How hard is it to install a lift kit yourself?

I'm thinking about the toytec 3" lift with AAL but I don't really want to pay the install prices. Is it hard to install myself?

I have only changed headlights in my truck so I don't have to most experience.

I have two friends how ever that installed their lift kits on their trucks and should I trust them that they can do mine too?

 

definitely.....save the $$$ and diy!!! you'll be glad you did, plus, you'll get to know your truck a little better!!!

 

Ditto. I did mine myself. Just rent a spring compressor from your local Auto Zone or similar store. Air tools make it way easy, but hand tools are fine too.

 

when we finally get outta this condo and get a house with a garage..................a good compressor is gonna be mandatory!!

 

Not just a spring compressor, but also remove upper sway bar links, separate ball joint mounts, .

Raise rear rear axle, disconnect rear brake cable , etc. etc. etc.


Sounds simple, but involves a LOT of time to learn if you never did one.


Then recheck all bolts a week later. Very time consuming.

 

In addition, if you've never worked with a spring compressor I would take your shocks, springs and spacer to a shop and have them install it for you. Working with spring compressors is not a simple task, you could lose a finger, an eye or hurt someone else in the vicinity, no joke. A loaded spring is a dangerous thing.

 

I forgot to mention; If you get a kit from Toytec, they send detailed instructions with pictures with every order. Most kit instructions are on their website, too.

I also forgot to add earlier, a floor jack is also necessary.

 

Yup. That's what I did as well.

 

So you're saying not to do those very things that the Toytec instructions specifically say to do?

To take short cuts right?

Because the things that I mentioned are on the instructions from Toytec among about forty other little things to do that don't just involve needing a spring compressor and some metric tools.

As long as you say you're advocating deviating from the instructions, I'm OK with your statements as your opinion.

I am, on the other hand am merely quoting from the instructions directly and am of the school, "If it don't work, read the instructions".

Again, if you say that your method is your personal way of doing it, I'm OK with people expressing their opinions. But, since Im not an expert, I can only go by what the maker tells me to do.

 

I'm definitely advocating deviating from the instructions.

Mine worked out great while deviating from said instructions.

 

Hey, I'm cool with that. If that does the same thing faster and easier than what I went through, then good on you.

 

If you're putting a spacer in the front - you might wanna take the coil assembly to a shop and have them compress the springs to put the spacer in. The amount of preload on that spring can be down-right dangerous with a manual spring compressor. I've used a couple different spring compressors at home for spacer lifts and both of them couldn't handle the preload.

If you're changing out coils only - that's easily done with a home compressor.

I'm not sure if this still applies to the 05+ trucks or not...but when you're putting stuff back together, this is how the old trucks had to be lined up. If you didnt' get this right - it won't install in the truck.

 

sorry to bring back an old thread, but im fixin to get this lift and install it myself. I've done suspension work before, but I'm thinkin about takin the coil n everything to a shop to have it done. What is an average cost for them to assemble the shock, spring, and spacer?

 

I had my Readylift spacer installed for $100. Same mechanic will install Coilovers, UCA, rear leaf pack, and rear shock for $400.

I will save that money for Mods and do it myself. Gunna use a lift bay, and power tools. Should be a fun time.

 

I took my new coils and 5100s to a garage and they charged me $40 ($20/side) to assemble the coilover. Then I just took the stock coilover off and bolted in the new one.

Very easy!