Body Lift, Questions and Problems

2000Plow4x4 · March 1, 2004

Hey I'm thinking of putting a 3" body lift on my truck this summer when the cash starts flowin more. I dont think it'd be that hard, and i think me and a friend could handle the job. My biggest concern is the brake lines. Because they're hooked on the truck the hooked to the frame rail. Everything else is kinda either on the truck or the frame, so im not too worried. Anybody who has done this lift could they give me some insight. Any other problems that came about when doin the lift would be great to know of as well, thanks

Chris97K1500 · March 2, 2004

I've done a bodylift on a '97 (mine), a '99 Z71 and '00 2500LD 4x4. The brakes lines are not completely connected to the frame, the holders are a C shaped, so when lifting the truck, the lines that are in a bind will pop out of the holders. Usually the area that comes loose is right below the steering column on the inside of the frame rail. It's not that big of a deal. Other than that, there wasn't any other problems with the install on any of them. If you have access to an air compressor and impact wrench, the install will go much faster. Haven't had any adverse problems with my truck since the lift, neither has the other two NBS trucks. Definitely recommend Performance Accessories Lift kit, most complete of all the Bodylift kits. And as far as Gap Guards, covers the space between the bed and the frame after the lift, make one out of a rubber pond/roofing liner. I got mine at Lowe's, cost me about $10, compared to the $70 Performance Accessories wanted for their's. I've got some pics of them in my sig. Good luck, Chris

2000Plow4x4 · March 2, 2004

Where do i buy the performance lift??? Do you have any pics of those NBS trucks you did??

thanks

DSZ71 · March 2, 2004

Where do i buy the performance lift??? Do you have any pics of those NBS trucks you did??
thanks

Email this guy, he is an authorized distributor for PA body lifts and can get them very cheap and shipping is great price too. He is getting me one for $225 + $15 for shipping. Every other online shop is like $270++. Link is below:

Tennessee 4x4

MountaineerTom · March 2, 2004

I got my Performance Accessories B/L from JC Whitney 2 years ago. It was around $210-$212 after using a 15% off any order over $200 coupon that was on the cover. I just phoned the order in.

Chris97K1500 is correct, the brake line pop out of thier plastic holders. If I remember correctly, they only need to pop out of a couple places where he mentioned on the frame rail.

I have several pictures of my installation on my page, My body lift install. On the left hand column, there is a link to chevy4x4trucks web page, where he has several pictures as well.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, or PM me if you like.

Good luck, and have fun doing it, we did.

Rookie · March 3, 2004

I got mine at Summit racing. Free shipping and no tax all the time + they will beat any price. All i have to say why go else where

DSZ71 · March 3, 2004

I got mine at Summit racing. Free shipping and no tax all the time + they will beat any price. All i have to say why go else where

Hmmm...I checked with Summit first, they listed their best price at $267. Will they beat $225?

bfrd22 · March 3, 2004

You might want to check out ebay also. I got a 3" PA kit for my 94 with front and rear bumper kit for $100 shipped. If it's not a new kit, make sure all the blocks are the and most important the steering and trans shifter extensions. The fuel extenstion can be made easily enough. and most guys didn't need that part any ways. Unfortunatly I'm still waiting for some decent weather to install mine.

tdub88 · March 8, 2004

You might want to check out ebay also. I got a 3" PA kit for my 94 with front and rear bumper kit for $100 shipped. If it's not a new kit, make sure all the blocks are the and most important the steering and trans shifter extensions. The fuel extenstion can be made easily enough. and most guys didn't need that part any ways. Unfortunatly I'm still waiting for some decent weather to install mine.

They have a kit made BY Summit for $209. It loks exactly like the PA Kit - same specs etc. I have one coming. It should be here Tues. I will give an update on how it looks. I haven't' done a PA lift before but I will compare it to what I've seen in the how-to's that have been posted here.

ps496 · March 10, 2004

Im in the process on installing a 3 in PA kit on my 01 2500HD. Worked on Sat and Sun by myself. Not hard to install and it is my first one. I dont have the front end back together yet because im having my bumper cap painted to match. I was running H2 tires and wheels with a little rubbing in the turns. Will have no problem now even with my plow on, I hope. The brake lines a held down to the frame with 2 plastic clips, you will need to start lifting the body to get them to want to stay out of the clips. They will bend by themself as you start lifting the body. I was worried about that too at first. Just need to make a filler panel to cover up the trailer hitch. Just ordered some step bars today from N-Fab, their bonded chrome ones.

Boudreaux38134 · March 15, 2004

I just finished putting the PA 3" on my truck this weekend. Since I have installed a number of them in the past, it wasn't too bad. (The picutres with the instructions were completely useless, so I am glad I didn't need them!) Here is the result:

tdub88 · March 16, 2004

The kit from summit looks great. Pretty much exactly like the PA. The loctite even has the PA name on it. I can't wait to install it. I just need the time and the 8 stitches I just got in my index finger to heal!

CHevyHD4x4 · March 22, 2004

I have a bodylift on the HD and had no problems at all, and plowed this past winter just fine. I installed it myself in two days and running H2's with 315-70-17 and no rubbing with green keys and TB's cranked a little.