Miasma

So theres an 87 4runner with 130k has the 22re and manual tranny. Says its a southern truck with little rust and it does look clean in that regard.

However it has 3 inch lift from an add a leaf and torsion bar adjustment apparently (does that make sense) and a 3 inch body lift. I am not a fan of either of those kind of lifts.

I hear so many different opinions on body lifts. Some say it affects handling and other things I read say it doesn't. I also have heard it adds stress to other components.

What would you do? Would you take it back to stock height or leave body lift on it? does adjusting torsion bar affect anything?
Thanks!

85TurboRunner

If you were to get it, lose the body lift. Its puts alot of stress on the bolts holding the body to the frame and it looks lame with the big gap between the body and frame.

As for the torsion bar lift, unless they had it aligned your camber will be way off and you will wear out the outside edge of your front tires quickly. Plus it makes it stiffer.

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

Well, what do you think? I definitely wouldn't turn that truck down because of it but if you don't want a lift, I am almost positive you can remove the body, not sure about the other one however. In my opinion, body lifts are okay just to clear that extra inch on the tire but I would be a little hesitant wheeling with that big of a BL.

Team420

I personally did not experience any ill affects whatsoever from my 3" body lift... Yes, its a little more tippy, but I find that comes with hight no matter how it's achieved. Also in my experience... If you run 31x10.5s with a 3" lift, it will be slightly less stable than w/o the lift, but run 33's w the lift, and its as if not more stable than 31's and stock...


def relax the tbars tho... nothing good will come from that!

Miasma

I would like a lift. If I had a choice I would do the 2"-2.5" OME lift. I contacted an offroad specialty place and they gave me a rough quote of 150 to remove bodylift. I guess it depends on if anything else was moved with the body lift and in that instance it would run a higher price.

As far as relaxing the torsion bars is that a difficult process? would that make the front sit lower than the rear?

dewiseman

Relaxing the torsion bars is easy. Go to the back of the bar and you will see a housing that the bar fits into. There will be a long adjusting bolt going through that. Loosen the locking nut and then turn the bolt out to relax the tension. Try to measure the amount of thread showing on the bolt before you loosen it and set the other side the same. Tighten the locking nut back down and then do the same on the other side. Spray the bolt and nut down before hand with a good penetrating. Do this on level ground, bounce up and down on the bumper afterwards to settle it in or drive it around the block and then measure the height at both front fenderwells and adjust to even them up.

AW1090

no body lift here so I can say much about that, but haven't ever been much of a fan. I do have a 2 in increase from a little crank on the t-bars and couldn't be happier with it. It didn't really change the ride much.... maybe a little more bounce, but I like it. If it were me, I'd take the truck and pull the body lift off, but keep the crank in the t-bars... This is what I would do, but to each their own... Do what you like... Buy the truck and drive it for a bit then change it around....

BoredOutnJackdUp

There is nothing wrong with a body lift, period. As long as quality parts were used Then you are good to go. Ive got my t-bars cranked a little along with a BL and i love how my truck sits with 33x12.5s The truck still rides better than a solid axle truck, hands down.

I mean just buy the truck and drive it for awhile, see what you would like changed.

toyota4x4907

I like how all the people saying BLs are bad havent had one. My '95 4Runner has a 2" BL, some after-market coils to counter sag and a SLIGHT TB lift. 33" tires and NO ANTI-SWAY BARS.
The body lift is great, IMO. Leaves the suspension at good, stock height, therefore reduces stress on components (CVs, BJs, steering, etc.) and, it gives better access to engine components. Personally, I would relax the TBars, and leave in the other lifts to run 33-35" tires. If the rear is stiff, remove the AAL. 33" tires can be run with 0"-2" lift, depending on width, and wheels.

The gap it leaves is a reason to not run a body lift? Lol. Ever hear of gap-guards? Hell, I used two pieces of old rubber-backed carpet to cover the gap. Free and looks great

MaK92-4RnR

People hate body lifts because of the amount of work it requires to make your truck look normal again... raising front, rear bumpers & sliders? yeah... Everyone with a body lift loves body lifts when they have stock front and rear bumpers.

toyota4x4907

Body lifts give better, straighter access to the rear of the frame to attach a custom bumper Also, gives more clearance for sliders. Front bumper? yeah maybe a little.

BoredOutnJackdUp

Yeah, i agree. Thats weird i didnt know my rear bumper was stock

I love body lifts. If a truck needs a little height you can really go wrong with it.

I'm with toyota4x4907 in every aspect. People that hate body lifts dont have them...

Miasma

Well from reading so many opinions if I buy it maybe ill keep it on the truck for awhile and take it from there.
btw 87 4runner 130k miles looks clean taking a look this weekend. asking 3000 thoughts?

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

Well depending on what the trucks look like and how it runs, that sounds like a KILLER deal to me!! If I found a deal like that when I was truck hunting, I would do everything I could to get it

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

And about a body lift, I honestly think they look great! I have never had one so I can't say much but I would rather go a suspension lift, just my opinion. If you are a road only guy than I would say BL but depending on how high you go, be careful when wheeling. All in my opinion, no one start snapping at me!