Body Lifts & Bushings

Body lifts vs. bushings

This category combines two related jobs. A body lift raises the body on the frame using spacers or pucks at the body mounts, creating room for larger tires without changing suspension geometry. Bushings, on the other hand, are the rubber or polyurethane cushions between suspension components and the frame, axle or body. Worn bushings cause clunks, loose steering and uneven tire wear.

Body lift basics

A body lift typically adds one to three inches of body-to-frame space. It does not raise ground clearance at the axles, differentials or frame, so it is mainly a way to fit larger tires and fill the fender gap. Because the frame stays put, the center of gravity changes little.

• Check whether the kit covers bumpers, shift linkage, fuel filler and radiator shroud adjustments, as taller lifts may require extension of those parts.
• Look at puck material: fiberglass-reinforced nylon, aluminum and other solid pucks are common, and hardware should be high grade.
• Higher lifts may need steering shaft or brake line attention, and some vehicles need a gap guard under the cab or between the body and bumper.

Choosing bushings

• **Rubber.** Closest to factory ride quality, quiet and flexible, suited to daily-driven vehicles.
• **Polyurethane.** Firmer and longer lasting, with more precise handling, but it can transmit more noise and harshness and may squeak without proper grease.
• **Sets vs. singles.** Master bushing kits cover many positions at once; single kits cover leaf spring eyes, shackles, track bars, sway bars, C-bushings and radius arms.

Choose the exact position you are replacing, such as the front or rear leaf spring, track bar or shock mount. Bushing sets are position specific.

Installation notes

Bushing replacement often requires a press, heat or specialized removal tools to remove old sleeves, and suspension should be supported at ride height when tightening so the bushings do not bind. Torque fasteners to specification and have the alignment checked afterward. Body lift installation involves unbolting the body from the frame, so it is a good job for a helper and a good time to inspect the mounts and hardware.

Suspension and steering parts are safety related. If you are not experienced, use professional installation, torque to the manufacturer's values, and confirm fitment for your year, make and model. Lift height and tire size rules vary by state, so check local regulations.

Before ordering a body lift, measure the clearance between the body and frame and check how many body mounts your vehicle has, since kits are made for a specific count and cab style. Check the hardware length and whether the kit includes extended bolts. For bushings, identify the exact location and measure the old bushing's outer diameter and length, because several look alike but differ slightly.

Useful pairings include new sway bar links with sway bar bushings, new shackles with leaf spring eye bushings, and an alignment after steering or track bar work. Common mistakes are using too much grease on rubber bushings that should stay dry, tightening bushing bolts with the suspension hanging at full droop, and ignoring worn ball joints while replacing only the bushings. Inspect bushings and body mounts yearly for cracks, splits and loose hardware.