How long to install 2" leveling kit?

[BKunic]

I'd like to have some idea as to how much time I should set aside to install the 2" leveling kit on a 2500 4x4. Is this a one person job? Also, any "surprises" I should know about?



Thanks in advance gents,



Bryan

 

[Cooker]

It is easily a one person job. I would set aside 3 hours just to be safe. That should give you pleantly of time for a lunch break and "coffee" breaks as well.

 

[CIverson]

Make sure you have a coil spring compressor, and make sure it will fit the coils befor you take anything apart.



I ended up having to use the macstrut compressors as they were the only ones to fit, but they were starting to bend a little.

 

[kboettcher]

I think it would depend on if you are doing the spacers or new coils... . cause I could have never done mine by myself. I had my brother help me with the Skyjacker coils. Had to undo the one control arm and there is no way I could have got it back together without the help and that was with it on a hoist. JMO

 

[AFacey]

CIverson,

Where did you get those fender flares? You have a PM...

 

[Cooker]

I have installed Skyjacker coils by myself. It took me less than 2 hours. CIverson is correct, without a way to compress the springs it would have been a PIA.

 

[dkosheba]

Additional Question

With the two inch lift, don't you need to get an alignment on the truck when completed. Will the front tires track the same line as the rear?



I want to do this, but have read not to do it until and adjustable track bar comes out to realign the front axle to rear as the lift will give it an offset to one side.



I will need to study this a little closer this weekend if I get under her in the garage.



Don

 

[Cooker]

I would definitely get an alignment after the install.



The axle will be pulled slightly to the pass. side. This is barely noticable.



IMO you are safe at 2" with an OEM trackbar but anything above that I would recommend a "fix" for the trackbar.

 

[KevinO]

mark the lower camber adjustments real well before unbolting anything and put them back lined up and it should drive pretty straight. I put a 4. 5" on my old truck and it didn't pull when i got done. put the frame on jackstands and take the wheels off and with a spare jack lower the axle and you won't need a spring compressor.

 

[CIverson]

Originally posted by KevinO

mark the lower camber adjustments real well before unbolting anything and put them back lined up and it should drive pretty straight. I put a 4. 5" on my old truck and it didn't pull when i got done. put the frame on jackstands and take the wheels off and with a spare jack lower the axle and you won't need a spring compressor.

The 03's require a spring compressor unless you unbolt the upper control arms, as they do not let the suspension droop enough to get the taller springs or springs w/ spacers back into the buckets.

 

[SLinse]

I just put on the spacers on y 04. I did as stated above, jacked it up, put stands under the frame and lowered the front end. I also took the sway bar off the front to help. We did it without compressors, but it would have been easier with. The driver side was easy, the passenger side gave us some fits, but with 2 of us, we had it done in 1 1/2 hrs.

 

[Blakers]

What part of the alignment will be thrown off with the spacers? Has anyone done it without getting realigned and was there any wear or driving difference?



Thanks.

Blake

 

[RichardAndrews]

I have install two kits one on my 03 and one on a 04. It took about 2 hours on each one. Thats cleanup and all. I used the Tuff Country kits. It is a easy and simple job for most people.

 

[BKunic]

Thanks for the responses everyone,



? to Rich Adrews-



Are the Tough Country spacers steel or some polymer material? It sounds as though I shouldn't worry about the front axle being slightly out of line with the rear axle, from what people have said here. How about on your truck - notice any difference? And should I plan on getting an alignment right afterwards? I was planning on going with the Tough Country spacers as you have, so any insight would be helpful.



Thanks,



Bryan

 

[thomasduncan]

The tuff country spacers are steel. Mine pulls a little to the right, I need to take it back and have the alignment checked again. I had to use spring compressors on mine.

 

[SLinse]

this is just an after thought, if you have a ball joiint ect... go out with having the spacers on, will it still be under warranty?

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Will you need a alignment ? Depends , Watch the tire wear carefully and that will be the best indicator. Don't worry about something happening vaery fast. I've had my lift in for about 10k and am just noticing a little feathering ! I cuold probally get away with just rotations for a long time , at least until something else needs to be done at the tire shop. BTW , the front axle assembly may end up 1/2" off center towards the driver side and made no diff. on "flat road. Our trucks have a uneven track to begin with. If one wants to be exact a pair of spacers on the front end and a adjustable track bar will get it perfect. Spacers only need to be 5/16" or something like that. A little "ride out" or pull can be noticed on a rutted road surface if you know what to feel for , but not enough to worry about on my account.....

Mark T.

 

[BKunic]

Okay, stupid ?, but what exactly is the track bar and do they have an adjustable one available?



Bryan

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by BKunic

Okay, stupid ?, but what exactly is the track bar and do they have an adjustable one available?



Bryan

It's the diagonal link that goes from the frame down to the axle. It maintains the axle's side to side position in relation to the frame of the truck.



I believe someone is working on an adjustable one, if it's not available right now.



Blake

 

[Grunt]

I've been looking at tough country leveling kits. . about the cheapest I've found is @ $130 plus shipping and handling. Then you have to get a front end alignment too.

Stopped by the local Les Schwabs and found out they charge $229 plus tax for them installed... that includes the front end alignment and they mentioned re-centering the steering wheel too. For that price I may go ahead and have them do it rather than fighting with it myself.