got mine with the Performace Accessories lift kit from local shop. The gap guards don't have a manufacturer on the box? Cost around $55 or so. Work perfect and cover everything.

KK