How hard to install lift?

Wanting to put a lift on, but never have. Should I do it? What tools are needed to install pre-assembled front struts/coils, bump stops, leaf springs, rear shocks, new upper control arms? What else should I get? How long would it take to install it all? How much would it cost someone like 4 Wheel Parts to install it? Will they?

 

Where are you located sir?

Basic hand tools takes care about most of the install.

Biggest thing will be is a spring compressor. Sometimes local small shops will charge just a labor charge to swap over the springs and stuts for the top plates.

Upper control arms are basic hand tools as well.

4WP can do the work yes, if you would like a quote, please give me a pm!

Thank you!

 

There's a video on youtube as well as in a few places on TW that shows how to safely mount springs on shocks using the weight of the truck, foregoing the need for a spring compressor.

 

Jack and basic hand tools. Pretty easy, just involves patience with getting everything lined up in the holes.

 

its pre assembled!

 

that's half the battle lol ... basic hand tools and a few hours. Done it so many times I can do both of the fronts in an hour.

 

Took me around 8 hours to put my OME lift on: That included the preassembled front struts, rear leaf packs and new shocks. New UCAs, metal brake lines in front. That was about it. Did it all myself, never done before. Used basic hand tools. Lots of research and advise from TW first, of course. And a trip for an alignment the next day.

Could have done maybe 1-2 hours faster with a 2nd set of hands helping.

 

Ahem




Carry on! Myself and @Jon4x4 will go stand in a corner.

 

DIY. It's not hard and is alot of fun. You'll save a ton of money and know your truck better than ever. Even if you don't have all the tools, you can buy them for less than paying someone to install and you'll have them next time. Wrenches, sockets, ratchet, allen wrench for the swaybar, floor jack, jack stands, C-clamps (I may be forgetting something, somebody else chime in). Air tools help a ton if you have access, but are not necessary. I would skip getting a spring compressor. I don't trust them. Look up the "floor jack method". There is probably a TW member in your area that would help out.

 

Want a beer? hahaha

 

I'd let you buy me a beer!

We can go to the pub while these guys discuss lift installs

 

Well I guess the cheapest route is getting shocks and coils separate. How hard is it to assemble them? Any special tools needed? I want to break my install up into two days as the place I will be using has operating hours and I don't want to have to leave the truck overnight and pay a fee for that. Do fronts first day and rear next day. I've decided against upper control arms and preassembled front struts and coils. Sounds like it would be best to take the shocks and coils to a place to have them assembled beforehand then just install them myself.

 

@Jon4x4 We're back, baby! We see the future when no one else can What can I say, I'm a pioneer!

 

lmfao @WheelInTheSky

Biggest thing is spring compressor, or take it to a shop like i said. Then just need an alignment.

You plan on doing AAL's in the rear or blocks

 

Thinking of Toytec's progressive add a leafs.

 

Really basic hand tools, and need a few jack stands, a buddy or two, and some c clamps to hold the leafs together when removing the center pin, and re installing the center pin

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc
Watch this video before you pay someone to assemble coil overs. It's really, really simple.

 

This is how I assembled mine this morning. It was my first lift on a Tacoma and it took about 2.5 hours for the front end. Still waiting on the Wheelers Progressive add-a-leaf (hoping for Wednesday) for the rear. My air bags are leveling it out fairly well for now. Two jack stands, a good jack, and maybe a dozen hand tools. Pretty damn easy.

 

This is by far the easiest, and way safer than a rented POS spring compressor. I've used this method to both of my tacomas. Anyone that bashes this method obviously has never done it or sees how it mechanically works.