The Official "Elcova" H2 Body Lift thread (for those who say it can't be done). [Archive]

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:12 AM

After doing tons of research I have found several body lifted H2's on the web, some are easier to spot then others...

This is a 1" body lift. The owner claims he made the lift pucks himself. I wouldn't recommend making them yourself or using hockey pucks for that matter since there was no R&D or testing to ensure they are safe. You can purchase the 1", 2" or 3" lift blocks on www.performanceaccesories.com
, he built custom bumpers so it's hard to detect the BL.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/189430_10150466703795445_526545444_17942977_214058 8_n.jpg

This is a clean looking 2" body lift, I'm assuming this used to have 44 or 46" tires at one time since these 40's are swimming under it. Other than the gap guards it's hard to detect the BL since he had his bumpers extended. Look at how tall the front bumper is and how much the rear drops down from the end caps. A clean install, just a lil much on top of a huge FTS lift.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/ex7AR_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/ciHQW_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/j6DIX_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/bfosv_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/px2CJ_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/iju7W_800600.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/fwBNV_800600.jpg

Here is a 3" BL that used the lift blocks to raise the front bumper, kinda looks like a crack head's smile though, especially using the slimmer style "small block" vs. the "big block" aka 3"diameter (not height).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBiyB70hMuk

I'm assuming he raised the rear bumper by raising the rear clip with 3" square tube stock, and bolting it between the clip/hitch and frame.

Here is an example of a 3" BL with the front bumper and fascia with a filler but no rear bumper raised... looks like poop (raise the bumper). Keep in mind your rock rails and tube steps are mounted to the frame, and will look retarded with a body lift cause they will be hanging way down.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/248122_10150621034690445_526545444_18821916_312583 4_n.jpg

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:13 AM

Now the guys at B&C off road do body lift installs a little different. They cut the frame right after the core support in the front (right in front of the steering box), and right before the last body mount in the rear. The weld in steel square stock and cap the ends of the open frame. They raise the cut portions of the frame right with the body. It's a nice look and for what they quoted me ($1300 parts included) seemed like a fair deal. I originally wanted to go this route, but I don't live in TX (where B&C is located) and no shops in NC were willing to take on this project, so I went a different route. If you look at these pics, especially at the front next to the skid plate you can see the squared off capped frame where it was raised.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/230921_10150612536750445_526545444_18725570_356017 3_n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/230921_10150612536740445_526545444_18725568_781106 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/227977_10150612543985445_526545444_18725721_807596 4_n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/225041_10150612537650445_526545444_18725590_426640 7_n.jpg.
Notice how you can see over the frame right in front of the rear wheel wells. This is why I opted to only go 2" on mine. I think it's forgivable on top of a huge lift, but on top of a small suspension or no suspension lift, might look a little weird.
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/225212_10150612549455445_526545444_18725823_726852 7_n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/226919_10150612548030445_526545444_18725805_258040 4_n.jpg
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Here is another clean H2 with a body lift using a filler between the front bumper and fascia.
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_17z2003_hummer_h2front_bumper_view.jpg.
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_08z2003_hummer_h2front_side_view.jpg.
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_04z2003_hummer_h2front_side_view.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_01z2003_hummer_h2front_side_view.jpg

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:19 AM

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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_16z2003_hummer_h2rear_side_view.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_05z2003_hummer_h2rear_side_view.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/0504_07z2003_hummer_h2wheel_view.jpg

Here are some more body lifted H2's, this black one has an early Third Coast suspension and appears to be a B&C install since they are TCS.
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/248345_10150621036395445_526545444_18821961_320758 3_n.jpg

Pretty sure this has a B&C installed BL as well.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/227760_10150609932620445_526545444_18694976_575018 2_n.jpg
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And another one...

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/41210_10150256866400445_526545444_14316696_7690957 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/40873_10150256868285445_526545444_14316753_6876206 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/40873_10150256868295445_526545444_14316755_3715915 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/40873_10150256868290445_526545444_14316754_1863388 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/33492_10150257836290445_526545444_14348043_7728696 _n.jpg

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:19 AM

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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/40873_10150256868290445_526545444_14316754_1863388 _n.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/33492_10150257836290445_526545444_14348043_7728696 _n.jpg

