Body lift now w/o engine or later?

[Noyz81]

I have a '99 Ranger with a blown 3.0 and I'll be reinstalling the engine when the engine builder gets it back to me. My question, to all of you that have installed a 3" body lift, is how much easier would it be for me to install a 3" body lift with the engine removed? From what I've read, it seems to me, that half of the work is diconnecting everything in the engine compartment necessary to do the lift. I was also wondering if anyone had one of the extensions for a manual trans. handy and wouldn't mind giving me some measurments so I could save the $30 and machine one on my own? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Daniel_187]

I really did not think it made any diffrence when I did mine with the engin still there, there is only a few things to disconcet and a few bolts. What makes it really easy is having air tools. As for the extensions can't help you but if your doing the 3" BL it would be a good idea to get the steering and shifting extensions. Some people don't but I don't see how they did it.

 

[strvger]

well, with your engine out, it should make it a little easier getting to the front body mounts maybe. you may also have to relocate your radiator mounts so it will line up correctly with the shroud. and double check your brake lines and make sure you have enough length that you can adjust them a little as well. also, some will need to use the steering extension. all these things should be easier with the motor out. as for the shifter extension, most don't seem to need it from the threads i've read here. i didn't need either the shifter nor the steering extensions when mine was done, but it was only a 2 inch body lift.

good luck with your build and... Welcome to TRS!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

6 of one or half a dozen of the other for putting the lift on now.

It will make it easier to put the engine in if the lift was already there though.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

^^Ditto...

 

[Noyz81]

3" body lift - shifter extention measurements

I will probably end up doing the lift before I reinstall the engine then. Today I unbolted the bed and disconnected everything from it. I then started with the four bolts in the cab, what a pain that was. One of them in the rear that threads into the large "washer", just wouldn't unthread. I couldn't get a pipe wrench on it and all the vice grips I have wouldn't work either. I'll have to brainstorm a little on that one. Just encase I do need the shifter extention for the lift I'd like to have it in hand so if anyone has any measurements so I can machine one, please let me know. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[--weezl--]

don't have one in hand, they are only $30 though... just buy one...

don't go unbolting all of the cab bolts... just loosen them off of one side, and unbolt them on the other, lift one side, put the bolts back in, then remove from the other...

 

[strvger]

or you can just drill them out and buy new bolts.

 

[Noyz81]

shifter extention

I was just thinking since I'm trying to build this truck on a budget, due to lack of work, this extention should only take me about an hour to make since I'm a machinist. You know what they say, a penny saved is a penny earned.