Pros vs Cons on body lift

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 3:56 pm

Hi all

I want to do a body lift on my SFA 1989 Hilux Botswana spec

What sort of problems will i get doing this , What will i gain doing this ?

31x10.5x15 kuhmo kl 71 M/T
4y Efi con version
Home made steel bumper Front and rear

Rest is all standard

Post by **Mud Dog** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:42 pm

As I understand it, a body lift is different to a suspension lift (raised suspension). Which are you interested in?

A body lift is spacing the body higer off the chassis and is usually done for accommodating mods that do not otherwise fit, like big motors and big wheels etc. but does'nt give you any improvement in chassis / ground clearance.

A suspension lift is done to improve general clearance, improves approach and departure angles and allows for greater axle travel / axle articulation. This is normally done together with or as part of a suspension mod. It also allows for accommodating bigger wheels but wheelbay clearances remain the same at full depression. (Your 31" Kuhmo's should be fine on a standard rig.)

Both have the disadvantages of raised centre of gravity and wind resistance which will affect power and fuel economy on the open road. To afterward improve on lowering the centre of gravity, negative offset rims (usually with wider tyres), are used to widen the track. This leads to a little further drag due to road friction, again affecting open road performance.

You would need to evaluate your specific on raod / off road needs and then plan accordingly.

I realise that all of this does'nt sound too encouraging, but as perhaps as a first step for a moderate off roader a suspension upgrade (OME or Ironman) will improve off road capability as well as give a fair lift. Remember, the Lux is already a formidable off roadster in standard kit.

Perhaps some of the more experienced forum members can elaborate and help further.

Good luck.

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:00 am

Naahh... Andy you kinda hit the nail squarely on the head there mate....

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:42 am

Only one little thing to add.

Centre of Gravity does not change that much on a body lift as the heavy parts like transmission and engine and chassis stay at the origional heigh. (taht is if someone smaller unlike me drives the van I think

)

Rockspider · Post by **Rockspider** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:32 am

I did a 50 mm body lift on my SFA Rock-Spider which allowed me to go to 35" tyres. The suspension was of course also raised with OME's, longer shakle hangers and scissor shakles. It makes the rig also look more aggressive and visually very appealing, in my opinion. I never looked back and am in the process of lifting my IFS 2.7 by 50 mm as well to fit 32" tyres. On the advantage side is does move the body a little out of harms way.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:40 am

(taht is if someone smaller unlike me drives the van I think )

Bennie, judging by the pic in your signature, you're a bloke that's quite "formidable in standard kit"

, .... so I assume that comment was made with a hint of sarcasm

.

Anyway, have a good Xmas day tomorrow guys

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 5:11 am

A sarcasic word over my lips (ag ek meen keybord) - Never :shifty: :shifty:

Post by **Mud Dog** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:40 pm

:D Ja wat, Ben ......

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:31 am

Thanx to all !!!!!!!!

I did the lift and looks good had some trouble but that is sorted .

Filler petrol pipe need to be extended + overflowpipe
Bumper needs to move up
Gear lock need to be moved

Now a nice sespension will have to be put in

Post by **Family_Dog** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 8:28 am

Cubz,

-F_D

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:29 am

I Will try and post some picks ,
is bietjie dof met picture posting !

But will try my outmost best to do it

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:05 pm

If you could manage a body lift, you can manage to post pics!

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:05 am

I dont seem to get the picture on with my spanners. LOL

The computer and i are vertraag , Tried yersterday to post pics !

But no success going to ask my wife and see if she can do it !

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:26 pm

A while back my ADSL was not working and I also struggled to attach pic via 3G. I then uploaded the pics via photobucket which worked like a charm and just posted the links here.

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:02 pm

Ok cool here is the end result ,

My new rims From newer hilux powdercoated black with KL71 Tyres

done some more thingies will post a topic later, ( still waiting for more Pics )

Post by **Family_Dog** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:37 pm

Looks great! How much lift did you gain?

-F_D

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:04 am

Looking good Qubbit ! Quite a difference from Rust de Winter.

Cubz · Post by **Cubz** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:11 pm

Family Dog

Fair amount ( not sure how much but looks like a lot)
Going to take close up pics to show all

Scooter

Howzat , Ja ag we getting there Still plenty more to do

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Pros vs Cons on body lift

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