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:29 AM

I just installed a 2" body lift on mine. We used a 03-05' 2500HD kit so the bolts would have the same TPI, but we had to buy 4 more bolts. Besides fabbing bumper brackets it was pretty straight forward. My installer said next time he wouldn't buy a kit as the oem fuel hose is more than long enough (at least on the 2" kit) and the steering extender was not necessary since they have a telescoping steering shaft (at least on 2" kit). Basically buy the pucks and match up some bolts, or buy a kit and have a lot of extra parts that your can't use. I'm waiting for him to send me more pics and I'll do a write up. I opted for only a 2" since the 3" will show a gap between the frame and body right before the rear wheel wells and you will see some of the body lift blocks.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get3-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get4-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get1-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get2-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get5-attachmentaspx.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/get6-attachmentaspx.jpg

I swapped almost all the spacers for the BB-2's to help hold the weighted leverage of the SMA grill guard, note the difference in the block diameters.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09248.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09255.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09257.jpg

slippy

06-14-2011, 04:30 AM

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 04:34 AM

damn bimmer! B&C offroad is 10 minutes from my house and i had no idea they did h2 body lifts!!!
Thank you for this posting that. i need to track down that guy who did the 2" body lift and fit 40's in there somehow...

I just did the 2" body lift (The black H2 SUT). I also have a Rancho suspension and Truxxx keys/blocks.I would have taken out the Rancho and gone for a Bulletproof, Cognito or Third coast but the Rancho required the diff ear mount to be cut off as well as a lower A arm mount , so this was a lot more cost effective.
the 40's fit before, but rubbed... now I have no rubbing.

Mine was done here in NC at RIDES in Conover NC. They got some awesome metal fab guys that work with Nascar and know their stuff. Talk to Kevin @ B&C he was very helpful in my collecting information.

wingn69

06-14-2011, 07:11 AM

:jump: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :beerchug: how high is it now? Man thats looking good.

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 03:23 PM

how high is it now? Man thats looking good.

The 40's fit with the Rancho kit and keys/rear spacer, but rubbed. I can now take sharp turns.

Stellar

06-14-2011, 05:23 PM

Awesome looking Hummer! Thank you for researching this topic. A 2" Body lift is exactly what I'm looking for. Looking forward to the write up. :beerchug:

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 05:32 PM

Awesome looking Hummer! Thank you for researching this topic. A 2" Body lift is exactly what I'm looking for. Looking forward to the write up.

Well it's very straight forward, none the the ground straps had to be extended or wiring harnesses (with the 2" BL). The fan was dropped down, using the brackets with the 03-05' 2500HD kit (you could easily fab some up). They did the BL in one day, then fabbed the brackets and bumper filler the next day.

Bimmer9938

06-14-2011, 05:48 PM

The rear bumper was raised using 2x2" stock, the bottom portion of the rear clip was cut off (the section that used to wrap around the bottom). Custom brackets were then welded to the bottom of the rear clip/hitch, and new longer bolts were installed.

The bumper end caps tilted down for some reason once it was installed, some washers were put behind the top tow hook bolt (behind bumper) to shim it straight. I'm guessing there must be some variance between the inside of the stock rear clip vs. the 2x2" steel stock, or cause the bumper is right up against the bottom of the new bracket... whatever the reason is, it's straight now.

Bottom of custom brackets.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09283.jpg

Bracket bottom had to be notched to clear bumper's contours.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09282.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09275.jpg

2x2" steel stock.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09284.jpg

HumminNBoatin'

06-14-2011, 09:36 PM

Nice lift but what about your rear tow hooks? How are those now attached? Are they only for show now?

Bimmer9938

06-15-2011, 03:43 AM

Nice lift but what about your rear tow hooks? How are those now attached? Are they only for show now?

They are still functional, they screw into the rear clip just like before. The entire rear clip was moved up on 2x2" steel stock and bolted through just like it was before, just higher.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09288.jpg
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http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09290.jpg

*Note they welded on spacers to push the bumper slightly out so the frame rail and extended rear clip bracket will clear the bottom of the bumper, they also cut the frame rail in an angle to clear the bumper as well.

slippy

06-16-2011, 03:44 AM

best thread ever :dancingbanana:

got any more pics of that first h2, 1" body lift and 39.5s?

Bimmer9938

06-16-2011, 04:00 AM

best thread ever

got any more pics of that first h2, 1" body lift and 39.5s?

He's on my FB, but I can't remember his name.

Bimmer9938

06-16-2011, 04:05 AM

Several people have contacted me about who installed / fabricated the kit, I'm sorry I for got to mention it was RIDES on Conover NC.

http://www.ridesofconover.com/

Big.Z.hummin

06-16-2011, 03:43 PM

He's on my FB, but I can't remember his name.
Rick Grucz. theres way more than just a body lift on that thing. he also has a 6.5 suspension lift if i remember correctly. and 42" Iroks. also whatever pucks he fabbed himself must work because he beats the $hit out of that thing offroad.

