3 inch lift questions

[jbr1888]

Has anyone lifted their T1 3 or 3.5 inches with only strut spacers and control arms without adding preload spacers?

 

I want to install the lift myself (its definitely something I can handle). However, I don't have access to a strut compression machine. I've read that the all-thread type compressors are very difficult to use on these springs, and I don't want to get my truck torn down and then not be able to get the strut apart to insert the preload spacers. 

[topgear1224]

Rent the tool from AutoZone. They have 2, grab the truck one. (It will be beefier) You get your money back when you return it

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[jbr1888]

2 hours ago, topgear1224 said:

Rent the tool from AutoZone. They have 2, grab the truck one. (It will be beefier) You get your money back when you return it

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Good to know. Thanks. I'm still curious if anyone has done it without the preload spacer? 

[topgear1224]

Good to know. Thanks. I'm still curious if anyone has done it without the preload spacer? 

Without seeing the kid I have no idea.

But if you're spacing the strut downwards it acts like being at full droop. that's where the control arms come into play so that way you don't hit the droop limiter that's next to the shock tower.

The preload spacers should help put the strut closer to its center of travel.

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[loud_pipes]

I did the strut compressors from AZ. I used two from the kit plus a third I had on hand. Needed every bit of them. Worked my compressor and impact to the max. Compressing those springs took as long as any part of my install. And it’s dangerous, especially once you realize how much pressure it take to compress the strut springs. But you can do it, just take your time, get a good perch from each strut compressor, and make sure your surrounding area is clear in case something lets go.

This was really the only challenging part of my lift install. I didn’t do the 3” but I did do a 2” on top of my stock 2” lift, including UCA and new rear blocks.


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