Cheap Way to Lift a B2

[97LT1T/A]

Hi I just got my B2 running and it is going to be my DD and I had some quick questions. What is a cheap way to lift it? I don't want anything extreme like 6" or anything. 3 or 4 would be nice. I was thinking putting a 3" block in the back and would new springs and shocks be the answer for the front? What other parts would I need when doing a lift? What size tire could I squeeze in there on an 8" wide wheel? I change tires for a living so I can figure it out when the time comes I just was curious now, 33" would be nice.

I don't know alot about these cars and any info/help would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has the parts that I would ned for this, I'll be more than happy to take them off your hands.

 

[4x4junkie]

The James Duff 3" suspension kits are nice sturdy kits that work well. Do be sure to get the drop pitman arm with it though for best handling and frontend alignability (they don't include one in the kit for some reason).

33x12.50 tires are no problem on a 8" wheel (and is a popular combo). I run 35x12.50s on mine.

Hope that helps

 

[97LT1T/A]

Well that is a good price, but I'm not going to be taking it on any serious trails and definetly not going to be crawling. So while all those parts definetly make it ride better, I'm not expecting it to ride like a Cadillac or anything.

If I put a 3" block in the back, what could I put in the front to level it out? Bigger springs and shocks F+R, longer brake lines.

EDIT:
What about a spacer on the spring? I saw it on ebay and I thought that it would work for the front. What is the downside to doing this? I assume it will ride horribly, I already expect that. I am already assuming i need to upgrade my shocks, what else do I need if I were to do it this way?

 

[4x4junkie]

2" lift is generally the max you can get using spacers, and be able to realign the frontend properly. Ride will be unaffected for the most part if you also put slightly longer shocks on it.

A spacer lift shouldn't require new brake hoses.

 

[jocolo]

any ideas where i can get longer shocks for my 01 2w v6? I cant seen to find them anywhere I put spacer and it ndefinitly needs longer shocks

 

[skippy]

think i read here somewhere that 4x4 shocks may be longer.

 

[gaz]

Practicle B II Lift

I have to agree with the James Duff system suggestion, it is definitely one of the best systems and James Duff Inc. is super to work with.

Since you haven't defined CHEAP, I will tell you what I did with my 87 Ranger. I searched the local wrecking yards for a STX with the Hi Rider option; I finally found one and the yard wanted $100 for the rear spring packs, coil springs, radius arm drop brackets, front axel beam drop brackets, the thicker anti-sway bar and all associated hardware. I already had a Trailmaster 3" body lift (local 4x4 shop $70) . In my quest to keep cost as low as possible I also installed a set of 1" coil spacers($25), an add a leaf and a help spring(Nap $22).

I have had this set-up for a bit over 12 years, the only change it had needed is the coils have served their duty and are being replaced with a set of Skyjacker 2" coils (TRS for sale forum $50). One thing to note: when removing the rivits from the front axel beam drop brackets, take your time and keep your holes and area as clean as possible. I don't remember what size bolt fits in the rivit hole but I went up one size which I think was to a 9/16" grade 8 hardware; very worth the $10 extra that I failed to mention above.

5+"s for $277.00. I am very certain that you could use a hi rider lift and Bushwacker cutouts on 32's if you aren't a body lift fan. Good luck it was one of the funest things I've ever done.

 

[kunar]

the high rider brackets should take about 3" of lift (thats what i have on my truck) but i hate to tell you, the rear springs you bought are nothing special. the high rider lift was just a leveling lift, aside from the sway bars and driveshafts...

 

[mudblood88]

watch youre driveshaft it will prolly go mine did. I did a 2 inch body that was nice i wanted more and did the spacer lift and blocks it was nice but i used one to many spacers and threw my camber off and almost trashed my tires. i now have the 4 inch rough country lift and like it $430 its easy too. i put braided steel skyjacker lines and add a leafs on to. i now wish i would have just saved the money and got the 6in skyjacker kit.