Body Lift on ML? - Benzworld.org

chia · 02-10-2005, 05:50 AM

Do you think a 1" body lift would be possible on the ML? You can get universal 1" "pucks" for body lifts at about $5 a piece. At 1", the shifter rod, fuel hoses, brake lines, etc. should not need extensions, but compatible hardware can proabably be found universally.

BETO · 02-10-2005, 12:20 PM

Everything is possible. If you do it yourself, take pics. If you have someone else do it, take pics.
I am not a big fan of body lifts, but might me worth it. I'd rather get a suspension lift.

Benz4Dirt&Sky · 02-10-2005, 12:20 PM

I have about 1.5" of lift from my ML specific hardware.

Benz4Dirt&Sky · 02-10-2005, 12:24 PM

Quote:

BETO - 2/10/2005 2:20 PM

Everything is possible. If you do it yourself, take pics. If you have someone else do it, take pics.
I am not a big fan of body lifts, but might me worth it. I'd rather get a suspension lift.

What is the difference? I am so confused.

[?]

BETO · 02-10-2005, 12:25 PM

You got a suspension lift. Chia is talking about body lift, which is different.

BETO · 02-10-2005, 12:27 PM

Body lift goes between body and frame.IE, pucks
Suspension lift goes between suspension and frame. IE, longer springs, shox, or spring spacers.

**ttaleric** · 02-10-2005, 02:24 PM

From what i understand body lift is for more looks then use. But i know little about off roading stuff..

chia · 02-10-2005, 03:03 PM

A body lift does change appearance, but its main purpose is to add clearance to accommodate bigger tires. It can only be done to body on frame vehicles (like the ML). Basically, you add a spacer or "puck" at each of the body mounts, lifting only the body of the vehicle, while the suspension and drivetrain stay at the same level.

The advantages to a body lift are lower cost, lower center of gravity, and simpler installation. Also, for an independent suspension vehicle, you do not put additional stress on CV joints because all the drive angles stay the same.

Disadvantages are that you put more stress on the body mounts, so it is safest to stay under 2". Three or more inches is illegal in most states.

The reason I am interested in a body lift is that I would like to try to fit larger tires in the future. The Extrem lift kit gives 1.5" lift, but costs a lot for just some spring spacers for the rear. IIRC, the front still needs a torsion bar adjustment. A body lift costs about $50-75. Also, if I were to try to fit even larger tires, maybe 35's, then I could couple the body lift with a suspension lift for almost 3" of lift.

I also don't like the idea of cranking torsion bars too much. I wonder if coil over shocks could provide additional lift in the front, with spacers or longer springs in the back.

**ttaleric** · 02-10-2005, 05:57 PM

Hmmm.. How hard do yuo think it would be to install these spacers? and if you do this, you need to take some pics. Because i would like to do this too!

chia · 02-10-2005, 07:05 PM

Technically, its easier than a suspension lift, but they can be a real pain in the ass for many cars. The lift itself is fairly simple. You just need to find the mounting bolts, loosen them on one side, jack up that side, install the pucks, and remount the body with longer bolts. Then repeat for the other sides.

Like I said, they can sometimes be a pain in the ass. I'm sure the ML won't be easy to work with here. One inch is a very moderate amount, and I'm not sure if an extension is needed for the shifter. All hoses, lines, and gas filler opening should be fine with a one inch lift. Steering column should also not be affected, but again, I'm not sure.

Also, new brackets to mount the bumpers will need to be fabricated, or you will have a 1" gap between the bumper and the body.

In theory, its simple, but expect just as much work (if not more) as for a suspension lift. This is just a possibility that I'm considering, and I'm not 100% sure I'd like to attempt it. If I do, I'll be glad to do a write up with pics, but for now, I'm just exploring some options for the ML.