Self-Install Lift Kit

[cjt28]

I'm thinking about installing a suspension kit on my own. Im driving a 2009 Silverado 1500, Crew Cab, 2wd. I'll need to buy a few more tools but I'm confident I can complete the project and I'm mechanically sound.

 

I'm debating between the Rough Country 7.5" lift to fit 35" tires and a Fabtech 6" with possibly a 3" to 4" body lift to fit 37" tires.

 

For members who've installed a kit on their own, any tips or advice? And also would any recommend just taking it to a shop installation. I prefer to do it myself. I estimate I'll save $800 to $1200 based on quotes from local shops. Plus I'll be learning in the process. I estimate I can get the install done over a weekend.

[Carder09]

Message Sarah on here, she recently did a 6 in lift with a friend.

[travishale84]

That's what I have been doing. I have a decent tool set up nothing great. Definately need pneumatic tools IMO. I installed my lift kit and body lift in my dirt driveway, not that wasn't fun but it worked.

 

I found it was much more satisfying to do it myself than pay out the @$$ to have

someone do for me. If you have a friend who has done a lift before have him/her give you a hand. The rcx is probably easier but I don't think anyone's going to go for that lift. Maybe though being on a 2wd. Have fun with it

[blackout07]

Install is straight forward and it can be done with hand tools. Definitely choose Fabtech over Junk Country and there's no such thing as a 4" body lift.

[cjt28]

That's what I have been doing. I have a decent tool set up nothing great. Definately need pneumatic tools IMO. I installed my lift kit and body lift in my dirt driveway, not that wasn't fun but it worked.

 

I found it was much more satisfying to do it myself than pay out the @$$ to have

someone do for me. If you have a friend who has done a lift before have him/her give you a hand. The rcx is probably easier but I don't think anyone's going to go for that lift. Maybe though being on a 2wd. Have fun with it

 

Yeah I'm definitely going to buy an air tool set and a larger compressor than what I have now. And believe it or not from the shops I've called in my area (Louisiana), they've mostly put on Rough Country Lifts. I feel that Fabtech offers better quality however. I'll be paying more but it will be worth it.

[cjt28]

Install is straight forward and it can be done with hand tools. Definitely choose Fabtech over Junk Country and there's no such thing as a 4" body lift.

Gotcha. If I go with the Fabtech 6" lift along with the 2.5" coil over, you think I can clear 37" tires? Or will there be a need for a 3" body lift?

[cjt28]

Got an odd question, but for any homeowners here or ones who park their lifted trucks in garages, do you'll clear 6'10" to 7'? If so, how much are the lifts on your trucks?

[travishale84]

No you don't need pneumatic tools. They sure do help though. Idk about you guys but I hate smashing my knuckles. Lost plenty of fingernails that way. Haha.

 

My truck with 6.5" of lift and 34's sits right around 6-10-7ft mark. So a 4.5-5" with 33's would sneak in. Any way to raise the header height on the garage door?

[blackout07]

You can squeeze close to 10" out of the Fabtech with the C/Os since Fabtech is actually an 8" lift but you will be riding on the droop stops. I would say run the 3" body lift to eliminate rubbing. And cutting. My 37s rub some depending on the angle with roughly 11" of lift. I park I. My garage but I have an 8ft opening.

 

[cjt28]

Well all thanks for the help. But I've decided to not go with installing a liff kit.

[blackout07]

Are you having a shop do it or what?

[gkhatta]

I started my 3" body lift at home, by myself. 8 hours later and not even half way through I went to sear and bought a 32 gallon air compressor and a nice impact gun. I finished the rest of the lift in 3 hours. I am so mad that I had held off on buying air tools for so long.

 

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[TimmyG]

My bl took me close to 16 hours with 2 of us.

 

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[MB2008LTZ]

My brother-in-law and I put his 2" Rc level and 1.25" Rc body lift on with new rims and tires in about 8 hrs. All we used was basic hand tools and an 18 volt lithium ion impact gun. Took a lunch break too.