Bimmer9938

06-16-2011, 03:49 PM

he also has a 6.5 suspension lift if i remember correctly. and 42" Iroks.

If he had a 6.5 suspension lift of any make he would have a torsion bar cross member drop down, every company has one with their lift. I think he might have keys and spacers too, but no suspension lift that I can see.

Big.Z.hummin

06-16-2011, 03:57 PM

If he had a 6.5 suspension lift of any make he would have a torsion bar cross member drop down, every company has one with their lift. I think he might have keys and spacers too, but no suspension lift that I can see.
I may be wrong but there is no chance he runs 42's off keys and a 1" body lift. I've seen this thing in person and its a monster. almost everything on it is made by the owner. If you really want to know ask Eric(humminboatin). he knows the guy

Bimmer9938

06-16-2011, 03:59 PM

Yea I'd be curious to hear how he dose that, are you sure those are 42's?

Big.Z.hummin

06-16-2011, 04:04 PM

Yea I'd be curious to hear how he dose that, are you sure those are 42's?
almost positive. he had the 39.5's when i saw it in oct. 09' then when he fabbed that rear tire carrier he got 42's. That's what Eric told me. and i've seen two separate pictures and after he got the carrier the tires looked significantly bigger. I dont know how he did it but everything on his truck is insane in person. thing looks like its been through hell and back multiple times... and to top it all off. Its his DD. or atleast used to be

HumminNBoatin'

06-16-2011, 05:40 PM

Ricks truck had a 2" body lift. The pucks were just generic body lift pucks from JCwhitney. Green keys and then he stuffed the 42's on. And cognito upper control arms.

He also had do to a TON of metal trimming underneigth to keep the tires from scrubbing badly. They still scrub at full lock but at least it will go go full lock.

The idea was to get massive foot print on the ground while not losing ground clearance due to T-Bars beeing dropped.

Get recently got rid of it and is now looking for an H1.

Bimmer9938

06-16-2011, 06:02 PM

Ricks truck had a 2" body lift. The pucks were just generic body lift pucks from JCwhitney. Green keys and then he stuffed the 42's on. And cognito upper control arms.

Interesting, he told me something different, but that makes more sense. :beerchug:

slippy

06-17-2011, 03:37 AM

i crawled under my h2 yesterday and really debated this.
my only concern is i have bad corrision/rust becuase i bought my h2 from up north, IF i did this i would have to do alot of paint work to the frame or it would look like a dumpster.
im good with a rattle can but it would take me a loong time to do it right.
any recomendations on frame treatment?

Bimmer9938

06-17-2011, 03:46 AM

Yea I got some surface rust to take care of too. POR30 can applied right on rust, I would still wire brush the bulk off first though.

Indy

06-17-2011, 09:30 PM

Did the shift linkages have to be adjusted or modified in any way for 2" BL? With my TJ, there was a bracket I installed to make it work. Cheers

Bimmer9938

06-17-2011, 09:45 PM

Did the shift linkages have to be adjusted or modified in any way for 2" BL? With my TJ, there was a bracket I installed to make it work. Cheers

Nope, it's a cable.

slippy

06-25-2011, 09:47 AM

bimmer, did you modify your tailpipe or did that lift up with the rear clip?

Bimmer9938

06-25-2011, 05:56 PM

Exhaust mounts to frame not body, so it stayed in the same location.

slippy

06-30-2011, 04:39 AM

so whats the max tire size you think you could fit with 2" body lift and stock wheel?
i measured the space at full lock and i could fit 38x13.50 with 4.0 backspacing(my current backspace) without any issues. i was wondering your thoughts tho becuase every truck is different.

Bimmer9938

06-30-2011, 04:41 AM

With no other lift? I'd just do keys before a body lift. 37's on stock.

slippy

06-30-2011, 10:07 AM

With no other lift? I'd just do keys before a body lift. 37's on stock.

my issue is my h2 has very little rake. it use to have a mad rake when i got it, 2 months later i had the airbags replaced and it sits close to level, so theres nothing to level out or the front end would be higher.

also right now im stock on 37's, when they wear out i want to fit larger meats.

Bimmer9938

06-30-2011, 07:12 PM

OrangeCrush

07-12-2011, 02:24 AM

Dude,

LOOKS GREAT!! Hadn?t seen your truck in a while... great job.

Mark

Bimmer9938

07-14-2011, 12:59 AM

Thanks Mark, your paint work is holding up very well!

