DIY lifts

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Oct 15, 2003 | 03:05 PM

sprinklerguy

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DIY lifts

Is it worth installing a lift kit yourself? I am relatively handy and my brother in law is very handy...neither of us has ever done a lift before. How much do you figure I would save? I haven't called any local shops yet...because I am not an educated consumer and I want to be a little more educated prior to calling...don't want to get taken or given bad info.

Right now, the truck is brand new...no grease and dirt and stuff, should be easier to do now than later....

Thanks in advance.

Tony

Oct 15, 2003 | 03:35 PM

Yeti

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From: IN FRONT OF YOU

The SD is one of the easiest lifts to install, with some hand tools and good jack stands you can get it done. Of course air and heat are always handy.
Iv'e heard ppl spending up to a grand on the install, which in my opinion is just crazy.

Check out Stan's step by step below:

STAN'S PAGE

Oct 15, 2003 | 05:51 PM

RRMike

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From: Roseburg OR.

The local shop here said they'd do it for $300. It just depends on the deal you can get. I wouldn't pay more than 4 or so.

Oct 15, 2003 | 07:38 PM

02superstroker

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From: Dallas

I would say do it yourself. I did it, no problems. Just make sure you have strong jackstands, jacks, and AIR TOOLS!!!

Oct 21, 2003 | 09:12 PM

phonebem

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I agree the SD is the second easiest lift I've ever installed (the easiest was a Jeep YJ). The only reason it was harder was just the sheer size of everything you put on, i'd advise you have at least one buddy to help you.

Oct 21, 2003 | 09:13 PM

02superstroker

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From: Dallas

no kidding about that... those 11 leaf front springs weigh a ton!!!!

Oct 23, 2003 | 10:15 PM

keithf

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From: North of Houston

Depending on how high you plan to go, may be a deciding factor on whether you do it yourself. That is, unless you have access to a 2 post lift:

If you only lift the truck up to 6" then you can usually get by with "normal" sized jacks and stands, by taking the wheels off first - that gets the frame lower to the ground.

If you are going higher you need to buy specialized jacks and stands to get the frame up high enough.

i lifted mine in my driveway by myself - I have some pics in the link below. Now I have satisfaction that it is done right, and have some really cool jacks and stands that lift up to 60"

Just remember - you pay peanuts, you get dumbo. I'm a firm believer in "If you want it done right, do it yourself".

Hope this helps! Keith.