Which kit is right for me — 1" or 1.5"? The 1" kit is the right choice for running up to 35" tires and has the least gap impact above pre-existing aftermarket bumpers. If you're committed to a tire larger than a 35", the 1.5" gives you more clearance above the tire and allows less fender work, if any. A few people have fit 37s with the 1" kit, but it requires more attention to wheel offset and fender liner adjustments, fender rolling, and possibly fender trimming.
Will the factory bumpers still fit after install? Yes, with some modification. The front bumper shell moves up with the body — you'll need to relocate the lower bumper cover brackets attached to the back of the crash bar and trim the crash foam. The rear bumper requires adding spacers between the step and the crossmember. You will also notch the lower edge of the bumper cover under the hitch. You can also modify or remove the lower bumper bracket that is attached under the crossmember and either cut the bumper cover even with the crossmember or drill and tap into the crossmember to reattach the bottom of the bumper cover. These options are well documented in the IH8MUD thread.
I already have aftermarket bumpers installed. Does that change anything? It doesn't change how you install either body lift kit, in fact it can reduce your install time without needing to modify the OEM bumper covers. However, most aftermarket bumpers on the 200 Series are frame-mounted, with supports extending below the frame, preventing them from moving up very much, if at all. This creates a gap between the aftermarket bumper and the remaining bumper cover. Some aftermarket front bumpers have some adjustment for vertical position and can be raised a little to minimize the gap. I have not seen a rear bumper that has any vertical adjustment, so you will have a small gap the height of the kit that you chose. If you're planning a body lift and don't have bumpers yet, doing the body lift first is certainly the cleaner approach. If you already have bumpers installed, you can post in the IH8MUD thread with your setup and we can give you a more specific answer. NOTE: Some bumper manufacturers/fabricators can create solutions that provide improved approach and departure angles from the body lift kit. Reach or to your fabricator of choice and ask.
What about the gap between my aftermarket bumper and the bumper cover after the lift? This is the most common cosmetic concern with body lifts. Since aftermarket bumpers are typically frame-mounted, the bumper stays put while the bumper cover moves up with the body — creating a visible gap. The 1" kit produces a small gap that many people find acceptable. The 1.5" gap is more noticeable. Many people use a trim filler from companies like Trim-Lok. There's no universal fix, although I have purchase a roll of trim that can be asked for. It measures about 1 3/16" tall. I will likely add it to the site once I have more feedback.
Do I need a steering shaft extension? For such small lifts, no. Lift the body slowly, watch the steering shaft junction, and don't force it. Mark the shaft before you start, remove the intermediate bolt through the wheel well, and take your time, making sure to reinstall the bolt when the lift is finished being installed. No issues have been reported across all documented installs. In fact, another fabricator made his own 3" body lift kit with no steering shaft extension and has used his rig extensively with no issues.
Will this affect my steering or drivability? No issues have been reported across all documented installs. The body lift raises only the body — the frame, suspension, and drivetrain stay exactly where they are. Many have specifically noted they felt no distinguishable difference in the driving or feel of the vehicle.
Do any brake lines, fuel lines, or wiring need to be extended? Brake line and fuel lines have posed no issue on stock trucks. One bracket and one wiring clip location is easily removed and reattached after the installation is complete. Consult the IH8Mud forum thread for a description and pictures of these locations. NOTE: Please check any aftermarket accessories — lockers, lights, air lines — that run between the body and frame before you start.
How long does installation take? Plan for a full day or more depending on your skill level. The installation is not difficult but there are quite a few interior trim panels that need to be removed to access the body mount bolts. Time can vary depending on if you have OEM bumper covers still or aftermarket bumpers, with a little more time necessary for modifying the OEM bumper covers. The IH8MUD thread has a complete step-by-step photo guide covering every trim panel and body mount position. Reading through it before you start will save you time.
What tools do I need? A 17mm socket with long extensions (stacking multiple with a wobble extension to roughly 21–22" works well for the front positions), a floor jack, a bottle jack, penetrant oil (applied a few days ahead), and a long extendable magnet for retrieving the front bolts. The kit includes a Bondhus 5mm ball-end Allen wrench for the radiator brackets. 14mm socket for the single center crossmember bolt. Phillips screwdriver. A variety of trim removal tools can help.
Is this street legal? This kit is sold for off-road use only. Install and use at your own discretion.
What vehicles does this fit? Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series and Lexus LX570, model years 2008–2021.
Can I get help if I run into issues during install? Yes. Post in the IH8MUD thread or email micah@nstspec.com. I've done these installs myself and can usually help you troubleshoot.
