Body lift how to?
 

I know this has been asked and talked about but I could not get real clear answers from anything that I found using search.

I am looking to do a body lift on my '72 GMC 4x4. I am wondering what all I will have to change and what will be affected. It is a 350 backed by a, I believe, NP205 manual tranny. Will the shifters still function right, what about my steering shaft, etc...

2" is what I want but I might not have to mess with as much stuff if I go with only 1". It would be nice to have that extra inch or two.

Is there somewhere that describes this process or anyone that would be willing to spend the time to explain step by step. Just want it to go as smoothly as possible. Thanks guys.

Why do want a body lift?(just wondering)
I've never done a body lift, but from what i've heard (and MO) you should just do a suspension lift, especially since it's only a few inches.

....or do you already have a susp. lift and just want some more clearance?

jason:canada:

Well, it may sound funny to other guys but I want that extra clearance when playing around with under the body and engine stuff.
That, and I plan on lifting the suspension 6 inches or so anyways and an extra two is always good.

2 inches shouldn't be a problem. one peice of advice when installing it. do one side at a time ans leave the body bolts loose on the other side. makes it much easier to realign everything when your done.

Hey Jeremy, you will probably have to add 2" to your clutch rod, you might need to lower your radiator,and you will probably want to drill out the plastic rivits in your steering shaft. Installing a body lift is easy. Just do one side at a time, when you get the blocks in on the first side leave the bolts a little loose untill you get the other side installed, then tighten up all the bolts.

Chuck

Thanks for the reply. How do you reccomend I go about adding 2" to the clutch rod and how do you lower a radiator? The other thing that bothers me is the steering shaft. How would drilling out the rivets give me 2 more inches? Thanks

The kits usually come with a piece of rod. you have to cut the cluct rod and weld the piece into place. As for the radiator a 2" lift should not hurt just make shre that your lower radiator hose is away from the fan. The steering shaft has some adjustment built into it. If you remove the shaft and drill out the rivits you can slide the lower half of the shaft to meet the steering box.

Chuck

Thanks f or the help, that is what I was looking for. If you don't mind answeing one more question, I can only think of one more right now, how many bolts are there on each side and do you remember off of the top of your head where they are at?

There should be a total of 14 bolts, 6 on the cab and 8 on the bed. 1 on either side of the radiator support, 1 on either side of the front of the cab, and 1 on either side of the rear of the cab. Then 4 down either side of the bed.

Chuck

Thanks a lot for the help.

Be sure to watch all your electrical, fuel and brake (includign emergency) lines as you lift the body. They should all be fine, but just be aware of them as you do it.