2slow05

That's exactly what I done. I have installed many leveling kits on my previous vehicles before and honestly it's not bad at all. But my time is worth money to me so I paid a reputable shop 175$ to install and took it to an alignment shop for 50$. To me it's not worth it for me to take it apart and do it for 175$.

Justpassingas

I guess I'm getting old...there was a time when I did all my own wrenching on cars & motorcycles...now I couldn't be bothered..I'd rather pay somebody and be done with it....

SPOAT

I was glad to pay the $178 labor for my professional install.

What's 178 clams on a $40K truck?

DeltaNu1142

I can have someone work on my truck... but I enjoy it. My brother and I installed my $40 pucks over beers during the week of Thanksgiving. And now I'm far more familiar with the suspension of this truck.

I'd rather do it myself and know what went into it. Except for painting. Eff painting. I'm terrible at it.

Tide89

Easy as pie if you have a good workspace and tools, I've installed my share of these, my conclusion is leave the hubs alone pull the sway bar and tie rod off, and just drop the entire lower control arm. UCA holds the CV axle in so no worries if overextending, and no risk of damaging the iwe since your not touching it. Put the coil with new spacer back in and use a floor jack to line the LCA bolts back up. Mark the bolts so you can get it back to somewhat decent alignment so you can drive it to the alignment shop.

stringer

Wow thanks for all the feedback! I don't have a jack, stands, or air tools - yet. They are on the list of things I'd like to invest in now that I have a house. I think I may call a few shops to get a quote on an install and then price out the cost of the tools needed. Besides a floor jack, stands, and impact wrench, is there anything else I should invest in to make the process easier - and expand my tool collection?

Blade1899

Well air tools need air, so you will need a good compressor. For homegamers, the ability of your impact gun will likely be limited by your compressor so don't disproportionately buy the top of the line gun and the bottom of the line compressor.

GregSBF

Honest question here guys. Why do you need air tools? I did the level in my 08 and will be doing my 16 in the next week or two. Has something changed on these trucks that requires you have an impact or an air hammer?
I just used hand tools last time?

Blade1899

To my knowledge, the prior gens had just a single horizontal bolt that held the strut in on the bottom. The 15+ have two vertical bolts that attach the strut to the lower control arm. Because of this loosening/removal of the lower control arm is needed to free the strut. Other than those LCA bolts I wouldn't say air is needed. I tried to loosen them with my 24" breaker and failed, but I'm sure its possible without air.

DeltaNu1142

You don't need air tools, but they're nice. I used an air ratchet on the upper strut bolts. I didn't use my air impact anywhere but on the wheel log nuts. Loosening the LCA gives you another few inches of wiggle room to get the strut in and out, and you need it. A long pry bar is helpful. If you don't have a deep 18mm socket, get one and buy me a beer later.

I drive a few thousand miles without an alignment, but that's because I was waiting on my tires. Toe wasn't horribly out. I'm getting wheels, tires, and an alignment on Friday.