Raising my truck by 1.5" or so.....think I can do it myself at home?

I'm not totally incapable, but I'm not THE most handy guy, so I'm wondering most of you guys do your own work or just take your trucks to the garage.

I'm thinking I'll get a set (4) of Billstien 5100 shocks and these AALs from Wheeler Think that'll be doable at home for a 50% capable shmuck like me?

 

Take it to a shop. If you're not buying shocks with springs pre-assembled it will get ugly. Just my 2 cents.

 

Get a friend or two or enlist the help of some TW members with pizza and beer. Become more knowledgeable and comfortable around your vehicle.

Uhhhh, not necessarily.

 

It's easy.

I did it with basic hand tools (and I mean basic, I basically had to go buy exactly what I needed to use).

 

What do you guys reckon a shop would charge for labor for swapping the shocks out and adding an AAL?

 

Pretty needless and silly thing to say.

 

Wait, you mean it didn't "get ugly"?

 

$500.

 

Holy buttrape, are you serious?

 

Poop

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

This is very helpful. Felt very comfortable doing it this way compared to cheap spring compressor (have done it both ways now). 2 hours to do the front, both sides.

 

My guess is he's never done it himself and pretends to know something he doesn't.

Or he just is unsafe anyway and can't do anything without it being dangerous.

 

Cool! Thanks for the help and thoughts so far, guys.

 

I got quoted almost 1200 to do my suspension
Needless to say I done it my self, I had really no prior knowledge other than this forum and had 1 friend who helped.
Granted my coils were already assembled but still its honestly just unbolt the old, bolt up the new...

 

I reckon I saved over a thousand dollars doing the work myself. I replaced the shocks and springs all around on my 2010 with 5100's and Dakar springs. I lifted it 2.5 to 3 inches. It was a pain in the ass, but totally doable and a lot of fun. I think a lot of my problem was that my truck is older and all the bolts were pretty hard to get loose. I would hope your newer truck would not be so hard. I ended up cutting the top bolts off the rear shocks with a hacksaw. That was the hardest part and had me stuck until I decided to whip out the hacksaw. There is a little flat on the top of the shock stem to keep it from spinning when you attempt to loosen the nut, but mine sheared right off.

I also had the front springs and shocks assembled when I ordered them. These can be taken to a local shop. It can be done yourself, but it is dangerous and not really worth the risk.

Good luck.

 

I'm mechanically retarded when it comes to cars. I took the shocks to a shop with a spring compressor to assemble for 50 bucks and did the rest myself. No vibrations or shimmies ever. Truck rides WAY better now.

 

Like Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor of Home Improvement?

I think on that show he had an open account at the hospital ER.

 

Do it yourself. Earn man points and learn about your vehicle. Check your local forums and see if any mod days are coming up- bring beer/food, and I'm sure you'll get help from people who've either done it before, or are willing to learn with you.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ9Xk0Lln5Y

 

Do a little research and do it yourself! Its not that hard. Just my 2 cents.