3/8" Body Lift Pickup 4Runner 1989-1995 for 5VZ Swap Hood Clearance Solution

Product Overview

Precision-engineered 3/8" body lift kit specifically designed for 1989-1995 Toyota Pickups and 4Runners receiving 3.4L 5VZ-FE engine conversions. This minimal-height body lift provides essential hood clearance for 5VZ-FE engine swaps while maintaining factory appearance and eliminating the need for hood cutting or higher 1" body lifts. This complete polyethylene spacer system allows the use of stock mounting hardware, preserving the clean, factory look of your Toyota Pickup during engine conversion projects.

Key Features & Benefits

• Minimal Height Solution: 3/8" lift provides perfect clearance without excessive body lift appearance
• Factory Hardware Compatible: Uses stock body mount bolts - no extended hardware required
• Hood Preservation: Eliminates the need for hood cutting, hood scoop, or structural modifications
• Complete Kit: Includes 14 precision-molded polyethylene pucks for all mounting locations
• Quality Construction: Durable polyethylene material provides long-lasting performance and vibration dampening

 

Technical Specifications

Part Type: Body Lift Spacer Kit
Lift Height: 3/8" (0.375 inches / 9.5mm)
Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Puck Configuration: 10x 2" OD pucks (bed and front), 4x 2.5" OD pucks (cab mounts)
Hardware Compatibility: Stock factory body mount bolts
Engine Application: 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 engine swaps using factory 3VZ motor mount brackets

Fitment

Year Range	Toyota Model	Kit Number	Application
1989-1995	Pickup (3rd Generation)	KIT-1038	5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 swap with factory 3VZ motor mounts
1989-1995	Pickup 2WD (Standard & Extended Cab)	KIT-1038	3.4L 5VZ-FE conversion applications
1989-1995	Pickup 4WD (Standard & Extended Cab)	KIT-1038	3.4L 5VZ-FE conversion applications
1989-1995	4Runner (2nd Generation)	KIT-1040	5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 swap with factory 3.0L motor mounts
1990-1995	4Runner 2WD/4WD	KIT-1040	3.4L 5VZ-FE conversion applications

Important: These body lift kits are vehicle-specific. KIT-1038 is designed for Toyota Pickup trucks (1989-1995) with different puck configurations than KIT-1040 for 4Runners (1989-1995). Pickup kit requires factory 3VZ motor mount brackets. 4Runner kit requires factory 3.0L motor mounts. Not compatible with first generation vehicles without modification. Some puck inner diameters may require minor drilling for specific body mount bolt configurations.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Tools Required: Floor jack, jack stands, high-lift jack or hydraulic bottle jack, socket set, wrenches, impact wrench (recommended), penetrating oil, rubber protective material
Professional Installation: Recommended for proper safety and alignment - lifting the truck body requires experience

Installation Tips:

• Lift one side of the body at a time while keeping the opposite side bolted but loose for safety
• Apply penetrating oil to body mount bolts 24-48 hours before installation
• Some more miniature pucks may require drilling the inner diameter to match specific bolt sizes
• Check steering linkage, brake lines, fuel lines, and wiring for adequate slack after lifting
• Front cab mount bolts may require different washers depending on bolt head configuration
• Do not lift from fenders - use lift points below front doors on cab structure

 

Post-Installation Checks:

• Verify adequate clearance between the 5VZ-FE intake plenum and the hood
• Inspect the steering shaft for binding or excessive extension
• Check brake line routing for tension or sharp bends
• Verify shifter operation and adjust the transfer case shifter if necessary
• Inspect wiring harness routing, particularly rear lighting and transmission connections

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this kit work with hood bracing still in place?
A: Yes! This 3/8" body lift provides sufficient clearance for 5VZ-FE engines without requiring the removal of hood support bracing. This is an advantage over cutting the hood or removing structural support.

Q: Can I use my stock body mount bolts?
A: Absolutely. One of the key benefits of this minimal 3/8" lift is that it works with factory body mount hardware. You do not need extended bolts like you would with larger body lifts.

Q: Do I need to modify my steering or brake lines?
A: In most cases, no modifications are required. The 3/8" lift is minimal enough that stock steering linkage and brake lines have adequate slack. However, always inspect all connections after installation and check for binding or tension.

Q: Will this work if I'm not using factory 3VZ motor mounts?
A: This kit is designed specifically for 5VZ swaps using factory 3VZ motor mount brackets. Custom motor mount setups may position the engine differently and may require hood modifications.

Q: Does this affect my truck's ground clearance?
A: The 3/8" body lift only raises the body relative to the frame. Your actual ground clearance (distance from ground to frame/differentials) remains unchanged. However, the step height increases slightly.

Common Hood Clearance Issues in 5VZ-FE Swaps

• 5VZ-FE intake plenum sits approximately 1-2" taller than the 3VZ-E intake manifold
• Hood contact with the intake plenum prevents hood closure in the stock configuration
• Hood support bracing interference requires structural modifications if not using body lift
• Excessive 1-2" body lifts creating a poor aesthetic appearance and requiring extended hardware
• Hood scoop installations requiring cutting and modification of the factory hood structure

 

Why Choose This 3/8" Body Lift Solution

The Perfect Compromise for 5VZ-FE Swaps: Toyota builders performing 3.4L 5VZ-FE engine swaps into 1989-1995 Pickup trucks have traditionally faced a difficult choice: cut the hood and remove structural bracing, install an aesthetically questionable hood scoop, or install a bulky 1" body lift that requires extended hardware and creates an obvious lifted appearance.

This 3/8" body lift kit represents an innovative engineering solution that provides just enough clearance for the taller 5VZ-FE intake plenum while maintaining the factory appearance of your Toyota Pickup. The minimal height allows you to keep stock body mount hardware, avoiding the complications and costs associated with sourcing extended bolts and dealing with steering, brake line, and wiring extensions.

The high-density polyethylene construction offers excellent durability and provides natural vibration-dampening properties. Unlike metal spacers, polyethylene pucks won't rust or corrode, ensuring long-term reliability in all weather conditions. The dual-diameter design (2" and 2.5" outer diameter) ensures proper load distribution across different body mount locations.

Factory Appearance Preservation: One of the most significant advantages of this minimal body lift is maintaining the factory stance and appearance of your Toyota Pickup. The 3/8" height is barely noticeable visually, avoiding the "lifted body" look that many enthusiasts find undesirable. This is particularly important for those seeking a period-correct appearance or participating in vehicle shows where factory aesthetics are a priority.

The ability to retain your factory hood without cutting, adding scoops, or removing structural bracing is invaluable. Hood modifications are permanent and can significantly impact vehicle value and safety. This body lift provides a completely reversible solution that preserves your original hood structure.

Proven 5VZ-FE Swap Solution: This kit has been thoroughly tested in real-world 3.4L conversion applications, with customer feedback confirming proper clearance when using factory 3VZ motor mount brackets. The engineering specifications are derived from extensive experience with 5VZ-FE swaps in third-generation Toyota Pickup trucks.

Don't compromise your hood structure or settle for an oversized body lift. This precision-engineered 3/8" body lift kit provides the exact clearance needed for successful 5VZ-FE conversions while maintaining the factory appearance and functionality that makes Toyota Pickup trucks legendary. Complete your 3.4L swap the right way with this purpose-built clearance solution.