How to install spacers on a UAZ with your own hands

The UAZ 469 is in demand among motorists due to its high cross-country performance and low cost of spare parts. Some owners perform a body and suspension lift on the UAZ 469. This allows you to increase the distance from components and assemblies to the road surface. You can lift the UAZ 469 in two ways - increase the distance between the body and frame or make changes to the suspension design.

Body bodice and suspension of UAZ 469

Photo 1: Lifted UAZ 469 (source: Yandex.Pictures)

UAZ 469 body lift

This model of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant is made on a solid frame. It consists of two metal channels connected to each other by transverse jumpers. The model body is attached to the frame along the perimeter with 12 bolts. To reduce vibration transmitted from the chassis and power unit, elastic cushions are installed between the body and frame.

A body lift involves installing spacers between the body and frame. Their height is selected individually, based on the personal preferences of the car owner. To carry out modernization, you can contact specialists or do all the work yourself.

REFERENCE: Some motorists increase the distance between the body and frame of the car by moving the mounting brackets.

Basics

Before we tell you how to lift a UAZ loaf, let’s understand that there are two types of car lifting (depending on exactly how the intervention in the car’s structure is carried out):

• body lifting;
• suspension lift.

The first option is more simple and at the same time much more secure. What does security have to do with it? The fact is that body lifting practically does not change the car’s center of gravity, so the loaf’s stable behavior when cornering or off-road is maintained.

As for the suspension lift, there is a certain risk due to the increase in the center of gravity, but this method significantly improves cross-country ability.

Let's talk about each of these methods in more detail.

Lift kit for UAZ 469

It is possible to install ready-made body lift kits. The lift kit for the UAZ 49 is a set of spacers, washers, nuts and extended bolts. The inserts are made of high-strength material that is resistant to mechanical stress and vibration.

Photo 2: Lift kit for UAZ 469 (source: Yandex.Pictures)

Installing the finished kit is not difficult. A person with minimal technical knowledge can perform the work. Installation is carried out in the following sequence:

• The car is installed on an inspection hole or overpass. To prevent the car from rolling spontaneously, it is necessary to place anti-roll devices under the wheels.
• The radiator mounting rods are dismantled.
• The nuts securing the body to the frame are unscrewed. At this stage, the bolts are left in their seats. This prevents the holes from shifting when the body is separated from the frame.
• Using a hydraulic or screw jack, the body is raised and lowered alternately from the front, rear and sides.
• The body mounting bolts are removed from their seats. Inserts are installed into the resulting opening and secured with extended bolts from the lift kit.
• Press the body to the frame with nuts.

It is important to consider that ready-made kits are not a replacement for standard elastic pillows. The inserts are made of durable material. To avoid the transfer of vibration from the chassis and power plant to the UAZ body, it is necessary to install elastic elements together with the kit parts.

Engine tuning

Carrying out engine tuning is a responsible step. Despite the fact that the engine initially has very good performance, many people decide to make changes to the engine.

You can perform UAZ 469 engine tuning as follows:

1. The piston is one of the most important elements of the engine, the modernization of which will lead to a significant change in the operation of the entire engine. When looking for pistons, you should pay attention to forged options, and rings - from proven and popular manufacturers. 2. It is not recommended to change the timing belt, since its incorrect selection and installation can lead to a completely undesirable result. 3. Changing the intake and exhaust manifold is a typical tuning for the car in question. First, you should eliminate the formed steps between the heads and the collectors. The “teeth” should be removed inside the collector channels. This change will cause the engine to breathe more freely and the cylinders will fill evenly. 4. Native carburetors are distinguished by the absence of EPHH. A good replacement that is quite popular is DAAZ-4178. 5. The air filter can also affect engine performance. Many people decide to replace the filter with the “Volgov” version. Using such a filter, you can prepare a platform to reduce the resistance of the exhaust tract. 6. The cooling system also leaves room for improvement. Considering the fairly high loads that can occur when driving off-road, you should purchase a radiator from the SHAAZ plant. It has the best heat transfer rate. You can also install additional fans that will turn on when the temperature is high. 7. A hotter thermostat will improve the operation of the stove and make it warmer. 8. The exhaust system is represented by a standard muffler, which is recommended to replace the resonator from the Gazelle. 9. Electrical equipment can also be changed. Recommendation for all owners - it is worth installing a generator from GAZ 53.

Many people recommend a complete replacement of the engine, as it will cost much less.

In conclusion, we note that by making such changes you can get a practical, well-thought-out car that is suitable for everyday use and for off-road driving.

Do-it-yourself UAZ 469 body lift

You can increase the distance between the body and frame by using available materials yourself. The UAZ 469 elevator on your own will not require serious financial investments. For modernization, it is necessary to select inserts made of durable material. Polyamide rods work well. You only need to cut 12 pieces of the same height. The material is highly durable and easy to process. The length of the rod is selected based on the planned height of the inserts.

When purchasing, you should consider not only the height of each spacer, but also the width of the cut. Some motorists use hockey pucks instead of inserts. They are made of durable material and fit well in diameter to the mounting brackets. For a tangible lift, install 2 washers for each mounting bolt.

