2014 rough country leveling kit install help

[Jsmith86]

Today I attempted to install the kit that goes below the strut but I could not get the upper control arm knuckle to break loose. So I wasn't able to put the bolts through the lower shock and leveling kit. Anyone else have this issue or have any advice for me?

[Jsmith86]

Here is the instructions I used. At the 50 second mark is my issue.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=install+rough+country+leveling+kit&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS754US754&oq=install+rough+country+&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.5464j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=1

[mikeyzx6r]

Hit it with a hammer till it comes loose you will have to hit it fairly hard or not the correct way use a pickle fork but I woukd advise against that cause your reusing that ball joint

[Jsmith86]

Man I beat the crap out of it. Left some deep marks in it. I beat on it for around an hour before I gave up.

[mikeyzx6r]

That's odd all the ones I ever did fell right out after a couple swings, try a pickle fork just be very cautious of pinching the rubber between the fork and the ball joint you don't wanna rip that, hope this helps!

[Jsmith86]

I might try some pb blaster, it might be rusted together. It looks clean and free of rust though.

[mikeyzx6r]

What year is the truck? Most of the half ton Silverado's I worked on had aluminum knuckles all rust shouldn't be an issue

[country_09]

Get a bigger hammer and turn the knuckle and hit it on each side if need be. Never had an issue even with rust buckets

['17 Sierra]

I had the same problem with one side but I was able to get the spacer in without separating the ball joint. Try raising and lowering the suspension with a jack as you're hitting the knuckle. You might find that sweet spot. That's how I got the one side.

[dave07]

I had the same problem with one side but I was able to get the spacer in without separating the ball joint. Try raising and lowering the suspension with a jack as you're hitting the knuckle. You might find that sweet spot. That's how I got the one side.

What he said. That is what I had to do. Next and last option might be a torch, haha.

[Jsmith86]

the issue with putting in the spacer without separating the knuckle is the that I can't get the bolt to go in that holds the spacer to the lower control arm bc the cv axle is directly above it. I tried beating on the knuckle from every angle and even while someone was raising and lowering the suspension with a jack. no luck.

['17 Sierra]

the issue with putting in the spacer without separating the knuckle is the that I can't get the bolt to go in that holds the spacer to the lower control arm bc the cv axle is directly above it. I tried beating on the knuckle from every angle and even while someone was raising and lowering the suspension with a jack. no luck.

You'll put the bolt in from the bottom and may have to shorten it too.

[dave07]

How big of a sledge hammer are you using?

 

 

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[Jsmith86]

You'll put the bolt in from the bottom and may have to shorten it too.

 

From what I have read online, everything says not to install the bolt from the bottom. It would go in though.

How big of a sledge hammer are you using?

 

 

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Maybe a 2 lb hammer.

[dave07]

 

From what I have read online, everything says not to install the bolt from the bottom. It would go in though.

Maybe a 2 lb hammer.

I had to put one of the bolts in from the bottom and everything has been good so far. My issue was I couldn't get the nut off the upper control arm ball joint. The hex was stripped from the factory. I think you should be ok if you go from the bottom. Just make sure there is enough clearance between the bolt and the cv axle. I checked mine a week or 2 after installing and there isn't any rubbing.

 

Also get a bigger hammer [emoji846].

 

 

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