Easy Leveling Kt Install?
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
Easy Leveling Kt Install?
I read somewhere that you can install a leveling kit by simply setting the truck on a jack stand, remove the wheel, jack under the lower control arm to compress the suspension, remove the nuts on top the spring, slowly lower the jack till the spring is free, attack spacer, then reverse the process. Is this possible?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
I read somewhere that you can install a leveling kit by simply setting the truck on a jack stand, remove the wheel, jack under the lower control arm to compress the suspension, remove the nuts on top the spring, slowly lower the jack till the spring is free, attack spacer, then reverse the process. Is this possible?
Thanks!
Thanks!
I swapped a few different size spacers until I found the stance I wanted. By the last time I did it, it only took be 15 mins per side. Since my truck is 2wd, I can remove the coilover assembly by removing the large bolt at the bottom and the three on top. Nothing else was needed.
If you're 4wd, the only extra step should be disconnecting either the tie rod or the cv axle. I'm not sure which.
Note, the last spacer I installed was only 1/2" so I really didn't need much room. I'd bet it becomes more difficult and more parts need to be disconnected when you get up around 2".
Sorry I can't answer your question.
#3
Senior Member
Yes and no. I have a rwd. The first spacer I bought was 3", I had to remove the lower control arm(don't do it this way). Then I switched to a 2.5", separated the knuckle from the UCA(this was very easy and smooth). I then bought a 1.5" and I only had to remove the tie rod ends.
Here's where it gets interesting...I replaced my strut assy's because they were due, but I bought the 4x4 version, they were about the same length as a rwd strut assy + a 2" level kit...this combo was a little tough also.
Now I run a 4x4 strut with a 1.5" level and it sits level, the UCA doesn't slap the spring when I go over bumps and I didn't need to separate the knuckle from the UCA or disconnect the LCA.
So it really depends on whether you're a 4x4 or rwd and what size level kit/spacer you're looking for.
Here's where it gets interesting...I replaced my strut assy's because they were due, but I bought the 4x4 version, they were about the same length as a rwd strut assy + a 2" level kit...this combo was a little tough also.
Now I run a 4x4 strut with a 1.5" level and it sits level, the UCA doesn't slap the spring when I go over bumps and I didn't need to separate the knuckle from the UCA or disconnect the LCA.
So it really depends on whether you're a 4x4 or rwd and what size level kit/spacer you're looking for.
#4
Super Duper Senior Member
You generally also have to remove the upper control arm bolt so you can move it out of the way to swing the strut out, unless you remove the lower strut bolt, which can be a pain without an impact wrench.
Some leveling kits require you to take out the bottom bolt since you have to turn the strut around 180 degrees because they relocate the upper bolts. The kit I have did not require that.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...0+leveling+kit
Some leveling kits require you to take out the bottom bolt since you have to turn the strut around 180 degrees because they relocate the upper bolts. The kit I have did not require that.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...0+leveling+kit
#5
Senior Member
That's how my HBS kit was. Take the strut out.
It was so long ago, that I don't remember the exact steps I took, but it really wasn't all that hard.
I don't think I would do it without air tools though.
I know the first side takes a little time, and then the next side just flys.
Make sure to get an alignment after.
It was so long ago, that I don't remember the exact steps I took, but it really wasn't all that hard.
I don't think I would do it without air tools though.
I know the first side takes a little time, and then the next side just flys.
Make sure to get an alignment after.