Do-it-yourself body lift UAZ 469 is performed in the same sequence as when installing the finished kit. Before installation, you need to prepare some parts:

• Spacers. Hockey pucks or other durable materials can be used. The height of the inserts is selected individually, based on the personal preferences of the owner. It is necessary to drill holes in the spacers with a diameter that matches the bolts.
• Washers. Steel products are used. They prevent the bolt head from falling through the mounting bracket.
• Bolts. A body lift using homemade inserts will require the installation of longer bolts. In order to correctly calculate their size, it is necessary to sum up the length of the standard bolt and spacer.
• Nuts.

IMPORTANT: The body lift does not increase the vehicle's ground clearance. The location of the front and rear bumpers remains the same. In most cases, a body lift is carried out to increase the distance between the hub and the wheel arch. This modernization makes it possible to install larger wheels on the UAZ 469, which has a positive effect on the vehicle’s cross-country ability.

When the body is raised, the gear shift lever and the accelerator pedal rods change their location. As a result, the power plant operates at high speeds, and there is no possibility of engaging reverse gear.

The problem can be solved by boring the gear lever hatch and replacing the accelerator rods with products of a suitable length. Some car owners install the upper pedal unit instead of the lower one.

Choosing the type of tuning and preparatory stage

Before carrying out work, it is worth noting for yourself what kind of car you want to get as a result:

• Hunting version with increased cross-country ability.
• An expedition vehicle that can be used to overcome difficult sections of roads.
• Universal tuning that will allow you to use the car every day and for hunting or nature trips.

Work on changing the UAZ begins with the complete dismantling of everything that is not needed - standard wheels, bumpers, all interior decor, stove, and so on. Everything that remains after dismantling can be sold for reuse.

Suspension lift UAZ 469

A suspension lift for the UAZ 469 is possible. Modernization involves increasing the distance between the frame and axles of the vehicle. Tuning allows you to install wheels with a diameter larger than the standard one and increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. When performing a suspension lift, it should be taken into account that significant changes in the design can worsen the controllability and stability of the UAZ.

When upgrading, it is necessary to take into account that the power unit, gearbox and transfer case are raised along with the frame. This creates a significant difference between the flanges of the steering wheel and the front and rear axles. If the permissible values ​​are exceeded, the cardan shaft crosspieces will be subject to increased load and will quickly fail.

Photo 3: Spacers for lifting the suspension (source: Yandex.Pictures)

Car appearance

Complete tuning of a car cannot be done without changing the appearance.

In this case, the following changes were made:

1. Considering the purpose of the car, special attention was paid to the light. Additional lighting has been installed taking into account the best location: the front part of the bumper gives the best view to illuminate the road. Also, high beam and work lights are installed on the expedition trunk. 2. Also, special attention should be paid to what wheels are installed. In order to increase cross-country ability, you should choose wheels with good tread and a large diameter. An option with dimensions 285x75x16 is ideal. 3. In order to protect your car, you should think about installing a rear and front winch. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the U4x4 option, which has proven itself well. 4. To strengthen the body structure, a power body kit is installed. UAZ 469 body tuning is carried out with the installation of reinforced thresholds, a front bumper with a platform for an already selected winch and a grille with arches, which are necessary for quickly securing the cable. 5. Special protection for steering rods can be an important addition. When overcoming certain obstacles, it is the steering rods that suffer the most. 6. Side windows are often protected by bars. If the car will only be used off-road, protection can be installed on the rear and front windows. If the SUV is driven in urban conditions, such protection will significantly worsen the degree of visibility. 7. The rear of the car is modified using the OJ universal bumper, which combines a huge number of functions. So, when installing it, you can count on the presence of the following elements: platforms for the winch and hi-jack, a bracket for attaching a removable tow bar, a backlit frame and good license plate protection.

Body tuning can significantly increase the car’s protection from external influences when driving off-road. It is worth noting that some little things, such as additional lighting, can significantly improve traffic safety. Some body modifications also require electrical upgrades and other work.

How to lift a UAZ 469 by changing the suspension design (options)

There are several methods for changing the suspension design. All of them are aimed at increasing the distance between the frame and the axles. The modernization method is selected based on the owner’s personal preferences.

Extended spring earrings

For the elevator, spring earrings from the Gazelle are installed on the UAZ 469 car. They are longer and will increase the distance between the frame and the axles. You can use products from other vehicles. When choosing spring earrings, you should not opt ​​for products with excess length. A very large distance between the spring eye and the mounting bracket will negatively affect the stability of the car.

To ensure that the earrings of one eye do not move relative to each other, they must be firmly fastened together. You can connect them using a bolt, after installing a metal tube between the earrings. A piece of pipe is necessary to prevent deformation of the earring during screeding.

Installing the axle spacer

The front and rear axles of the UAZ 469 are attached to the spring with stepladders. A spacer is provided between the spring and the surface of the axle housing. To avoid longitudinal displacement of the spring when the car is moving, the insert is equipped with a spike connection.

