Installing Front Leveling Kit Today... Advice
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Arlington, Texas
Installing Front Leveling Kit Today... Advice
On top of doing my oil cooler orings today, we are also installing a front Leveling kit on my buddy's 2001 2wd. We don't even know how to go about doing this. It is made by Supreme Suspension.
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Beer, food, patience, time and a great sense of humor. Tools help a lot too.
I have never installed a lift kit, but I am aware of the previously mentioned items that are crucial to a successful install.
I have never installed a lift kit, but I am aware of the previously mentioned items that are crucial to a successful install.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
It should just be as simple as a spacer under the coil. Really not much to it. Jack and support the frame, jack the suspension under the coil. Remove top retainer for the spring and lower end of the shock, and then lower the suspension till the spring comes loose.
Remove lower nut holding the bottom of the spring in place, install stud extender and spacer, and re-install.
Then get it to the alignment shop.
Remove lower nut holding the bottom of the spring in place, install stud extender and spacer, and re-install.
Then get it to the alignment shop.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Air bags on the front of a 2wd suck. Been there done that. Makes the ride miserable and rusts the heck out of the lower nut and bolt since the bag is made to go inside the coil.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Bend Oregon
Ii was speaking to Absolutes perception that once you install a redicious leveling kit like the PO did to his truck you are no longer able to tow anything because the truck will be nose high.
I personally like my leveling kit on my F350, I think the truck handles better with a level stance and air bags solve the nose high situation when I load her down, but to each their own.
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From: Arlington, Texas
We had to quit last night, because we couldn't figure out how to get the big nut off, at the bottom of the spring, inside the coil. What size is that nut? Does the spring come loose out of the top? We will give it another go this evening.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Ii was speaking to Absolutes perception that once you install a redicious leveling kit like the PO did to his truck you are no longer able to tow anything because the truck will be nose high.
I personally like my leveling kit on my F350, I think the truck handles better with a level stance and air bags solve the nose high situation when I load her down, but to each their own.
I personally like my leveling kit on my F350, I think the truck handles better with a level stance and air bags solve the nose high situation when I load her down, but to each their own.
I don't remember the size of the nut, but I want to say it's 19mm. Regardless of size, either stick the closed end of a wrench through the springs or use a socket and a long extension to go down through the middle of the spring to remove it. If you live in the salt belt, spray it down good with your favorite un-stick spray.
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From: Arlington, Texas
Personally I think most trucks with a leveling kit end up looking nose high. Call me old fashioned, but I like a truck being higher in the rear. Me leveling kit was to fix the sag that new Ford springs didn't fix.
Remove the small (I believe 10 mm nut) retainer that holds the top of the spring in place. With the truck jacked up and the frame supported by a jack stand, and a jack under the I beam going to that front wheel that is applying pressure on the spring, remove the retainer and then lower the jack holding up the I beam for that side after you have removed the shock from the suspension. The I beam will drop down low enough that the spring will come out of the upper seat and fall out of place.
I don't remember the size of the nut, but I want to say it's 19mm. Regardless of size, either stick the closed end of a wrench through the springs or use a socket and a long extension to go down through the middle of the spring to remove it. If you live in the salt belt, spray it down good with your favorite un-stick spray.
Remove the small (I believe 10 mm nut) retainer that holds the top of the spring in place. With the truck jacked up and the frame supported by a jack stand, and a jack under the I beam going to that front wheel that is applying pressure on the spring, remove the retainer and then lower the jack holding up the I beam for that side after you have removed the shock from the suspension. The I beam will drop down low enough that the spring will come out of the upper seat and fall out of place.
I don't remember the size of the nut, but I want to say it's 19mm. Regardless of size, either stick the closed end of a wrench through the springs or use a socket and a long extension to go down through the middle of the spring to remove it. If you live in the salt belt, spray it down good with your favorite un-stick spray.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
We think it's a 28mm nut. We have searched everywhere to find a 28mm deep socket, and have had no luck. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, nor any of the local parts stores carry that size. It goes from 27mm, and skips to 29mm. We are going to try 1 1/8" to get it off. We did get the spring out of the top, though.
I never understood the whole metric socket thing. Seems there is always a size socket you need that either isn't sold in a standard kit or isn't sold at all.
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From: Arlington, Texas
We got her all tied up about an hour ago. An 1 1/8" deep socket did the trick. It was just like you said it would be, straight forward. Thanks for all the help, and see Ya on the next thread!
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