Tips/Mistakes/Helpful Ideas for installing lift

I just want to make sure I'm reading this right - you did NOT loosen the alignment cams at all when you installed the front strut assembly?

 

No need. The arm pivots down. Oem rubber bushings will bind but can be pushed down. Another reason polys are nice in the lcas.

 

Correct, I did not touch the alignment bolts. If the strut is already assembled the spring is compressed enough to fit. It is a tight fit so you will need the pry bar mentioned in that write up to get the bottom of the strut lined up with the bolt holes. Like I said earlier, if you don’t loosen the alignment bolts, you do need to jack up the rotor because the upper control arm will be in the way and you won’t be able to get the spring past it.

 

Fuckin' A...this will save me some grief then.

 

I ended up having to grind off the factory spring pack retainers when installing the HS 3 leaf AAL. That is added as a note in the instructions, but I was still not prepared for it and had to run around looking for a grinder. Just have one handy!

 

Hmmm, that looks eerily similar to my garage floor, and the ECGS tool I just sold for my friend. Wait...!

OP, I would say, don't cheap out on anything, spend the extra couple bucks now, do it once do it right. Make sure you have no time constraints that day, and look up all of the torque specs beforehand. My install went quite smooth.

I too wish I had done the extended studs rather than now having to take my shocks apart if I decide to add more than a 1/4" spacer.

 

@silvertxtaco
Have a telescoping magnet on hand when you do the ECGS bushing. Rounding one side of the removal tool as @EatSleepTacos and @PyritePirateBill have mentioned will help, but don't be surprised if you still break some of OEM bearing when you putting the removal tool in place. You'll want to stuff something (scarp plastic/rag) into the diff to prevent anything from falling into the gears. The magnet will allow you to get anything you knock in there out.

And have some sort of fluid pump to top off your differential oil when you done. Its a giant PITA otherwise.

 

Haha! It was the first google image result. That’s funny.

 

I had to do this too. It wasn’t to much of a hassle but it added about an hour of labor to the project. I picked an angle grinder up at Harbor Freight for $10.

 

Got mine back in pretty easily. haha luckily

 

Same. Mine popped out twice while I was replacing my needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. I freaked out a little, but it popped back in pretty easily both times.

 

You on stock wheels? Spacers?

 

Yes, stock wheels and wheel spacers. Wait is that question related to the CV joint thing?
If so, maybe I misread. I meant when I was taking the axle out, it popped out to where the boot was stretched and the end wouldn't move freely. Not sure if that is what was meant by the "Don't let the CV joints drop".

 

haha it was a completely unrelated questions.
Yes we were on the same page about the cv joint dislocating and having to be put back into its socket.

 

I used to do thus but got tired of trying to tighten bolts that are never loose.

 

thanks for all the info! I have an angle grinder and telescoping magnetic. I think i have a good idea of how to do it after watching the video of ecgs doing it a few times, and what y'all are telling me is making sense now! thanks a ton!

 

shocks and springs are in garage, ecgs bushing and removal tool is being delivered tomorrow, ucas, rear aal and top plate spacer being delivered Wednesday.

also ordered a sway bar relocate, and a front diff drop (which i realize now I won't be putting on) and a carrier bearing drop kit in case of vibes.

trd pro grille came today. ditch light brackets are installed just waiting on lights to arrive this week, and I'm eyeing the heck out of the cali raised Amber fog light kit. If I get divorced I 100% blame TW.

 

well its all finished. I can't thank yall enough for the advice. things went great. I had hell getting the cv shaft out but I learned I just wasn't getting mad enough and finally got it. everything was exactly as expected.

I have a 1/4 lean on the drivers side both front and rear, and I can't decide if I even want to mess with the spacer. it looks great, like a guy that skips leg day at the gym! now gotta get the wheels and tires put on and she's finished!



I also hammered over the pinch welds while I was waiting on ups to deliver the ucas, as well as got the heat gun out and re formed some areas that looked like they could possibly rub. oh and installed the pro grille!

 

I personally wouldn’t bother with a spacer! I never have and the truck looks great. Congrats on getting it done.

 

how did it go removing the uca bolts? any tips or suggestions would u reccomend?