To increase the distance between the spring and the bridge, install a thicker insert. It will not be possible to achieve a noticeable lift from replacing the spacer. Using this method will allow you to raise the car by 2 - 3 cm.

IMPORTANT: When selecting a spacer, you should take into account the length of the stepladders securing the spring to the bridge.

Spring preload

Some car owners install springs on the car for the UAZ 469 elevator. They are mounted between the bridge and the frame. The installation of springs is aimed at lifting and giving the suspension softness when driving off-road. For installation, make homemade ones or purchase ready-made brackets. They are mounted on the frame and axle of the car. Welding is used for installation.

Replacing shock absorbers

If changes are made to the suspension design, the shock absorbers will need to be replaced. Standard travel after the elevator will not be enough. The choice of manufacturer is made based on the personal preferences of the car owner. Shock absorbers with valve adjustment work well. Their design allows you to set the required suspension rigidity.

Replacing springs

For the UAZ 469 elevator, some motorists replace the springs. Select a product with a larger number of sheets than on a standard spring. Replacement is carried out in the following sequence:

• The car is lifted and the frame is placed on supports. The spring in this position is without load.
• Unscrew the stepladders of one of the springs. To facilitate the procedure, you should first lubricate the threads of the stepladders with a specialized compound.
• Unscrew the bolts securing the spring to the brackets mounted on the frame.
• Remove the spring.
• Installing a new product. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

When replacing springs with products with a large number of sheets, their thickness must be taken into account. Installation of springs with increased thickness requires the installation of long stepladders.

Photo 5: Lifted UAZ 469. Photo No. 2 (source: Yandex.Pictures)

Interior tuning

When purchasing a domestically produced car, many people pay special attention to the interior, as it is always made with terrible quality. When creating a project to change the interior, in this case it was decided to create a multifunctional hatch that would be useful when hunting or simply while traveling in nature off-road.

The created hatch, which was obtained by tuning the UAZ 469, has the following features:

1. Large overall dimensions immediately determine that the hatch is a hunting hatch. 2. The hatch has two positions: with minimal opening for ventilation and fully open.

When open, two guys in winter clothes can fit into the created opening. Therefore, this addition will be useful for a car that will be used for hunting or as an excursion vehicle. To prevent condensation from forming on the surface at the time of use, the hatch cover was insulated. When open, the hatch is fixed.

The interior improvement didn't stop there. In order to improve the sound insulation of the car, the doors and interior sides of the cabin were disassembled, and the tailgate was also disassembled. The resulting cavities were lined with vibration insulation and then sound insulation. After laying the insulating materials, the interior was trimmed with aluminum sheets. All knocks should be treated with sealant, the floor was also changed: instead of a turtle, it was made smooth. All domestically produced cars have a simply terrible degree of heat and sound insulation. It seems that the UAZ plant has never heard of insulating materials. After completing the work, the car will become warm, quiet, and vibration will be transmitted to a lesser extent from the road to the interior elements.

Another useful addition is the top shelf, which has become a place to store cards and other small items. The top shelf was made to accommodate various control keys and more. Thus, the front console was significantly unloaded.

The next change is the installation of another stove, which has more power and more outlets for heating the interior. It is worth considering that the car will be used in winter. Another addition that may not be carried out, but in our case was carried out, is to increase the number of cigarette lighter sockets to 3 pieces.

The finishing was not left without attention. The interior was taken from a Honda CRV. The changes made are as follows:

• Leather trim. Despite many complaints, this material is quite durable and practical to use.
• The front seats are heated, which is important for a car like this.
• Good opportunities for transformation. It is worth noting that with proper placement of seats, you can achieve the effect when, during transformation, the interior turns into a sleeping bag.
• It is the large range of adjustment of the rear seats in the longitudinal direction that allows full use of the hatch.
• Rear passengers can ride with their legs fully extended in certain seat positions.

In addition, you can install the rear row seats so that the trunk volume increases significantly to accommodate luggage.

Ways to increase ground clearance

So, in total there are several ways to tune the UAZ Patriot suspension:

1. Using spacers that are installed under the springs or springs, thereby raising the car.
2. By replacing standard suspension elements with larger and stronger ones. With this option, there is no need for spacers.
3. Installing air suspension instead of the standard one. This is quite labor-intensive work, and also expensive. Of course, the ride quality of a car with air suspension is higher than with other options. However, if you often drive over rough terrain, the air springs will not last long, since sand, dirt, and small stones will constantly fly into them.

Thus, the best option of all is to install enlarged and reinforced elastic suspension elements, since installing spacers does not solve problems with the strength of standard elastic elements. And if we take into account the fact that UAZ Patriots are lifted, among other things, for a greater maximum load capacity, the likelihood of their breakdown increases several times.

Spacers are used primarily because of their economic feasibility. Before installing them, it is advisable to know the following points:

• You need to use spacers only from high-quality materials that do not shrink. For example, from polyurethane;
• the height of the spacer should not exceed 3 cm;
• The spacer must be placed between the spring and the body, not between the coils of the spring!