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BAJACAT
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2902
Registered: 11-21-2005
Location: NATIONAL CITY, CA
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BODY LIFY FOR DODGE RAM 04
Nomads any input on this matter, Im looking to lift my truck a little bit more Im allready doing a leveling kit on this saturday.My friend recomend
it a body kit I do not know anything about body lifts,at this point I can afford a suspention lift.
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Important upgrade
| Quote: | Originally posted by BAJACAT
Nomads any input on this matter, Im looking to lift my truck a little bit more Im allready doing a leveling kit on this saturday.My friend recomend
it a body kit I do not know anything about body lifts,at this point I can afford a suspention lift. |
Body lifts do not carry or support manufacturers warranties. I suggest you just get the proper size lift kit to begin with. Depending on what you do
will determine which kit you use will normally dictate what size tire you can run.
The advantage of the body lift kit is that it does not require and driveline alterations. There are some issues with the retrofit bumper brackets and
steering wheel shaft extension. I would consider carefully which kits you puchase. Some use non-solid block and or cheap plactic bushings.
Other advantages of a body lift include greater tire size, greater tire to well clearance and reducing loss of COG.
Some lifts are intended for washboard or constant pounding. Other lifts are used to setup a rig for large rocks and fallen trees. Up here we like
mucho clearance and giant tires for all the mud, water and washouts.. A setup like Whistlers is better suited for long fast desert tracks. It's a
decision worth investigating. You'll like the results I'm sure.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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Taco de Baja
Super Nomad
Posts: 1913
Registered: 4-14-2004
Location: Behind the Orange Curtain, CA
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Mood: Dreamin' of Baja
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I do not recommend body lifts.
On my 1989 S-10 Blazer the body cracked in several place form the strain of the 3" lift.
Body lifts will also require you to lower things like your radiator.
You will have to extend things like your gas fill line, your transmission linkage, your steering linkage, maybe brake lines....
You will have to modify your bumpers to raise them back to where they should be.
They are cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Save your money and get a good suspension kit. DO NOT get one with blocks to raise the rear, they are trouble. Get one with springs designed to lift
your truck the desired height.
Suspension kits will raise your frame and all components, immediately giving you added ground clearance without larger tires. A body lift will only
give you added ground clearance when you add the larger tired that you can now fit.
A modest 2.5 to 3 inch suspension lift will usually not require driveline modifications.
[Edited on 4-26-2007 by Taco de Baja]
Truth generally lies in the coordination of antagonistic opinions
-Herbert Spencer
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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I am and always will be puzzled by this lifting for more clearances thousands of dolar are spent just to be able to spend even more on larger
tires to raise your front and rear gears a inch or two to clear a rock when you can either drive around it or roll the rock out of the war, of
course i mean no disrespect to those who do it just don,t understand it
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David K
Honored Nomad
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It has more to do with 'looks', I think!
My Tacoma has over 9" of factory stock min. clearance (under the differential)... Unless you are racing, that should be enough.
Those that don't buy a rig with enough stock clearance... well, that leaves the suspension lift option mentioned above, for bigger tires to give you
more clearance. Perhaps see how big a tire you can use without the lift kit?
Unless you have IRS (independent rear suspension), you will need the bigger tires to raise that low point up.
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Roberto
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Registered: 9-5-2003
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| Quote: |
It has more to do with 'looks', I think!
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Really!  Well, in an off-road application, there are two reasons, primarily,
for doing this:
1. Increased space for larger tires. Larger tires will give a huge advantage when off-road, for traction, ability to go voer obstacles, shock
absorption, all kinds of reasons to do this.
2. Increased suspension travel - when travelling at a good rate of speed, suspension travel makes all the difference.
Bajacat, you have no idea what a difference these upgrades make until you have experienced a Baja road with large, quality tires and upgraded
suspension with increased wheel travel - another world entirely!
This can add up to some money, easily, and any good system will definitely do so, so inform yourself before jumping in. I would totally discard
outfits like ProComp, etc. Go to someone who does this - there are plenty of shops in the San Diego area and get the advice. SKG Motorsports is one
such place in San Diego, Carli in Orange County is another.
[Edited on 4-26-2007 by Roberto]
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Sharksbaja
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Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Amen. Change can be good!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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rts551
Elite Nomad
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Yes body lifts are a waste of money and time.... But roberto why do you need to travel at a good rate of speed (sorry Glenn and Kore). I go where
most people won't go with a stock F-250 4x4 crew cab... but I go slow... and enojoy my Pacifico or Tecate
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 11-15-2004
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If you do a lot of washboard driving the bigger tires and better suspension can make your trip much more comfy. Off road with enough power or gearing,
the larger tires and increased travel allow a lot more playing in the boulders, mud, water crossings, sand .....
rts,
I too have taken a Ford 4x4 many places but would never think to go some of the places the jeep guys go - also a crew cab has a looooong turning
radius !!
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Axel
Junior Nomad
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Location: oceanside
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Mood: In a hurry to get nowhere
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No need for a body lift. If you use the correct offset on your wheel application you can mount a larger tire and when your suspension flexes it will
travel into your fender wells and not rub. With the spacers you should be able to get a 315 (35") tire on with no problems. I think your truck came
with 4.10 gears which are still ok for a 315. You go any bigger you will be changiing gears to get back your power.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Taking thing out of context or misrepresenting what I was saying, again...