OrangeCrush

07-14-2011, 02:15 AM

Thanks Mark, your paint work is holding up very well!

Great, if you ever have a problem, let me know.

Mark

Indy

07-28-2011, 10:29 PM

Bimmer9938

07-29-2011, 12:20 AM

For those who have done the 2" Body Lift, I have some questions: What size bolts (I think the 2500HD use metric sizes M12-1.75x160mm and 80mm for the 2" body Lift...in 10.9 strength...is that correct and how many of each...also, I have searched online, but can't seem to find a store which sells these. Any help here?). Also, how many lift pucks in what width...thanks for any help. Cheers, Indy.

I'm not sure what size the bolts are as I bought a 03-05 2500HD kit, I do know even if you buy the kit you will still need to buy two additional bolts. I would call Performance Accessories (the company who makes the kit) and check with them regarding bolt size. If they won't sell you the bolts I would check with www.boltdepot.com they carry everything. The kit uses the 2"BB for the most of the body and that is what I used. The frame has a total of 12 mounts (I just went outside and counted), depending on what you do about your front bumper and DRL fascia you would need more more than that. (I used eight 2"BB and two 2"SB to raise the front bumper).

*Note I had to use two additional 2"BB on the bumper top mounting boats cause they hold my SMA grill guard brackets, so you could probably just use six 2"BB on the front bumper.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/DicksBoatFS/BODY%20LIFTED%20H2s/DSC09248.jpg

Indy

07-29-2011, 02:18 AM

Thanks for the info. How wide are the BB pucks? 3"? And the SB 2"? Sorry, but having owned lifted Jeeps my entire life, BB stands for Budget Boost and SB for Sway Bar :raar: Also, bolt depot only has metric bolts up to 130mm in length for the 12-1.75 size in 10.9 strength....if that is the correct bolt pattern. Well, I guess I'll have to do some more research into this. Cheers, Indy.

Bimmer9938

07-29-2011, 03:05 AM

You can ask Brandon over at Rides of Conover where he got the additional bolts, he just told me "a supplier".

gsxr0311

08-05-2011, 12:27 AM

hello bimmer,

I am new to this thread, and I have a question for you about your brush guard. How do you mount it to the truck ? I bought a used one from a guy and I cant figure out how to mount it. it looks as if i need brackets to mount it. Did your come with any other hardware besides the what is in your pictures? Thanks

Bimmer9938

08-05-2011, 04:19 AM

Yes, they are thick "L" brackets w/ threaded holes that that mount up behind the oem DRL top bumper/fascia. You can mount it to a SMA bumper w/o the L brackets, but those are far and few between. (I have one I'm about to install when I find the time). If he didn't give you the L brackets, I might have mine for sale down the road. If you need instructions, I can photocopy mine for ya.

gsxr0311

08-05-2011, 06:27 PM

O man, that would be great. Yes, can you please photo copy the instructions for me. Thanks so much. When do you think you may sell your l brackets? I think I am going to have a shop make some for me.

Bimmer9938

08-05-2011, 06:37 PM

Send me your name and address, I'll photocopy them and get them out in the mail. As far as the brackets, either later this month, or next.

slippy

08-06-2011, 04:21 AM

Thanks for sending me a copy Bimmer. Just recieved it today!
Now that I read the instructions Im dreading installing it lol.

Bimmer9938

08-06-2011, 04:28 AM

Yea, the instructions can be a bit overwhelming. :iagree:

Bimmer9938

08-06-2011, 04:29 AM

Like I said, I will have a modified bumper for sale shortly. :shhh:

gsxr0311

08-06-2011, 06:02 AM

o.k. I just sent you a private message with the info.

also, have you tried any of the ecu programmers or the after market ecu's? can you recommend anything?

Bimmer9938

08-06-2011, 08:20 PM

I have never used a programer, the instructions are copied and will go out Monday. ;)

gsxr0311

08-08-2011, 06:18 PM

ok, thanks a lot.

HumminNBoatin'

08-09-2011, 09:39 PM

You should have switched to springs, then you could have added a spacer. Or stil switch to them and sell your bags. There is a member her selling an air bag spacer from a Fabtech lift here, you could always have a weld shop cut it down and re weld the seat on it... The body lift installed was around $1500.

I have 2 sets of Air Spring Spacers left over from when I had them custom made for my H2. They are milled from UHMW Plastic. I will sell a set for $75 Shipped.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/esitterle/Airide%20Spacers/EvoPix077.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/esitterle/Airide%20Spacers/EvoPix078.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/esitterle/Airide%20Spacers/EvoPix080.jpg