I have a 97 f150 what is the difficulty of installing a 3 inch PA body lift, Is it an all day thing or what, also can I do it with just a garage jack or do I need to have one of those big Anus hydralic mechanic car lifts

thanks in advance

 

a 3'' body lift is an install you start early in the morning, and work til late night on. it is very time consuming, not too difficult. on a 97, i would be concerned about rusted bolts not wanting to come out. plan on fighting them every turn out. i'd start blasting 'em a week before the install

you can get by w/ a bottle jack, but you'll need at least two. also, you'll definitely want help, it will be difficult to simultaneously do some of the things by yourself.

 

Its not tough. Just time consuming!

You will need a lift but nota mechanic lift! Just something thats will jack the body of the truck 3" higher.

You can do this with basic shop tools. Theres some special Torx bits but not sure of them.

It will take a day of work. or a weekend (if you take breaks)

It took me about 12hrs to do mine with help of a buddy!

Go pick up a couple cans of PB Blaster and start spraying. The sooner you start the easier the bolts will come out!

 

Torx Bits:
T-47- Bed bolts
T-50- back seat bolts
T-55 front seat bolts

Trimble, I sent you a Pm.

 

thanks for the advanced warning on the torx bolts I guess i will have to start spraying those bolts after this hurricane passes and then I will get the body lift and try and get my brother to help me if not looks like I am in for the weekend to do it by my self.

also do I need to take my bed liner out to access the bed bolts

 

the bedliner needs to be pulled out.

 

Stephen: where do you live?

Anyways heres my truck after the 3" BL. sorry just like showing it off!

 

I live in south texas hidalgo county to be specific and by the way the truck looks pretty good

 

ok just makin sure. If you where in Florida Hillsborough County to be semi-specific id be willing to lend a hand!

 

I have some pics from my install in my gallery. IDK if they will help ya or not.

 

JT, what'd you make those gap guards out of? I wanna put some on mine after i put the BL on but i thought $90 seemed a little crazy for a few peices of polymer

thanks

Cody

 

I am pretty sure they will help pictures always help even if just a few

 

As was mentioned, start soaking the bolts well before hand. Expect the J-bolts in the bed to give you grief. Use a penetrating oil not WD40. Not only will the bolts be rusted but the end of the bolts that extend past the nuts will be coated with 10 years of crud and the threads will be clogged. That is part of the problem. Do not be afraid to cut the bolts off if need be. The kit has new bolts. I used a Hi-lift style jack to lift the body. I placed a glove between the rocker panel and the jack and with the door open I lifted one side at a time.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

PS. read the instructions over a few times to be sure you understand all that is involved. Air tools - bonus.

 

check out jk007's gallery. He has a great set of pics of his body lift install

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=8899

 

I just went to my local hardware store and picked up some 6" flashing and a can of spray paint. I wiped the flashing down with rubbing alcohol before painting. Total cost was $3.68