How Difficult To Install Leveling Kit?

[earp88]

http://www.truxxx.com/home

 

I have a 2008 Silverado (Z71). I'm good with the the basics (brakes, oil changes, etc...). How hard is it for 1 man to install a leveling kit? should be getting the hardware this week. I'm using the Truxxx hardward (above). Basically same system (spacers above and below strut and block for the back. I have my stands, jack, air tools all ready.

 

How hard??

[hodo78]

One man with air tools should easily be able to do it in 3-4 hours. No air tools, add an hour or so.

 

But then again, I take my time so i don't screw anything up or forget something.

 

 

Took me and my best friend 8 hours to install Bilstein 5100s on my old 2007 truck WITHOUT AIR TOOLS! (I highly recommend having a good air impact if you ever want to install the 5100 system.)

 

We used a ratchet and auto spring compressors with some good old southern muscle. it sucked, but we eventually got it done!

[earp88]

Thanks. From what i can see, the spacers just sit on top of the strut. I dont think i need a torsion clamp or anything like that. I'm hoping it all goes well. Thanks for the reply

[JRLZ71]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

[Overclock]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

 

 

Care to share your "directions"'?

[darkfox1]

if I woulda done this in the beginning I woulda been done in an hour or 2.

 

take the wheel off

loosen your strut bolts 3 or 4 turns (18mm)

loosen the upper balljoint till the nut almost comes off

separate the sway bar

drop the bottom bolts on the shock and take off the nut capture things

seperate the balljoint so the single falls down on the nut

wedge fight curse and throw things until you can get the block to line up with the holes on the shock.

do the back first where the 4wd shaft goes through, otherwise it's in the way later.

tighten everything back up, put the swap bar on etc. repeat for side B.

 

I used a balljoint separator to drop the balljoints and tore one of my boots.. but it's a real pita to get them off even with that.. so just be careful.. more so than I was.

 

this is for the RC 2" leveling kit btw, I dunno if you got the one that gaps the strut at the top from some other brand.. those.. I can't say but I imagine you gotta drop the strut to do em.. which will be more involved I'd say.

[hodo78]

You will not have to compress the spring to install the Truxx kit, but you will have to pull the strut/spring package out of the truck completely to get the spacer fitted on top of the strut tower.

 

Not hard, if you take your time and think about every step before hand, plan ahead.

[desertrider04]

Well i just installed my truxx leveling kit and did new pads and rotors since i was there... but it took me 4 hours with your normal jack..2 jack stands and some planning, read the directions carefully because they suck... and make sure you have somewhat of an idea of what has to happen before you start each step otherwise it will end up bein more of a beer drinkin cussfest than a leveling kit install... just be safe and take your time, and an impact is a must.. i'd a gone crazy if i didnt!!

[JRLZ71]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

 

 

Care to share your "directions"'?

 

For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down

[earp88]

All great information. I plan on doing it this weekend. Take before and after and load em up. I appreciate all of the help. My main concern is not screwing anything up!

[Overclock]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

 

 

Care to share your "directions"'?

 

For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down

 

 

You didn't have to seperate the balljoint?

Is this because the RC kit only goes on the bottom of the strut?

The ReadyLift 2.25 kit goes on the bottom and top of the strut so I guess there's no way around seperating the balljoint correct?

[JRLZ71]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

 

 

Care to share your "directions"'?

 

For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down

 

 

You didn't have to seperate the balljoint?

Is this because the RC kit only goes on the bottom of the strut?

The ReadyLift 2.25 kit goes on the bottom and top of the strut so I guess there's no way around seperating the balljoint correct?

 

RC only goes on the bottom

[wolverine_22]

i followed the RC step by step and it only took me 15-20 minutes per side...should of done it JRLZ71's way haha...cheater

[JRLZ71]

i followed the RC step by step and it only took me 15-20 minutes per side...should of done it JRLZ71's way haha...cheater

Haha! I looked at the directions and said screw this

[Overclock]

It took about 30 minutes to add my 2 inch RC leveling kit... Didn't exactly follow the directions though

 

 

Care to share your "directions"'?

 

For the 2 inch RC kit all I did was

Jack the truck up

remove the wheels

unbolted the lower end of the strut

used a pry bar to pick the strut up

slipped the RC kit in

and bolted it down

 

 

You didn't have to seperate the balljoint?

Is this because the RC kit only goes on the bottom of the strut?

The ReadyLift 2.25 kit goes on the bottom and top of the strut so I guess there's no way around seperating the balljoint correct?

 

RC only goes on the bottom

 

 

 

Would the "cheater" way of installing work for the ReadyLift kit?