UAZ vehicles have been famous for their cross-country ability since the times of the USSR. But among their owners there are also those who would like to increase the cross-country ability even more. And one of the most popular types of tuning, aimed at improving the off-road qualities of a car, is a body lift, which can be done independently.
Necessary
- - square profile 100x100 mm;
- - a sheet of metal, 2-3 mm thick;
- - 12 bolts 150x10 mm and 24 nuts with washers for them;
- - tools for working with metal;
- - welding machine.
Instructions
Step 1
First of all, determine the height by which you will lift the body above the frame. It is pointless to do less than 50 mm - the effect of this will be almost imperceptible. More than 100 mm is difficult due to the need for many structural alterations and too large a shift in the center of gravity. Therefore, the most optimal choice lies in the range from 50 to 100 mm.
Step 2
Then make spacers according to the previously selected lifting height (let's assume you chose 100 mm). Use a square metal profile with a side dimension of 100 mm as material. Cut 12 blanks from this profile, 120 mm high. Then, from a sheet of metal with a thickness of 2-3 mm, cut 24 squares with dimensions of 100x100 mm. Weld these square blanks to the profile sections from their end sides. The result should be cubes of irregular shape.
Step 3
There should be 12 spacer blanks in total. At the ends of these spacers, drill through holes with a diameter of 10 mm for the fastening bolts. Prepare 12 bolts 150x10 mm and 24 sets of nuts and washers for them.
Step 4
Prepare the UAZ for tuning work: disconnect the battery and place stops under all wheels. Unscrew the bolts securing the radiator to the frame. If the UAZ is a carburetor, disconnect the carburetor drive rod. Finally, unscrew the 12 body-to-frame bolts. Prepare the jack and prepare wooden block stands.
Step 5
Using a jack and block of wood, raise the body to the required height, taking into account its lifting. To do this, alternately and evenly raise the front and rear of the SUV so that the entire lifting process takes place in several stages. At the same time, make sure that the body does not move relative to the frame, otherwise it will be very difficult later to align the holes for fastening the body to the frame.
Step 6
Install your own spacers without removing the factory rubber pads, and attach the body to the frame through these spacers using new 150x10mm bolts. In this case, do not completely tighten them. Lower the body onto the frame. After that, tighten each bolt completely and tighten the locknuts. Install all dismantled parts in reverse order. Extend the required wires and hoses if necessary.
Step 7
Using a grinder, cut the steering column mount to the body in half. Protect the wiring along the steering column from sparks flying out from under the grinder. Then move the steering column fasteners to a location more suitable for the new body geometry and weld to the dashboard.
