Lift Kits????
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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Lift Kits????
i'm planning on a 4'' lift for the old girl next summer, was just wondering if i should do it my self or leave it to the pro's, as for myself.... i'd like to belive i can do it know prob, but i also like the fact that if pro's do it and mess up they fix it, not me
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 936
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From: Texas
Totaly up to you. Personaly I prefer to do as much of my own work as possible. I just dont trust others to tinker with my trucks. I'm the one driving in it, it's my life that is possibly at stake due to workmanship, I'd rather put my life in MY hands than somebody elses.
Most lifts are simple to install with regular hand tools, jack stands, and a good jack or 2. Also would need a pitman arm tool if you'r droping yours. I've installed several on several differant models and types of trucks. The only thing I havent been able to handle when installing a lift is the wheel alignment that's required afterwords.
Most lifts are simple to install with regular hand tools, jack stands, and a good jack or 2. Also would need a pitman arm tool if you'r droping yours. I've installed several on several differant models and types of trucks. The only thing I havent been able to handle when installing a lift is the wheel alignment that's required afterwords.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
If you have air tools, a couple of floor jacks, and a place to do it, it technically is not a hard job. If your Bronco is as old as my 84, it may be a real PITA to remove some rusted bolts. While I have done lift kits on some previous rigs myself, I let a local shop do it this time. They fought and cussed for 3 days, but it was well worth the $425!!!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
if you plan on keeping this for a long time i say go 6" . thats what i did . everyone ive talked to once had 4 and wanted more and eventually 6" . get it done right off bat and youll be happier
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
My 84 Bronco has the Skyjacker Class II 6" lift kit. I have installed a few Rancho 4" kits in the past. The First Rancho kit I did took about 8 hours total, but it was on a new truck, no rusty bolts to fight. It looks to me like alot of the bolts have Loctite on them from the factory. On an older rig, even an air impact gun will not loosen them and you either have to use a long cheater bar or a torch to cut off the old bolts. And if you get the extended radius arms, you will need to relocate the mounting brackets further back on the frame. This needs to be fairly accurate, as it determines the caster of the front axle beams. The rear axle is easy to do, the front is what gives you fits. That's where 2 fllor jacks come in handy to manever the parts into place. The whole assembly seems like it weighs 500 pounds. You definitely will need to get an alignment afterwards, and periodically retighten the bolts, as some will try to work loose. Also think about replacing the bushings while it's all apart. The 2 axle pivot bushings are a real bear to remove.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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so it's a little bit of doing but it would save me a few$$$ and it's something i would like to have under my belt. now 6'' is the way to go it sounds?!! so what do you think about? TUFF COUNTRY??
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
I think you get what you pay for in terms of quality. Look to Rancho, Skyjacker or Superlift. I also opted to go the 6" route instead of 4", to get enough clearance for 35" tires. That is the maximum, and maybe a bit too much to handle, for the twin i-beam front axle to handle. A 4" kit seems to be easier to keep aligned. The 2 more inches up front really messes with the geometry of the axle halves. In fact, the axle pivot brackets on my Bronco are both bolted and welded in place for added strength. If I had to do it again, I would go with a straight axle swap (SAS) for stronger parts.