My comment (this part): "It has more to do with 'looks', I think!"
was in responce to the following posted by jimgrms:
'I am and always will be puzzled by this lifting for more clearances thousands of dolar are spent just to be able to spend even more on larger tires
to raise your front and rear gears a inch or two to clear a rock when you can either drive around it or roll the rock out of the war, of course i mean
no disrespect to those who do it just don,t understand it'
I know that the reason for a lift should be for larger tires and more ground clearance and not just for looks (if the factory clearance or tires don't
do the job).
I was saying that many (if not most) 4WD trucks lift 'way up' for the look... those trucks never seem to be dirty!
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
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Oh stop!!!!
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Taking thing out of context or misrepresenting what I was saying, again...
My comment (this part): "It has more to do with 'looks', I think!"
was in responce to the following posted by jimgrms:
'I am and always will be puzzled by this lifting for more clearances thousands of dolar are spent just to be able to spend even more on larger tires
to raise your front and rear gears a inch or two to clear a rock when you can either drive around it or roll the rock out of the war, of course i mean
no disrespect to those who do it just don,t understand it'
I know that the reason for a lift should be for larger tires and more ground clearance and not just for looks (if the factory clearance or tires don't
do the job).
I was saying that many (if not most) 4WD trucks lift 'way up' for the look... those trucks never seem to be dirty! |
David, you would go into "lifted truck shock" here in OR. There is a disproportionate amount of lifted 4X4s. It's kind of humourous that you don't
know why.
With that said. I'll admit I feel pretty "big" when traversing SoCal. Of course one must consider the terrain. Concrete certainly demands a different
setup(you should see my other car).
I do understand the "look" factor though. It always gives me a chuckle when I see those cute gals humming around the streets of N.Hollywood in those
Humvees. They would have a time adjusting to dirt. No offense but they sure taint that macho image of yesteryear.
Today, they are no more than mere glorified SUVs. What a friggin waste of
equipment. I extend that to the other millions that possess off-road equipment for no other reason than to consume and pollute or "look".:
Dodge Rules!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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I agree Corky... It is a stupid shame to spend so much on off road mods to never drive off a paved road... all for looks.
Yes, my point of reference is Southern California... I bet trucks in Oregon actuall get dirty, too!
[Edited on 4-27-2007 by David K]
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BAJACAT
Ultra Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
BAJACAT,maybe it would help if you can explain what you are trying to achieve.Performance?Looks?Tire clearance?
I also agree with Taco.Get a good performance suspension rather than a just for looks lift kit.I appreciate my KORE suspension on my Dodge and all the
testing and development that went in to it now that I am trying to do the same with my Nissan. |
guys Im just
looking for more clearance not for looks,Im not in to that.this picture will show you why I want to do this.even do I do not like body lifts. and now
with all the info that you guys provide me with, I made up my mind and will not install one in my truck. for now I will stick with the leveling kit
at least I can fit 33's..
ON this trip to Palomar canyon I hit my truck so many times because of the low clearance that it make me think about lifthting my truck, but at this
time I can afford to buy a suspention lift,thats why I was looking for a cheaper way..
[Edited on 4-27-2007 by BAJACAT]
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Yes, my point of reference is Southern California... I bet trucks in Oregon actuall get dirty, too! |
Yes David mucho lodo aqui. Sticky stuff! But them thar scratches are all Baja!
Yeah, it really is odd how irrelevent all that gear is. It is so normal now for street vehicles to have 4x that it's just not much of a hook or buying
point anymore. Orisit?
Heck, it seems more standard than optional anymore.
On the original topic; give your retro a good think before you jump in completely Cat. It can depend so much on what configuration you use ie: rim
size and offset, tire width and diameter. Model and year of vehicle and drivegear all can effect the performance or integrity of the equipment you
use.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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You must be careful when getting a suspension lift and make sure who is doing it knows what you want it for. Some lifts are not for the off road
warrior but for pavement jockies. Every full size truck made in the last 5 years can handle an LT285/75R16 (33inch) tire. If you have a torsion bar
front you should be able to get an LT295 (34 inch) to fit. Check with a good spring shop and change the front springs and/or torsion bar and an LT305
(35 inch) will fit. Don't confuse the LT series with say a 33x12.50 or 35x12.50. The LT series is an inch or so narrower and would have less tendency
to rub on turns. Rim offset will also affect it. For the rear an add a leaf or new spring pack will do.
I'm in agreement with David. You can lift all you want but the differential is still the determing factor. If you want that higher you'll need taller
tires. Anything more will cost you some $$$$.
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BAJACAT
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2902
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Location: NATIONAL CITY, CA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
Bajacat,is it two wheel drive? |
2004 RAM 4x4 with A HEMI, IFS
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Could you simply add stiffer front torsion bars and twist the torsion bars to gain 1.5" to 2" of front suspension lift? That would be a simple way to
gain clearance for those 33" (LT 285 or LT 305) tires. Also, ditch that stock front bumper, and get the Road Armor bumper for the Dodge Ram. It has
better clearance and looks real beefy.
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Sharksbaja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BAJACAT
| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
Bajacat,is it two wheel drive? |
2004 RAM 4x4 with A HEMI, IFS |
Like this?:
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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BajaCat wouldn't want all of that low-hanging 3" tube-work hanging below his front bumper and rocker panels. Because clearance is such an issue, he'd
be better off with a high-clearance front bumper and no funky step tubes.
[Edited on 4-28-2007 by Ken Cooke]
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